Hepatitis C & Harm Reduction Nurse

internal/external posting

job title: Hepatitis C & Harm Reduction Nurse

job ID #: IHS HCHRN 26-1009

department: Integrated Health Services

reports to: Senior Manager, Mental Health and Harm Reduction

salary range: (MSC5) $36.72- $47.19

status: Permanent, Full Time

hours: 37.5 hours

Who we are:

Sherbourne is a leading provider of quality health care and transformative support to people who face social, economic, and other systemic barriers. Our mission is to be a dynamic provider of integrated health services, community programs and capacity-building initiatives that enable people and diverse communities to achieve wellness.

Sherbourne provides innovative health care and social services to the diverse urban population of southeast Toronto. While our doors are open to everyone, we focus on people experiencing homelessness or who are under-housed; 2SLGBTQ+, and newcomers to Canada. We are funded by the Ministry of Health, Ontario Health, Ministry of Community, Children and Social Services, the City of Toronto and many generous donors and foundations.

about the role:

The Hepatitis C & Harm Reduction Nurse works as part of an interprofessional team to provide accessible, low-barrier nursing care, health promotion, clinical care coordination, and nurse case management for people who have or are at risk for Hepatitis C. While Hepatitis C prevention, testing, treatment, and follow-up are major components of the role, the Hep C & Harm Reduction Nurse also strengthens the integration of harm reduction principles across Sherbourne Health programs and practices.

Working at Sherbourne

At Sherbourne Health, we care about our staff and recognize that our biggest strength is our people. We have a solid commitment to life-long learning which is demonstrated through our professional development program. We invest in collective work and staff training to improve client care. We supplement this by creating a low-barrier work environment built on equity and respect, while working together in caring, cohesive teams and providing opportunities for advancement.

we believe in work-life balance and offer:

• A competitive salary.
• Membership in Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP).
• Up to four weeks of vacation per year (to start).
• Up to five personal days per year.
• An extended healthcare and dental package.
• Long-term disability insurance.
• Life insurance.
• An employee assistance plan.
• A generous professional development plan: up to $1300 to be used towards learning activities.
• Up to six fully paid professional development days per year – related to position/responsibilities.

Responsibilities and Tasks:

Direct Care

• Support Hep C outreach initiatives by offering embedded Point of Care (POC) and RNA testing at offsite locations.
• Provide nursing care to people living with or at risk of acquiring Hepatitis C, including people who use drugs, primarily through the Hepatitis C program and, as required, through WINK (Women in Need ‘Klinik’), STASH (Supplies, Testing, Access, Support, and Harm Reduction), the Health Bus, the Family Health Team, Acute Respite Care (ARC), and other Sherbourne Health programs and services.
• Provide individualized health education on Hepatitis C, STBBIs (sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections), safer substance use, overdose prevention, treatment options, medication management, and other harm reduction topics.
• Provide system navigation, referrals, and care coordination to connect clients with health, social, and community services and reduce barriers to care.
• Review client referrals with prescribing physician/Nurse Practitioner (NP) and psychosocial support providers to determine client’s eligibility and readiness for treatment, as well as pre-treatment requirements.
• Consult with physician/NP if client is ineligible for treatment and to provide rationale to client to support their understanding of their health status.
• Assess client drug insurance coverage and assist with the completion of application forms, when necessary
• Understand the various financial assistance or compensation programs available to people infected with HCV
• Collaborate with prescribing physician/NP and other psychosocial support providers on the team to develop and track progress of comprehensive treatment plans
• Plan a schedule of visits/appointments with clients to monitor treatment
• Problem solves with clients on issues that present challenges to treatment adherence including, side effects, psychosocial barriers, and other social determinants of health
• Involve client in all aspects of treatment and care
• Provide instruction and support as clients learn to administer treatment and manage side-effects
• Ensure the prescribing physician receives regular follow-up information on their client, and to report any crises immediately
• Provide telephone support as necessary
• Develop a follow-up plan with clients
• Document as per SHC guidelines. Remain up to date on professional knowledge and evolving information

