Registered Psychiatric Nurse (Īkwēskīcik iskwēwak)

Position Name: Registered Psychiatric Nurse (Īkwēskīcik iskwēwak)

Type: Full-Time, Temporary + possible chance of extension

The Organization
Saskatoon Tribal Council (STC) improves the quality of life of First Nations through mutually beneficial partnerships with community organizations and industry. Opportunities for an improved living are accessed through programs and services in health, safety, economic development, education, and financial investments in the broader community. Acting as a representative body for seven First Nations, STC delivers programs and services to those living in member communities and Saskatoon. More information is available at www.sktc.sk.ca
FIRE: Fairness, Integrity, Respect, Excellence

The Position
As part of the Saskatoon Tribal Council Mental Health Unit the Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RPN) will work to promote optimum mental and emotional health from a trauma-informed approach for the īkwēskīcik iskwēwak Program participants. This position will work in an 18-unit transitional apartment setting with Relatives who have recently been released from a correctional facility or are on Probation. The RPN will provide individuals and groups with counseling/therapy for a wide range of psychological and/or emotional problems such as mental disorders, abuse, substance abuse, and family situations. The incumbent uses evaluation techniques to develop and implement therapeutic treatment plans as a part of the case planning process. The RPN works alongside īkwēskīcik iskwēwak program staff and other medical professionals such as medical doctors and specialists to develop treatment plans for the female Relatives. This is a 3-year pilot project and will conclude on August 31, 2025 with possible extension.

Responsibilities

• Assess Relative's mental states ensuring there is no risk of self-injury or injury to others.
• Encourage Relatives to be open to discussing issues that are occurring.
• Collect information about Relatives through interviews, observations, tests, and/or available medical records.
• Observe Relatives to detect indications of abnormal physical or mental behaviour.
• Select and administer various tests, such as psychological tests, to identify behavioural or personality changes or inconsistencies.
• Provide Addiction Assessment and Counselling.
• Assist with interventions for case planning in the event of a relapse and provide options for detox/treatment
• Review results of tests to evaluate Relative's needs.
• Plan and administer therapeutic treatment to Relatives which includes providing individual and group therapy as needed.
• Change methods and degree of therapy when indicated by Relative's reactions.
• Monitor Relative's treatment progress and keep track of their mental status.
• Aid Relatives' in maintaining mental health stability.
• Refer Relatives to supportive services to supplement treatment and counseling.
• Develop annual comprehensive mental health assessment for Relative's under the direct care.
• Provide crisis intervention consultation to all members of the team.
• May conduct research in treatment and test validation.
• May develop evaluative studies of therapy and therapy outcome.
• Document medical records according to requirements of regulatory agencies.
• Maintain written records of all Relative interactions.
• Complete annual training required for positions such as crisis intervention training.
• Maintain confidentiality of records relating to Relatives and treatment plans at all times.
• Act as a patient advocate to coordinate required services or to resolve emergency problems in crisis situations.
• Perform other related duties as defined and assigned by the reporting Director or designate on an as and when required basis.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree/Diploma in Psychiatric Nursing Basic Life Support (BLS), Registered Psychiatric Nurses Association of Saskatchewan (RPNAS).
• Minimum 3 years of mental health work experience required.
• Must be Registered and in good standing with their designated regulatory body.
• Strong psychosocial assessment skills.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint with an ability to easily learn new software applications.
• Experience working within a governance structure in a community development capacity with First Nations; familiarity with First Nations culture, and history is considered an asset.

Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities:

• Excellent time management and prioritizing skills.
• Knowledge of the Criminal Justice System and Provincial Court process.
• Strong knowledge and awareness of Indigenous culture, and both historical and contemporary Indigenous issues, with the emphasis being on the impacts of trauma, family violence, child welfare, and community outreach.
• Excellent communication skills when interacting with professionals or patients.
• Ability to analyze, and interpret periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, and governmental regulations.
• Writing skills for reports, correspondence, and procedure manuals required.
• Effective presentation skills and ability to respond to questions from groups of managers, patients, and the general public.
• Ability to define problems, gather data, organize facts, and make valid conclusions.
• High level of sound and independent judgment, reasoning, and discretion.
• Analytical, decision making, and the ability to recognize challenges, identify causes, and provide solutions.
• Dependability: able to work independently, submit accurate documentation, and seek guidance when needed.
• Receptive: accept feedback, take ownership of responsibilities, and identifies areas of growth.
• Interpersonal Skills: communicates clearly, seeks solutions, and demonstrates flexibility.
• Integrity: keep sensitive information confidential and adheres to STC's policies.
• Initiative: seeks opportunities for further development.

Other:

• Must possess a valid Saskatchewan driver's license, a reliable vehicle, and meet STC's insurance requirements;
• Must provide a current, original, Canadian Criminal Record Check (CPIC) as a condition of employment; and
• Must be willing to work flexible hours, evenings, and weekends, and to perform other related duties as required or assigned.
  
  No telephone calls please, STC appreciates the interest of all applicants; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.