GCHC·Guelph/Eramosa, Ontario
The Outreach RN provides trauma-informed, harm reduction-centered nursing care to individuals experiencing homelessness or precarious housing in community settings. This role involves conducting health assessments, managing symptoms, facilitating referrals, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure coordinated care.
Guelph Community Health Centre prioritizes people who face barriers to health and accessing services, and people who identify as: Homeless or at risk of homelessness Living on low income Newcomers to Canada with language barriers Having moderate to severe mental health and/or addiction issues Having moderate to severe disabilities Indigenous First Nations, Inuit and Métis Black, mixed race and racialized populations Experiencing intersectional oppression 2SLGBTQIA+ Vulnerable children and their families experiencing conflict, isolation or attachment struggles
The Outreach RN is a key member of our Outreach Nursing team, working alongside Guelph-Wellington HART Hub and GCHC Integrated Programs.
This role provides trauma-informed, harm reduction–centered nursing care to individuals who are homeless or precariously housed.
The Outreach RN will provide care, support, and education to individuals in the community, shelters, drop-ins, encampments, and other outreach settings.
The role offers flexible outreach services to individuals who are homeless or precariously housed and experiencing substance use disorders, mental health concerns, or concurrent issues through supportive nursing, connections to primary care, and referrals to other community services.
The RN collaborates closely with NPs, MDs, allied health, and other community agencies to provide wraparound, coordinated care.
This includes supporting care transitions between the community, ER, and acute care settings.
PRINCIPAL JOB DUTIES Deliver nursing care in community and mobile outreach settings Provide comprehensive nursing assessments, symptom management, and harm reduction-oriented care Administer medications, injections, and treatments Provide skilled wound care Provide nonjudgmental, trauma-informed medical care and practical support to individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, substance use disorders, or complex social barriers Conduct holistic health care and education Facilitate timely referrals and navigation to appropriate services Support coordinated care planning and advocate for clients to reduce barriers Assist with complex assessments and forms (e.g., ODSP) Support transitions of care by coordinating with ED/acute care teams, facilitating supported discharges, and ensuring appropriate follow-up for medically complex clients Identify and escalate clinical changes or concerns to the NP/MD promptly to maintain safe and responsive care Provide crisis intervention, code response, and deescalation as needed Complete thorough documentation
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES Baccalaureate in Nursing Current Certificate of Competence with the College of Nurses of Ontario (RN) Emergency First Aid (or equivalent) and CPR Level C Demonstrated experience working in a manner consistent with the principles of harm reduction, anti-oppressive and trauma-informed care Ability to build rapport with vulnerable populations. Passion for providing care to individuals who use substances Ability to work under pressure and independently Knowledge of internal/external services in Guelph and Wellington County Strong assessment and care planning skills Strong communication skills Ability to maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality Assets: naloxone training, OAT Fundamentals, wound care, NVCI, motivational interviewing
WORKING ENVIRONMENT Weekend/evening work may be required Combination of desk/office work, majority of time spent in community Work involves interaction with individuals experiencing mental health challenges, substance use disorders, homelessness, and justice involvement
We know that experience comes in many forms.
If you have some of these qualities and are excited about this opportunity, then we want to hear from you.
Please visit our website www.gchc.ca and apply using the online application tool.
In your application, please include a resume and cover letter outlining how your skills, qualifications, and experience meet the position requirements.
Guelph Community Health Centre is committed to employment equity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including individuals from priority populations who may identify as 2SLGBTQIA+, persons with disabilities, Indigenous, First Nations, Inuit and Metis individuals, and members of Black and other racialized communities.
We thank, in advance, those who apply, but will contact only those who qualify for interviews.
If at any stage in the selection process you require accommodation, please let us know the nature of the required accommodation.
We require that all finalist applicants undergo a Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Screen through their local Police Services Branch prior to start date.
Candidates must hold a Baccalaureate in Nursing and a current Certificate of Competence with the College of Nurses of Ontario. Experience working with vulnerable populations and a commitment to harm reduction and anti-oppressive care principles are required.
Market context
Ontario nursing roles are often driven by ongoing staffing needs across hospitals, long-term care, community care, and emergency settings. Competition is usually strongest for candidates who already hold the required registration, have at least 18 months of experience, and bring current CPR/BLS, with ACLS and CTAS adding value for emergency postings. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this page to save research time, then confirm your credentials and tailor your application to the specific unit or setting.