Program Development and Health Promotion

• Promotes access to Hepatitis C testing and treatment through evidence-informed nursing practice, health education, outreach, and counselling.
• Support initiatives that strengthen the consistent incorporation of harm reduction principles into Sherbourne Health programs, services, policies, and practices, including overdose prevention and response and health promotion initiatives for people who use drugs.
• Develop and deliver clinical education and capacity-building activities for staff and partners on harm reduction topics, including overdose prevention, recognition, and management.
• Assesses individual and community health needs and identifies opportunities to support improved health outcomes at both individual and population levels.
• Develops, plans, and facilitates group-based health promotion and health education activities responsive to clients, internal/external clinical partners, and community organizations.
• Facilitates interactive group discussions and learning activities that encourage participation, peer support, and knowledge sharing.
• Adapts group-based health promotion activities to participants' health literacy, learning needs, abilities, cultural contexts, and lived experiences.
• Collaborates with clients, community partners, and interprofessional team members to identify priorities and develop relevant health promotion programming.
• Develops and prepares evidence-informed educational materials, resources, and activities to support group learning and health promotion.
• Creates inclusive, respectful, and psychologically safe group environments that promote engagement and participation.
• Evaluates participant engagement, learning, feedback, and outcomes to assess the effectiveness of group-based health promotion activities and inform ongoing program development and educational offerings.
• Advocates for health equity and incorporates approaches that address barriers to participation and access to health promotion resources.
• Documents health promotion activities, participant education, outcomes, referrals, and follow-up needs in accordance with professional and organizational requirements.
• Practices within the RN's legislated scope, individual competence, organizational policies, and applicable professional standards.

Administration

• Routinely compiles and enters data as per program directives
• Complete and submit reporting by established deadlines
• Lead planning of program evaluation initiatives
• Participate as a team member in all team functions- program planning, team meetings, inter-team meetings, case conferences, and Toronto Community Hepatitis C Partnership (TCHCP) related activities
• Participates in the development and running of other Sherbourne Health Harm Reduction initiatives such as STASH (Supplies, Testing, Advocacy, Support, and Harm Reduction) drop-in, with internal and community partners to ensure an optimal continuum of health & social services through all stages of HCV education, support, care and treatment
• Maintain and develop professional competence and learning; openness to continuing education opportunities
• Perform other related duties as assigned

To thrive in this role, you’ll need

education/experience/skills/abilities:

• Current Registered Nurse (RN) Registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO)
• Completion of Hepatitis C Fundamentals Course offered by the Hepatitis C Elimination Roadmap Ontario and HIV and Hepatitis C Testing course by CATIE (Canada’s Source for HIV and Hepatitis C Information) and/or willingness to complete within first 3 months of hire
• Agreeable to becoming a member of other professional bodies to enhance practice, e.g. Registered Nurses Association of Ontario and Canadian Association of Hepatology Nurses
• Minimum of 5 years demonstrated nursing experience in a community health setting
• Experience with chronic disease management and Hepatitis C prevention and treatment experience is a strong asset
• Familiarity with communities facing barriers to accessing health care due to social isolation, homelessness, mental health and/or substance use issues
• Experience with program development, implementation and evaluation
• Demonstrated leadership and program-planning skills, including the ability to assess community needs and design, implement, and evaluate evidence-informed initiatives.
• Knowledge of community health promotion frameworks, health equity, social determinants of health, harm reduction, community capacity building, and evidence-informed practice.
• Demonstrated professional responsibility and accountability through autonomous, ethical practice, sound judgment, reflective learning, and adherence to regulatory standards and organizational policies.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships and coalitions with clients, intersectoral partners, social services, and local organizations to address community priorities and strengthen coordinated responses.
• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team
• Strong interpersonal and crisis intervention skills
• Thorough knowledge of the health delivery system (service providers, specialist networks, community and hospital-based resources)
• Experience and comfort with group facilitation

conditions of employment:

• Offer of employment is contingent upon satisfactory outcome of background checks i.e., professional references, education verification, criminal background check, and vulnerable sector check.
• Understands and works within the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA), Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), the Ontario Human Rights Code and other relevant legislation.
• The Hep C & Harm Reduction Nurse works in the clinical area with flexibility to work at satellite locations as needed. Given the nature of the role, they may face interruption and disruption of any established daily routines. The Hep C & Harm Reduction Nurse may need to intervene with difficult situations involving people who use drugs and/or alcohol, and/or mental health challenges.

working conditions:

• The role works on weekdays; some evenings and/or weekend hours will also be required. It is crucial that all client and organizational information is always kept confidential.

to apply: Please forward a cover letter and resume (saved as one document) quoting Job ID# IHS HCHRN 26-1009 to [email protected] by 5:00pm on December 6, 2026.

Sherbourne is dedicated to building an organization that reflects the diversity of our clients and the communities we serve. This includes diversity in languages spoken, culture, race, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Requests for accommodation due to disability can be made at any stage in the recruitment process.

We thank all applicants for their interest but only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

BOLD. KIND. REAL. OPEN. WE CARE