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Nurse Practitioner - Job Opportunity at Canadian Mental Health Association Thunder Bay Branch

Thunder Bay, Canada
Part-time
Mid-level
Posted: August 1, 2025
On-site
CAD 59.26-63.69 per hour

Benefits

Comprehensive healthcare coverage with 100% employer-paid premiums providing significant financial protection and peace of mind
Full dental care benefits ensuring complete oral health coverage without personal expense
Access to Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP), recognized as one of Canada's most stable defined benefit pension systems guaranteeing retirement security
Employee assistance program offering confidential counseling and support services for personal and professional challenges
Generous sick leave and vacation benefits supporting work-life balance and employee wellbeing
Professional development opportunities within an accredited healthcare organization fostering career advancement

Key Responsibilities

Conduct comprehensive mental health assessments serving as the critical first point of clinical intervention that shapes entire treatment pathways for vulnerable populations
Exercise independent prescriptive authority for psychiatric medications, directly impacting patient outcomes through evidence-based pharmacological interventions
Order and interpret diagnostic testing to inform treatment decisions, demonstrating advanced clinical judgment in complex mental health presentations
Serve as primary liaison with psychiatry services, coordinating specialized care referrals that bridge gaps in mental health service delivery across Northwestern Ontario
Lead development and supervision of psychopharmacologic protocols for the Safe Bed program, establishing clinical standards that ensure patient safety and treatment efficacy
Collaborate with consulting psychiatrists in shared care models, contributing specialized nursing perspectives to multidisciplinary treatment planning
Provide clinical education and mentorship to healthcare staff, building organizational capacity and improving overall quality of care delivery
Represent the organization professionally in telehealth appointments and community partnerships, extending mental health services to underserved rural populations

Requirements

Education

Master of Nursing-Nurse Practitioner (MN-NP), Primary Health Nurse Practitioner (PHNCP), Master of Nursing/Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner (MN/PHCNP), or related Nurse Practitioner Master's Degree

Experience

Training, knowledge and experience working with clients who have psychiatric illness, with particular emphasis on psychosis and concurrent disorders

Required Skills

Up to date knowledge of psychiatric medications Knowledge of developmental issues and needs of young adults, their families, caregivers, and a sensitivity to the needs of indigenous clients Good communication, engagement, problem-solving and conflict resolution skills Knowledge, skills, and experience, in integrating medical and recovery models of care with clients Ability to work collaboratively with, and knowledge of community resources, to support clients, families, caregivers, team members, hospital and community resources Computer skills using Microsoft Windows Outlook and Word Knowledge of screening tools used in psychiatric practice Knowledge and comprehension of the Mental Health Act, Healthcare Consent Act, Child & Family Services Act. Substitute Decisions Act and Privacy legislation

Certifications

Current registration with the College of Nurses in Ontario for Nurse Practitioner in good standing Current Police Clearance Certificate required Valid Class "G" driver's license
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

Mental health services are experiencing unprecedented demand across Canada, with nurse practitioners increasingly filling critical gaps in psychiatric care delivery, particularly in underserved regions like Northwestern Ontario where specialist access remains limited. The integration of nurse practitioners into mental health teams represents a strategic response to physician shortages and growing recognition of NP clinical competency in psychiatric care. The healthcare sector is rapidly adopting integrated care models that combine medical and recovery-focused approaches, reflecting evidence-based practices that improve patient outcomes while managing costs. This shift toward holistic, patient-centered care is driving demand for clinicians who can navigate both clinical and psychosocial aspects of mental health treatment. Rural and northern communities are increasingly relying on telehealth and innovative service delivery models to address geographic barriers to mental health care. Organizations are investing heavily in technology infrastructure and training to extend specialized services to remote populations, creating new opportunities for experienced mental health practitioners.

Salary Evaluation

The hourly rate of CAD 59.26-63.69 translates to approximately CAD 54,000-58,000 annually for this 35-hour biweekly position (17.5 hours/week). This compensation is competitive for part-time NP roles in Northern Ontario, particularly when considering the comprehensive benefits package and pension contributions. The unionized position provides salary security and structured advancement opportunities.

Role Significance

Typically functions within a multidisciplinary team of 8-12 healthcare professionals including social workers, counselors, psychiatrists, and support staff, serving as the primary medical clinician for assigned caseloads while collaborating across disciplines
This is a mid-level advanced practice role requiring independent clinical decision-making and collaborative leadership within the mental health team. The position carries significant clinical responsibility including prescriptive authority and treatment planning, while operating within a structured organizational framework that provides professional support and development opportunities.

