Clinical Nurse Specialist - Behavioural Specialist

Company Description

UHN is Canada’s #1 hospital and the world’s #1 publicly funded hospital. With 10 sites and more than 44,000 TeamUHN members, UHN consists of Toronto General Hospital, Toronto Western Hospital, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, The Michener Institute of Education and West Park Healthcare Centre. As Canada's top research hospital, the scope of biomedical research and complexity of cases at UHN have made it a national and international source for discovery, education and patient care. UHN has the largest hospital-based research program in Canada, with major research in neurosciences, cardiology, transplantation, oncology, surgical innovation, infectious diseases, genomic medicine and rehabilitation medicine. UHN is a research hospital affiliated with the University of Toronto.

UHN’s vision is to build A Healthier World and it’s only because of the talented and dedicated people who work here that we are continually bringing that vision closer to reality.

www.uhn.ca

Job Description

Union: Non-Union
Number of Vacancies: 1
Site: Toronto Rehab Institute - E.W. Bickle Centre
Department: Complex Continuing Care - Rehabilitation
Reports to: Clinical Director
Hours: 37.5 Hours per Week
Shifts: Days
Status: Permanent Full Time
Closing Date: August 27, 2025

Position Summary:

This highly-visible Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) position will play a key role in the Complex Continuing Care (CCC)/Rehabilitation leadership team. They will be responsible for liaising with all inpatient units at Toronto Rehab-E. W. Bickle Centre on regular basis to: support clinical teams in in the care of patients with responsive behaviours related to delirium, dementia, and/or other mental health issues; ensure clinical interventions at the point of care are aligned with best practices; and, support education and academic practice, student mentorship, and research activities, as appropriate.

A key function of this role will be to provide expertise in the care of behaviorally complex individuals, many of whom are elderly and have concurrent medical issues. 

Duties:

• Undertake assessments of patients referred for complex behavioural or medical issues and will be expected to support the inter-professional care team in developing appropriate care plans and clinical interventions, while providing support to patients and their significant others.
• Build the capacity of the interprofessional clinical team to respond to behavioral and psychological issues that arise in the CCC and rehabilitation population.
• Consult with other specialty services such as mental health and geriatric services, as required.
• Contribute to clinical quality improvement initiatives and participate in program development by demonstrating, understanding of, compliance with, and commitment to UHN values, patient safety, and best practices in order to ensure a safe and supportive environment for patients and staff.
• Clinical Consultation - Accept referrals from all members of the interdisciplinary team regarding behavioral concerns impacting safety and disposition. Including referrals with current or known history of agitated or aggressive behaviour, issues with care plan, known history of serious mental illness, non pharmacologic management of delirium and dementia
• Mental health education and capacity building for nursing staff

Qualifications

• Completion of a Master’s degree in Nursing or Nursing Education required.
• Current Registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario as a Registered Nurse required, and able to practice without restrictions.
• Minimum 5 years recent or related clinical experience in psychiatric and mental health nursing preferred.
• Experience in Geriatrics preferred.
• Prior experience as a CNS in a specified clinical specialty program is preferred
• Additional preparation or experience in CCC considered an asset
• CNA Certification in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing (CPMHNC) also an asset
• Completion of a Basic Cardiac Life Support (B.C.L.S.) program
• CPI (Crisis Prevention Institute) Certified or willing to obtain
• Advanced knowledge of the interplay of mental health and physical health problems
• Advanced knowledge of psychotherapeutic modalities and behavioural interventions provided at the medical/psychiatric interface
• Knowledge of professional trends, issues, scope and standards of practice, and other relevant legislation
• Demonstrated theoretical and empirical knowledge bases and advanced level of clinical competence in working with patients with responsive behaviours
• Advanced knowledge of psychopharmacology
• Highly developed oral and written communication skills
• Previous experience in designing or facilitating teaching/educational initiatives
• Excellent interpersonal and team collaboration skills
• Demonstrated ability to act as a resource and consultant to clinicians and interdisciplinary teams
• Demonstrated self-directed, critical thinking and problem solving skills
• Demonstrated organizational, presentation and leadership skills
• Demonstrated commitment to safety and quality
• Demonstrated commitment to continuous learning and ongoing professional development
• Client service oriented, with the ability to effectively work with diversity and appreciate that people with different opinions, backgrounds and characteristics bring richness to the challenge or situation at hand

Additional Information

Why join UHN? 

In addition to working alongside some of the most talented and inspiring healthcare professionals in the world, UHN offers a wide range of benefits, programs and perks. It is the comprehensiveness of these offerings that makes it a differentiating factor, allowing you to find value where it matters most to you, now and throughout your career at UHN. 

• Competitive offer packages 
• Government organization and a member of the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP https://hoopp.com/)
• Close access to Transit and UHN shuttle service
• A flexible work environment 
• Opportunities for development and promotions within a large organization
• Additional perks (multiple corporate discounts including: travel, restaurants, parking, phone plans, auto insurance discounts, on-site gyms, etc.)

Current UHN employees must have successfully completed their probationary period, have a good employee record along with satisfactory attendance in accordance with UHN's attendance management program, to be eligible for consideration.  

All applications must be submitted before the posting close date.

UHN uses email to communicate with selected candidates.  Please ensure you check your email regularly.

Please be advised that a Criminal Record Check may be required of the successful candidate. Should it be determined that any information provided by a candidate be misleading, inaccurate or incorrect, UHN reserves the right to discontinue with the consideration of their application.

UHN is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive recruitment process and workplace. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage of the recruitment process. Applicants need to make their requirements known.

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