Provide compassionate mental health care in an unconventional setting
We are seeking caring and compassionate Mental Health Nurses to join our health care teams at the Thunder Bay Correctional Complex, Correctional Centre and Jail. 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.
If you are a conscientious Mental Health Nurse with a dedicated commitment to patient-centered mental health care and the wellbeing of others, don't miss this rewarding opportunity!
The number of positions to be filled has not been identified at this time. This competition will be used to create an eligibility list of qualified candidates to fill upcoming opportunities within the next 21 months following the closing date of the job ad posting.
These positions will support all three locations of the new campus model institution which comprises of three sites located at:
- 2351 Highway 61 South
- 285 MacDougall Street
- 2495 Highway 61 South
Successful candidates will be headquartered at the Thunder Bay Correctional Centre New Build site (2495 Highway 61 South) and may be assigned to work at any of the three locations within the Thunder Bay campus.
Candidates may be hired in advance of the planned opening in 2027 to support training and ensure effective operations upon opening.
Explore Exciting Career Opportunities in Corrections
Join us for a Career Fair for the New Thunder Bay Correctional Centre
This event offers a unique opportunity to learn more about the rewarding career paths in Corrections and to meet our dedicated team.
Event Details
Date: Wednesday June 24, 2026
Time: 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Location: Lakehead University, 955 Oliver Rd. Thunder Bay, ON
REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Thunder Bay Correctional Centre Career Fair Registration Link
- Please bring a valid photo ID and Eventbrite confirmation code (electronic or print out)
- You may still attend and register on site that day
- Parking will be paid by Correctional Services (Parking code to be provided upon entry)
Join our information session
A voluntary, online information session will also be held on the following date to share information about this opportunity (click to register): June 26 at 12:00 PM. If you are unable to attend but would like to receive a recording of the session, please register for the session and you will automatically receive a recording after the session.
About the job
As a Mental Health Nurse, 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 for the full-time positions are 40 hours per week and for the irregularly-scheduled, casual positions are 0-40 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.
Northern Attraction Incentive Program (NAIP)
This position qualifies for the Northern Attraction Incentive Program (NAIP). NAIP is a pilot recruitment program which offers financial incentives to new hires in specific positions in designated institutions and probation and parole offices in Northern Ontario, including external candidates to the Ontario Public Service and existing employees who agree to work for a term of three years.
All applicants will be provided with more information on the program, once the job advertisement closes. If you would like more information prior to applying, you may contact: [email protected].
Don't meet every qualification?
If you are excited about this position and meet most, but not all, of the listed qualifications, please still consider applying. We recognize that no one person might have every qualification in this job ad, and you just might be the right candidate!
How we support diversity, inclusion and accessibility
We are building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We encourage everyone interested in working with us to apply, including people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black and racialized individuals, as well as people from all ethnicities, cultures, sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions.
Our hiring process is accessible, consistent with Ontario's Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. We are working to prevent and remove barriers in our hiring processes and can offer accommodation to address specific needs related to Code-protected grounds such as disability, family status and religion. For more information about accommodation during the hiring process please contact us.
Learn more about the work the OPS is doing to create an inclusive, anti-racist, accessible and diverse workplace:
- diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives
- accessibility
- Anti-Racism Policy
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
- flexible learning and developmental opportunities, including education and mentorship programs
- many employee networks offering support for and education about underrepresented groups
The permanent role comes with a comprehensive compensation and benefits package that includes:
- a defined-benefit lifetime pension plan (guaranteed, ongoing inflation-protected income after retirement)
- group health, dental, life and disability benefits
- a range of vacation and leave options
- an Employee and Family Assistance Program, which provides confidential counseling services
- Inclusive Counselling Services, which provides confidential mental health support from professionals belonging to diverse communities
The irregular on-call positions may have opportunities to opt in for some benefits.
Additional information
Address:
- English Permanent - Full Time, 2495 Hwy 61, Thunder Bay, North Region, Vulnerable Sector Check, Credit History Check, Local Police Databases Search, PIP/NICHE/RMS
- English Temporary - Irregular On-Call, duration up to 12 months, 2495 Hwy 61, Thunder Bay, North Region, Vulnerable Sector Check, Credit History Check, Local Police Databases Search, PIP/NICHE/RMS
- English Temporary, duration up to 12 months, 2495 Hwy 61, Thunder Bay, North Region, Vulnerable Sector Check, Credit History Check, Local Police Databases Search, PIP/NICHE/RMS
Compensation Group: Ontario Public Service Employees Union
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
How to apply:
Please apply online, only, at www.ontario.ca/careers, quoting Job ID 245884, by Friday, July 10, 2026. Please follow the instructions to submit your application.
If you require accommodation in order to participate in the recruitment process, please contact us at www.gojobs.gov.on.ca/ContactUs.aspx to provide your contact information. The Ontario Public Service is an inclusive employer. Accommodation will be provided in accordance with Ontario’s Human Rights Code.
Job Types: Permanent, Temporary
Pay: $1,684.03-$2,418.51 per week
Work Location: In person
