Island Health·Nanaimo, British Columbia
Serve as a Mental Health & Substance Use (MHSU) Nurse in a multidisciplinary Intensive Case Management Team.
Provide core mental health and addictions services including assessment, treatment, rehabilitation, and support for clients.
Develop, plan, implement, and maintain client-centered rehabilitation programs in response to identified rehabilitation plans.
Provide services primarily in community settings, with possible facility-based services as required.
Use the nursing process to assess physical, mental/physiological/functional, and environmental factors; plan, implement, decide, organize, prioritize, evaluate, and communicate as required.
Administer and monitor side effects of psychotropic medications.
Practice crisis intervention and manage aggressive behaviour using non-violent crisis intervention and behavioural management techniques where appropriate.
Work independently in the community and effectively within a team environment.
Communicate and counsel individuals, families, and groups; provide leadership and teaching as needed.
Travel between multiple sites as an ongoing requirement and ensure transportation arrangements meet program operational requirements
Close Date Location Nanaimo MH & Addiction Services (NMHAS) - Nanaimo, BC V9T 5W5 CA (Primary) Work Area (FBA Only) Multi-Site Yes Travel Requirement Travel between multiple sites is a regular/on-going requirement Shift Start Time/End Time 0800-1900 Days Off Rotating Vacancy Type Regular PT Salary Range (Hourly Rate) $41.42 - $59.52 Paid FTE 0.84 Worked BI-WEEKLY HOURS 60 Planned Start Date Aug. 21 2026 Approximate End Date (For Temporary Assignments ONLY) Pending Return of Incumbent CRC required? (employee will be working with or have access to children or vulnerable adults and requires a Criminal Record Check) Required for Professional Registration
In accordance with the Vision, Purpose, and Values, and strategic direction of Island Health (Vancouver Island Health Authority), patient and staff safety is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone; as such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position. Under the general direction of the team leader or designate, serves as a Mental Health & Substance Use (MHSU) Nurse in a multidisciplinary Intensive Case Management Team. Services are primarily provided in community settings but may also occur in facility settings as required. Provides core mental health and addictions services including assessment, treatment, rehabilitation, and support for clients in partnership with client, family and community health care resources. In response to an identified client rehabilitation plan, develops, plans, implements, and maintains a full range of clinical services and client centered rehabilitation programs.
Graduation from a recognized nursing program.
Minimum two years adult or child/youth MHSU nursing experience.
Minimum six months experience supporting clients with substance use issues in a community setting (or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience).
Registration with BC College of Nurses and Midwives as a practicing RN or practicing RPN registrant.
Current CPR certification required.
Knowledge of PSR model, assessment and treatment, and case management methodologies including motivational interviewing.
Knowledge of relevant legislation.
Knowledge of community MHSU programs, services, resources, and promotion.
Knowledge of other health disciplines (including primary care physicians) and their role in client care.
Ability to communicate clearly verbally and in writing.
Ability to administer and monitor side effects of psychotropic medications.
Ability to work independently in a community setting and cooperatively in a team environment.
Ability to practice initiative, interpersonal skills, crisis intervention, leadership, teaching, and effective communication/counseling.
Demonstrated critical thinking and problem solving skills.
Ability to manage aggressive behaviour and use non-violent crisis intervention and behavioural management techniques.
Ability to adapt to change as the program evolves.
Physical ability to perform duties and ability to operate related equipment.
Travel is required; may require use of personal vehicle to transport clients.
Criminal Record Check required (CRC required for working with or having access to children or vulnerable adults)
Market context
In British Columbia, behavioral-health roles often reflect ongoing demand in acute care, community mental health, and integrated service settings. These positions are competitive because employers typically look for current BC nursing registration, recent experience with acute mental illness, and comfort working on multidisciplinary teams. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform to quickly compare fit against the original posting, then tailor your application to show relevant mental-health and team-based experience.