Summary :
The Outreach Nurse – Wound Care & Harm Reduction plays a vital hands-on role in delivering compassionate, community-based healthcare to individuals who are unhoused and / or impacted by substance use throughout the State of Delaware.
This position focuses on providing wound care and basic nursing services in the field—meeting individuals where they are, including on the streets, in encampments, at drop-in centers, and through mobile outreach efforts. The nurse provides direct care, education, and support, while connecting clients to medical and behavioral health services as part of Impact Life’s harm reduction and outreach initiatives.
This role is ideal for a nurse who is passionate about health equity, community service, and working with vulnerable populations in non-traditional settings.
Work Environment :
This is a field-based position with frequent travel throughout Delaware. Work will take place in community settings including encampments, shelters, mobile outreach vans, and drop-in centers. Must be comfortable providing care in outdoor or non-clinical environments. Occasional evening or weekend hours may be required to meet outreach needs.
Requirements
Essential Responsibilities :
- Provide mobile and street-based wound care, including assessment, cleaning, dressing, and infection prevention.
- Conduct basic health screenings, monitor vital signs, and identify conditions requiring higher-level medical attention.
- Deliver care in outreach and harm reduction settings, such as encampments, drop-in centers, and mobile units.
- Educate clients on wound management, hygiene, and prevention in accessible, trauma-informed ways.
- Support harm reduction strategies including education, resource linkage, and health promotion.
- Collaborate closely with Impact Life’s outreach and behavioral health teams to coordinate referrals and follow-up care.
- Maintain accurate, timely documentation of all services provided in the electronic health record (EHR).
- Participate in community outreach events, mobile unit operations, and supply distribution efforts.
- Ensure adequate inventory and safe handling of medical and wound care supplies.
- Uphold HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2 confidentiality standards.
Qualifications : - Required :
- Active LPN or RN license in good standing (Delaware or compact state)
- Minimum 2 years of nursing experience, including exposure to community, public health, or wound care settings
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
- Commitment to harm reduction, trauma-informed care, and serving underserved populations
- Preferred :
- Experience providing medical care in outreach, shelter, or mobile settings
- Wound Care Certification (WCC) or equivalent credential
- Familiarity with substance use and mental health support services
Skills & Competencies :
Strong clinical expertise in wound assessment and treatmentExcellent communication and interpersonal skillsCulturally competent, trauma-informed care approachStrong organizational skills with ability to manage multiple prioritiesProficiency with medical documentation and electronic health recordsCommitment to harm reduction and healthcare equity principlesSkills & Competencies :
Strong wound care and assessment skillsExcellent communication and interpersonal ability across diverse populationsCulturally competent and nonjudgmental approach to careOrganized, reliable, and capable of independent field workProficient in documentation and EHR systemsDeep commitment to community health, harm reduction, and outreach workBenefits
Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)Retirement Plan (401k, ROTH 401k)Paid Time Off11 Paid Holidays YearlyTraining & DevelopmentWellness Resources