Provide compassionate mental health care in an unconventional setting

We are seeking caring and compassionate Mental Health Nurses to join our health care team at the Hamilton-Wentworth Detention Centre. Mental Health Nurses who work in corrections practice a wide range of nursing skills in an unconventional setting. They play an important part of the rehabilitation process by helping patients in custody achieve independence and self-care. This helps increase the chance of a patient leaving custody successfully re-entering the community.

About the job

As a Mental Health Nurse with the Hamilton-Wentworth Detention Centre, you will work collaboratively as a member of the inter-professional health care team and apply your specialized knowledge. You can expect the typical day to include activities such as:

- Conducting mental health assessments for the purposes of triage and on-going care
- Monitoring treatment plans and response to health care interventions
- Communicating with community care providers to obtain mental health histories and facilitate transitional care
- Coordinating care with other members of the health care team, such as primary care, psychiatry, social work and psychology
- Sharing your expertise and contributing to mental health program development
- Applying your knowledge of crisis prevention and intervention
- Practising in accordance with the College of Nurses of Ontario Practice Standards, Ministry expectations, and the security requirements of the institution

What you bring to the team

Mandatory requirements

You are currently a Registered Nurse in good standing with the College of Nurses of Ontario.

The successful candidate will be required to be registered for a mental health nurse certification program upon job offer and complete certification requirements within a specified period.

The ministry will accept the following certification or proof of enrolment:

- Canadian Nurses Association – Current Psychiatric and Mental Health Certification
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health - Concurrent Disorders Certification
- Accredited Colleges in Canada – Mental Health Certification

Specialized Mental Health Knowledge and Experience

You have knowledge of

- mental illness, mental health nursing theory, community mental health resources, evidence-based practices and current treatment options acquired through enrolment in or completion of a post-diploma/post-degree certificate program in mental health, and supplemented by continuing education in mental health/psychiatry




- mental health evidence-based practices and current treatment options and experience completing comprehensive mental health assessments

You can interpret and apply relevant legislation such as the Mental Health Act, Regulated Health Professions Act, Health Care Consent Act, and Personal Health Information Protection Act

Clinical Assessment, Critical Reasoning and Analytical Skills

You can

- collect, interpret and evaluate health information for mental health assessments and treatment and care plans
- evaluate responses to planned interventions, and modify interventions in collaboration with the inter-professional team
- respond to emergency situations and implement appropriate interventions

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

You can

- present information clearly and concisely
- adapt your communication style for diverse populations
- work collaboratively with others
- encourage patient participation in their plan of care
- document care and progress through progress notes, care plans, and summaries
- support patients in achieving identified treatment goals

Hours of Work

- The hours of work are 40 hours per week. You are expected to work rotating shifts in a health care unit that provides 7 days per week service, up to 24 hours a day

What we offer

Working as a mental health nurse in a correctional facility can be highly rewarding for several reasons:

- You will have the opportunity to provide essential mental health care to a marginalized and often stigmatized population, helping patients in custody manage their mental health issues and supporting their rehabilitation and chances of successfully re-entering the community
- The unconventional setting and complex cases challenge you to adapt and grow professionally, enhancing problem-solving abilities and offering a unique set of experiences and learning opportunities
- By improving the health and well-being of patients in custody, you will contribute significantly to improving their health outcomes and contribute to public health and safety The Ontario Public Service is one of Ontario's largest employers. Employees work for various ministries, with offices in more than 70 cities across the province. We offer:
- a career that can grow across ministries and job functions




- adaptable learning and developmental opportunities, including education and mentorship programs
- many employee networks offering support for and education about underrepresented groups

Additional information

Address:

- 4 English Temporary, duration up to 12 months, 165 Barton St E, Hamilton, West Region, Vulnerable Sector Check, Credit History Check, Local Police Databases Search, PIP/NICHE/RMS
- 1 English Permanent, 165 Barton St E, Hamilton, West Region, Vulnerable Sector Check, Credit History Check, Local Police Databases Search, PIP/NICHE/RMS

Compensation Group: Ontario Public Service Employees Union Understanding the job ad - definitions

Schedule: 4-7

Category: Health and Social Services

Posted on: Tuesday, August 18, 2026

Note:

- About security checks:
- A criminal or other federal offence record does not automatically disqualify you from the position. We consider each situation based on the position's responsibilities.
- If a check is needed and you've lived outside of Canada in the past 5 years for 6 or more months in a row, or if you are not a Canadian resident, you'll need to provide an out-of-country police clearance certificate from the country you lived in.
- Employment screening checks are only reviewed and evaluated by the Transition and Security Office, which also maintains them and keeps them strictly confidential.
- T-CL-247550/26(4)

How to apply:

1. You must apply online.
2. Your cover letter and resume combined should not exceed five (5) pages. For tips and tools on how to write a concise cover letter and resume, review the Writing a Cover Letter and Resume: Tips, Tools and Resources.
3. Customize your cover letter and resume to the qualifications listed on the job ad. Using concrete examples, you must show how you demonstrated the requirements for this job. We rely on the information you provide to us.
4. Read the to make sure you understand this job.
5. OPS employees are required to quote their WIN EMPLOYEE ID number when applying.
6. If you require a disability related accommodation in order to participate in the recruitment process, please Contact Us to provide your contact information. Recruitment services team will contact you within 48 hours.

Remember:

The deadline to apply is Tuesday, September 1, 2026 11:59 pm EDT. Late applications will not be accepted.

We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for further screening or an interview will be contacted.

The Ontario Public Service is an inclusive employer.

Accommodation is available under the Ontario's Human Rights Code .

📌 Mental Health Nurse (Canada)
🏢 Solicitor General | Solliciteur général
📍 Canada