RAD LPN​/RN​/RPN- Casual pool

AVI HEALTH & COMMUNITY SERVICES (AVI) is a multi-disciplinary community-based organization providing HIV, hepatitis C and harm reduction services out of five locations across Vancouver Island. AVI serves people living with HIV and hepatitis C and harm reduction clients. We take evidence-based action to prevent infection, provide support, and reduce stigma, working within a social justice and health promotion framework to ensure equity and access for all.

At the core of what we do is our ability and commitment to creating meaningful connections between clients and staff, peers, organizations, communities, and funders.

This position will work in our RAD program, a flexible, community-based, harm reduction program that provides safer, pharmaceutical alternatives to the toxic drug supply in Campbell River, BC and/or Courtenay, BC. The program operates in conjunction with AVI’s existing services, including the Positive Wellness Program, health promotion education, youth advocacy, outreach, and drop-in harm reduction services. Our services are delivered on the lands of the We Wai Kai and Wei Wai Kum people.

The LPN/RN will partner with an interdisciplinary team to provide person‑centered healthcare including assessment, screening, and education to support clients accessing the program. The RAD Nurse will use a harm reduction, trauma‑informed approach and clinical skills to independently assess individuals with complex primary care needs and active poly‑substance use. The candidate must be experienced with harm reduction and committed to collaboration with multiple stakeholders, especially people with lived/living experience of criminalized drug use.

The RAD Nurse reports to the Clinical Nurse Lead.

• Provide care and support for individuals with high levels of poly‑substance use and complex acute and chronic conditions, including those related to poverty and criminalization.
• Work independently and collaboratively to support people using pharmaceutical alternatives to illegal/toxic substances in parks, drop‑in centers, shelters, supported housing units, OPS/SCS, etc.
• Provide care, assessment, screening, education, referrals, and advocacy regarding substance use, acute and chronic health concerns, mental health, sexual health, wound management, and general wellness, including primary and specialist care, diagnostic services, and medication management.
• Deliver harm reduction support through risk reduction strategy, education, distribution of supplies, and overdose prevention education including Naloxone training and distribution.
• Collaborate with participants and the team to develop and maintain individualized care plans and provide ongoing monitoring.
• Offer education, information, and referrals responsive to participants’ self‑identified needs.
• Screen, assess, and administer medications as ordered by program physicians.
• Work with community partners to ensure seamless support of program participants.
• Participate in staff meetings, training, educational forums, and community building and networking.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Current full registration as Registered Nurse, Registered Psychiatric Nurse, or Licensed Practical Nurse.
• Minimum 2‑3 years of nursing experience working with people with high levels of poly‑substance use and mental health challenges.
• Previous experience in supervised consumption/overdose prevention services or safer supply programs, including medical emergency response (naloxone administration, airway management, etc.).
• Strong knowledge of substance use disorder and opioid agonist treatment options.
• Demonstrated practice of social justice, anti‑racism, decolonization, and trauma‑informed care.
• Demonstrated understanding of public health and equity‑oriented models of social support and health care.
• Commitment to harm reduction principles and practice with experience working alongside coworkers and participants experiencing intersecting systemic oppression.
• Commitment to honoring Indigenous communities and ways of knowing, while learning about the ongoing impacts of colonial violence with humility.
• Under…