Key Projects

Implementation of evidence-based psychiatric screening and assessment protocols for diverse populations including Indigenous clients Development of integrated care pathways that bridge acute mental health services with community-based recovery programs Quality improvement initiatives focused on medication management and patient safety within residential treatment settings Community outreach programs designed to improve mental health service accessibility in rural Northwestern Ontario communities

Success Factors

Deep clinical expertise in psychiatric pharmacology combined with cultural competency to serve diverse populations including Indigenous communities, requiring ongoing professional development and sensitivity to trauma-informed care principles Strong collaborative skills to function effectively within multidisciplinary teams while maintaining independent clinical practice, balancing autonomous decision-making with consultation and referral protocols Excellent communication abilities to engage with clients experiencing complex mental health challenges, their families, and healthcare partners across various settings from crisis intervention to long-term recovery planning Organizational skills to manage complex caseloads while maintaining detailed documentation standards required by regulatory bodies and funding organizations Adaptability to work within evolving healthcare delivery models including telehealth platforms and integrated community partnerships

Market Demand

High demand driven by critical shortages of mental health professionals in Northern Ontario, expanding scope of practice for nurse practitioners, and increasing recognition of mental health as essential healthcare service

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Psychiatric medication expertise is absolutely essential as the NP will be the primary prescriber for complex mental health conditions, requiring deep pharmacological knowledge, understanding of drug interactions, and ability to monitor treatment responses while managing potential side effects and contraindications Cultural competency and trauma-informed care skills are critical given the diverse client population including Indigenous communities who have experienced historical trauma, requiring sensitivity, understanding of cultural healing practices, and ability to build trust across cultural boundaries Clinical assessment and diagnostic skills form the foundation of effective treatment planning, requiring ability to conduct comprehensive mental health evaluations, recognize complex presentations including concurrent disorders, and make appropriate referral decisions Collaborative communication abilities are essential for functioning within multidisciplinary teams, consulting with psychiatrists, engaging with community partners, and maintaining therapeutic relationships with clients experiencing severe mental health challenges

Beneficial Skills

Bilingual capabilities in French would significantly enhance service delivery in Northwestern Ontario's francophone communities and provide competitive advantage in the healthcare market Experience with telehealth technologies and remote care delivery would support the organization's efforts to extend services to rural communities and align with evolving healthcare delivery models Quality improvement and program development experience would position the NP for advancement opportunities and contribute to organizational growth and service enhancement initiatives Teaching and mentorship skills would support the organization's commitment to staff development and knowledge sharing while building leadership capacity for future career advancement

Unique Aspects

Integration of Indigenous cultural sensitivity and trauma-informed care approaches reflecting the significant Indigenous population in Northwestern Ontario, requiring specialized knowledge and collaborative relationships with Indigenous communities and traditional healing practices
Opportunity to practice across the full scope of nurse practitioner competencies within a supportive multidisciplinary environment while serving diverse populations from urban professionals to remote First Nations communities
Access to specialized training and professional development through organizational partnerships and union support, including opportunities to participate in innovative mental health service delivery models
Combination of clinical autonomy with organizational support providing an ideal environment for professional growth while making meaningful impact on underserved populations

Career Growth

Typically 3-5 years to advance to supervisory or specialized clinical roles, with opportunities for leadership development accelerated by the current demand for experienced mental health professionals in Northern Ontario

Potential Next Roles

Clinical Manager or Director of Mental Health Services overseeing program development and staff supervision Specialized Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in areas such as child and adolescent mental health, addiction medicine, or forensic psychiatry Healthcare Consultant focusing on mental health program development and quality improvement initiatives Academic positions in nursing education with focus on psychiatric nursing or nurse practitioner training programs

Company Overview

Canadian Mental Health Association Thunder Bay Branch

Canadian Mental Health Association Thunder Bay Branch operates as a well-established non-profit mental health service provider serving Northwestern Ontario's diverse population of approximately 150,000 residents across a vast geographic area. The organization maintains accreditation through Accreditation Canada, demonstrating commitment to quality standards and continuous improvement in mental health service delivery.

Recognized as a leading mental health service provider in Northwestern Ontario with strong community partnerships and government funding relationships, positioning the organization as a stable employer with growth opportunities in an expanding sector
Serves as a critical mental health resource for both urban Thunder Bay residents and rural communities throughout Northwestern Ontario, often functioning as the primary mental health service provider for many smaller communities with limited healthcare infrastructure
Emphasizes recovery-focused, client-centered care within a collaborative team environment that values professional development, cultural sensitivity, and evidence-based practice, supported by union membership providing job security and structured advancement opportunities
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