Public Health Nurse

Position Details

• Job Category: Public Health / Nursing
• Posted: August 26, 2026
• Job Status: Temporary & Permanent Full-Time
• Union: ONA
• Number of Positions: 2
• Hours of Work: 35
• Location: Health and Human Services Building, Chatham
• Closing Date: September 10, 2026, 11:59pm EST

The Municipality of Chatham-Kent has two openings. One (1) permanent full-time Public Health Nurse and one (1) temporary full-time Public Health Nurse with the Public Health Unit. The temporary full-time opportunity is for a period up to December 2027.

Preference given to ONA PHU union members.

Job Description

The Public Health Nurse combines knowledge from public health science and nursing science by focusing on promoting, protecting, and preserving the health of populations. The nurse works with individuals, families, groups and the community according to the program specific plans, policies and procedures of the Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit, the Canadian Community Health Nursing Standards of Practice, and the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO).

Essential Responsibilities

• Demonstrate Chatham-Kent’s core values and competencies
• Apply basic to advanced level of public health knowledge to the science of nursing; keeps up to date with current evidence-based research, literature, and other developments in public health issues and applies learning to one's practice
• Advocate for clients from diverse populations by taking action to prevent the exclusion of those groups from service opportunities; applies cultural sensitivity while maintaining the protection of public health
• Balance public health interest with the rights of the individual, community or population understanding that they may not be aligned
• Adhere to principles, standards and professional/personal boundaries and codes of conduct established by the CNO and organizational policies
• Document according to both CNO standards and Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit policies
• Interpret and synthesize broad and complex information related to public health and nursing science
• Use critical thinking to apply the nursing process when assessing the needs of clients and the community as a whole
• Apply knowledge from scientific evidence to program design, development, delivery and evaluation
• Respond to the management of incidents and emergencies as dictated by Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit policy and professional nursing standards
• Develops partnerships to collaborate and influence positive change affecting the health of the population; advocates for societal change in support of health for all
• Foster open communication with others applying appropriate communicating strategies
• Counsel, present, group facilitate, develop social marketing campaigns, author resources
• Use appropriate strategies and techniques to manage conflict
• Display dedication in achieving public health standards of excellence and acts as an inspiration to others for high performance
• Transfer or seek to transfer public health and nursing knowledge and skills (e.g. mentorship, preceptorship, peer circles)
• Participate in the development of operational plans, objectives and workplans and document activities

Essential Qualifications

• Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing from an accredited University (BScN)
• Previous experience working as a Registered Nurse
• Demonstrated competency in professional responsibility and accountability with CNO
• Demonstrated competency in partnership, collaboration and advocacy
• Demonstrated competency in diversity and inclusiveness
• Demonstrated problem solving and negotiation skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team
• Working knowledge of Ontario Public Health Standards
• Competency in public health and nursing science
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, written and verbal
• Working knowledge of iPHIS, ISCIS, Panorama (or similar programs)
• Strong computer skills, specifically Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) (or similar software program)

Other Qualifications

• Previous experience working as a nurse in a Public Health Unit is an asset
• Knowledge of continuous quality improvement principles (CQI) and/or experience participating in CQI projects is an asset
• The ability to communicate both written and oral French language is an asset

Certifications, Memberships, Licenses

• Current registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) as a Registered Nurse
• CPR/PAD current certification

Work Environment Hours of Work

• This position will work indoors
• This position works occasional evening hours

Driver’s License/Vehicle Requirements

Because this position would be required to travel, a valid Province of Ontario driver's license with a reliable motor vehicle is necessary.

Background Check Requirements

The successful candidate will be required to furnish an original Police Information Search (criminal reference check) (working with vulnerable persons) prior to commencement of employment; you must be 18 years of age or older to obtain a vulnerable police check.

Essential Physical and/or Safety Requirements

• Mask fit testing (N95)
• 2 step TB skin test to be completed within two weeks of starting position
• Walking: frequent walking on level surface (stairs to access offices; access equipment and resources; home visits; presentations; community events; balancing while carrying resources and equipment to and from office to vehicle and then off site work areas (clinics, home visits, meetings, community presentations/events))
• Sitting: frequent sitting in a chair (travel by vehicle for local and regional meetings, home visits, school visits, presentations and training sessions)