Communicable Disease Nurse Coordinator
Posted Apr 8, 2025 | 4:15 PM by Joana
Position Summary:
This position will support the development and implementation of Opioid Agnostic Therapy (OAT), as well as Education and Clinician Support for STC Communities.
Responsibilities:
- Gather data to identify gaps in accessing primary care services and Opioid Agnostic Therapy (OAT) and implement processes to address the gaps identified
- Assist in data collection and analyzing trends and emerging health threats affecting First Nation communities as it relates to communicable disease.
- Surveillance & Data Management, collaborate with community health staff to maintain accurate communicable disease surveillance systems.
- Develop standard operating procedures, program manuals and coordination of services between multi-level stakeholders and service providers.
- Develop a health team in each of the communities that will support the development and implementation of Opioid Agnostic Therapy (OAT).
- Coordinate patient care with health team of Communicable Disease Out Reach RNs; Community Health Nurses, Mental Health and Addictions and Primary Care providers in each of the communities.
- Support First Nations communities in developing community-driven communicable disease programs. Offer support in implementing culturally responsive communicable disease education and awareness programs.
- Provide guidance and education on policy development and implementation related to communicable disease management ensuring policies are in alignment with federal and provincial public health guidelines in each community while advocating for flexibility to meet community needs.
- Provide nursing guidance and support to community health nurses and frontline health staff in the prevention, management, and surveillance of communicable diseases.
- Build capacity and organize education utilizing internal and external resources expert to topic (Opioid Agnostic Therapy; Addiction Treatments, Mental Health, Referral processes to Acute Mental Health and Addiction Treatments; Infection Protection; Communicable Disease and Immunization Protocols and Processes.
- Advocate for culturally appropriate, community-led approaches to that deal with risk factors that lead to communicable disease outbreaks.
- Participate in regional and national discussions on communicable disease trends and policies affecting First Nations populations, as required.
- Partnerships and collaboration; work in partnership with First Nations health teams, Tribal Councils, NITHA, SHA, ISC, and other stakeholders to enhance communicable disease response and prevention strategies
- Support case and contact tracing, outbreak investigations, and control measures in collaboration with First Nations health teams and external partners.
- Immunization program coordination in collaboration with the Community Health Manager, this role will support communities in planning, implementing, and monitoring routine and outbreak-specific immunization programs.
- Ensure timely reporting to relevant health authorities and leadership.
- Emergency preparedness and outbreak response; work with community health teams to develop and implement outbreak response plans, as well as provide real-time support during public health emergencies. Liaise with federal, provincial, and First Nations health partners to coordinate a rapid, culturally appropriate response.
- Perform other related duties as defined and assigned by the reporting Manager or designate on an as and when required basis.
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s Degree/Diploma in Nursing, Registration with the College of Registered Nurses of Saskatchewan (CRNS);
- Basic Life Support (BLS).
- Minimum 5 years of community health nursing experience required.
- Must be Registered and in good standing with their designated regulatory body.
- 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:
- Strong interpersonal skills: communicates clearly, open and demonstrate flexibility
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships
- Collaboration and stakeholder engagement with STC Health teams, STC First Nations Community health teams, Saskatchewan Health Authority, and Indigenous Services Canada.
- Work effectively in First Nations communities with cultural competence. First Nations health systems, cultural safety, and social determinants of health
- Good problem-solving skills- seek solution.
- Clinical assessment and critical thinking in communicable disease management
- Manage multiple priorities independently while working in a team
- Knowledge of Communicable disease prevention, control, and surveillance principles
- Immunization protocols, vaccine storage, and cold chain management
- Infection prevention and control (IPAC) best practices
- Public health emergency preparedness and outbreak response
- Program development, coordination, and policy implementation
- Data collection, analysis, and disease surveillance
- Health promotion, training, and education for frontline staff and communities
- Lead outbreak investigations and emergency response efforts
- Travel to rural First Nations communities is required
- Use electronic health records and public health databases
- 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
- Integrity: keep sensitive information confidential and adheres to STC’s policies
- Initiative: seeks opportunities for further development
Other:
- Must provide a current, original, Canadian Criminal Record Check (CCRC) with vulnerable sector search as a condition of employment.
Please apply online by visiting the STC Website at www.sktc.sk.ca