Clinical Nurse Specialist

Job Description

Position Details

Posting #: 32930

Department: Acute Mental Health - Orchard 1 (R1)

Employee Type: Regular, Part Time

Union: ONA

Openings Remaining: 1

Schedule: Monday to Friday; Days, Afternoons; Shift: 7.5 hour; Shift Start: Hours are subject to change based on operational requirements.

Site: West 5th Campus (Hamilton Mountain)

Application Dates: Opening Date: 27/11/2025; Closing Date: 04/12/2025 (Applications must be received online by 12:00 midnight on the Closing Date)

Position Description

Unit Profile The Acute Mental Health Program includes 4 inpatient programs, Psychiatric Emergency Services as well as many ambulatory programs and provides care persons aged 18 and older presenting with severe and persistent mental illness. An integrated care model ensures a seamless integration of psychiatric care along the continuum. Services include inpatient treatment, outpatient consultation, group therapy, tele‑psychiatry/shared care, and capacity building across the South‑west region. The Acute Psychiatry Unit inpatient provides mental health care to patients suffering from acute symptoms of mental disorders. The interdisciplinary team provide care for the varied needs of our patients, with the goal to assess and stabilize patients and reintegrate back into the community at optimal levels of functioning. The Program optimizes a variety of proven treatment strategies (pharmacotherapy, group therapies, psychoeducation) with the aim of controlling the symptoms, as well as supporting the recovery and rehabilitation of the person.

Position Summary The Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) provides expert consultation, comprehensive assessment, and evidence‑based treatment for patients with severe mental illness throughout the Acute Care Portfolio. The CNS works closely with the Acute care leadership and members of the multidisciplinary team to provide expert evidence‑based patient care. The CNS conducts research to advance the understanding of mental health illnesses, engages in program evaluation, development of services, and knowledge translation, integrating research and clinical practice to ensure best practice standards. The CNS provides education and training related to mental illness and evidence‑based management. All duties and responsibilities of the CNS will follow the College of Nurses of Ontario Standards of Practice, and the Standards of Behaviour of St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton.

Qualifications

• Current Registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario as a Registered Nurse (General Class)


• Masters Degree in Nursing required


• CNA Specialty Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing preferred


• Minimum 5 years demonstrated advanced mental health expertise (clinical and research)


• Training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and/or DBT is required


• Expertise in statistical data analysis and knowledge of software packages (e.g., SPSS, SAS) required


• Advanced knowledge in the area of mental illness and evidence‑based assessment and treatment of the various disorders.


• Current BCLS certification


• Eligible for joint faculty appointment at McMaster University (Nursing, Psychiatry & Behavioural Neurosciences)


• Membership in provincial, federal or international professional nursing associations preferred


• Knowledge of therapeutic communication skills, and counselling techniques with an emphasis on CBT


• Experience working with adolescents and adults with mood disorders


• Demonstrated research track record (external grant funding, peer reviewed publications)


• Demonstrated expertise in undergraduate nursing education


• Good attendance is required


• Good work performance is required

Hours of Work

Monday to Friday; days

EEO Statement

St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton (SJHH) is an equal opportunity employer and strives for equity, inclusiveness, and diversity in all our programs, practices, facilities, and people. We foster a culture of patient and staff safety where all positions comply and work in conjunction with the Mission, Vision, and Core Values of SJHH.

Additional Information

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. SJHH is committed to a barrier‑free recruitment and selection process – please inform us should accommodation be required at any point in the recruitment process.