Registered Nurse, Harm Reduction - Urgent Hire - Part-Time

Registered Nurse, Harm Reduction – Rodger Wright Community Clinic (Hepatitis C Community Clinic)

Location: Christchurch, Te Waipounamu, New Zealand

About Us: For over 15 years, the Rodger Wright Community Clinic (Also known as the Hepatitis C Community Clinic) has been at the forefront of harm reduction, providing testing and treatment for hepatitis C. Based in Ōtautahi Christchurch, our service offers a non-judgmental and confidential service to support anyone seeking hepatitis C testing or treatment. The clinic is attached to the peer-led Rodger Wright Needle Exchange and is also underpinned by a strong harm reduction philosophy and meeting people where they are at. Our clinic partners with various organisations across Christchurch to provide free hepatitis C support. Also, we partner with Te Whatu Ora to deliver this exceptional level of care across Te Waipounamu through our hepatitis C mobile clinic and outreach service, delivering the highest treatment rates for hepatitis C in Aotearoa. 

At DISC Trust, we operate seven needle exchanges across Te Waipounamu, alongside our national drug checking services, a mobile service on the West Coast, the national pharmacy needle exchange programme and a mobile hepatitis C kaupapa Māori service in Northland. 

Role Overview: As a Registered Nurse, Harm Reduction, you'll be at the heart of our kaupapa, providing essential support in hepatitis C testing, treatment, outreach initiatives, including meeting clients broader healthcare needs, such as wound and vein care, sexual health and general health checks. Your role will involve working closely with tāngata whaiora, including people who inject drugs, to deliver personalised, client-centered care. You'll play a vital role in facilitating access to healthcare services, coordinating appointments and referrals, and conducting outreach activities within the community. Operating within a nurse-led clinic, you'll collaborate closely with our Nurse Practitioner, enhancing the depth of care provided. Our service is firmly grounded in a robust harm reduction philosophy, underpinning every aspect of our approach.
Additionally, you will work alongside Peer Navigators to reach and support clients, leveraging the trusted front door that the DISC Trust has developed over three decades. You will support Peer Navigators in advancing their hepatitis C mahi, furthering our overarching commitment to health equity.

Responsibilities:
• Conduct comprehensive assessments and testing for tāngata whaiora seeking Hepatitis C testing and treatment.
• Provide education and advice to patients regarding Hepatitis C prevention, management, and treatment options.
• Participate in community outreach programs to raise awareness about Hepatitis C, promote testing, and provide support to individuals at risk.
• Provide healthcare, or referrals, to our clients based on their needs that extend outside of hepatitis C testing and treatment, such as wound care, sexual health and general blood work.
• Utilise personal connections and networks to reach individuals in need of services.
• Maintain accurate documentation of patient encounters and treatment plans.
Qualifications:
• Valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in New Zealand.
• Previous experience working in a community setting, preferably in infectious disease, hepatitis C, or public health.
• An understanding of hepatitis C epidemiology, transmission, and treatment options.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Commitment to promoting harm reduction principles and reducing stigma associated with drug use.

How to Apply: Join DISC Trust in making a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and communities across Te Waipounamu. Apply now and be a part of our dedicated team. Submit your application through this job advert or reach out to Vanessa Watson Love at [email protected] with any questions.

We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and walks of life. At DISC Trust, we believe in the strength of diversity and the power of varied experiences. Whether you come with personal experience of drug use or bring a unique perspective to the table, your voice matters to us. We encourage everyone who shares our passion for harm reduction and community health to apply, regardless of your past experiences or professional history. Your commitment to making a difference and your dedication to serving others are what truly count. Join us in our mission to create positive change and promote wellness for all individuals and communities across Te Waipounamu.