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POSITION TITLE: Street Outreach Worker

DEPARTMENT: Direct Services

SUPERVISIOR: Program Manager

BARGAINING UNIT: Health Services & Support Community Subsector Association

CLASSIFICATION: Unclassified– GRID 10 $20.11 + 10% in lieu of benefits
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JOB SUMMARY

Under the direct supervision of the Program Coordinator of the Street Outreach Services Program, or designate, the Outreach Worker will work to build and maintain relationships with people who use drugs, utilizing a non-judgmental approach in order to provide effective, comprehensive and accessible harm reduction and health promotion services in all aspects of the program.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES

1. Distributes safer drug use and safer sex supplies.

2. Deliver harm reduction and health promotion information in a manner that’s responsive to the people who are accessing services.

The AVI Health Centre in Nanaimo is having an open house on July 22, 2010. Come for a tour of our clinic on Thursday July 22, from 12noon to 1pm

WHERE: #216 – 55 Victoria Road, Nanaimo.

Join us for a light lunch, refreshments and presentations.

+ Hear about our programs, accomplishments, and meet the team!
+ Read the results of our 2010 Evaluation
+ Hear about our HIV Seek & Treat Program
+ Dr. Keith Phillips our Senior Physician will speak on “Harm Reduction through Methadone Maintenance, Hep C and HIV treatment.”

Opened in 2003 by AIDS Vancouver Island to meet a gap in services in Nanaimo, the health centre provides the following services:

• Methadone Maintenance Program of BC,
• Hepatitis C treatment through Direct Observable Therapy,
• HIV Care Day – Monthly: Infectious Disease Specialist & AVI HC physicians provide GP services for people living with HIV,
• Full time clinic nurse, STI testing, PAP, wound care, immunizations, etc.,

Share the facts, debunk HIV myths

Dear Miss Priss,
What’s the deal with AIDS these days? Back in the ‘80s, it was huge. Now, I hardly hear anything about it! I don’t think I’ve got it or anything, but – what? – have we found a cure for it or something?
Signed,
Kinda Curious.

Dear Curious,
Wow – you and about a gazillion other people on this planet are wondering the same thing, sweetie! But I’m really glad you asked, because let me tell you, HIV is here and now, and not going away anytime soon. But you know what they say: Denial ain’t just hitting Holt Renfrew with your overdraft as protection! So, let’s stop the wondering and start the fact-finding.

Here are a few of the most powerful myths about HIV – and the truth behind them.

HIV makes you super sick.

A special thanks to M.A.C. Cosmetics for donating a box of makeup to AVI in Victoria. The donation will be used for our monthly women's night, where we provide a hot meal and a nice environment with a bit of pampering!

MAC employees in Nanaimo at the AIDS Walk

May 20, 2010

A weekend gathering in Nanaimo on May 28-30 is designed for gay and queer men who want to do more than "just survive." SHINE will bring together men for workshops, social events, hikes, talking and socializing. The event is an initiative of AIDS Vancouver Island and is led by Liam "Captain" Snowdon, a community development coordinator with AVI. It begins Friday May 28 with an evening reception.

People First Radio (CHLY Nanaimo) spoke with Liam "Captain" Snowdon about the upcoming workshop and about his experiences in health promotion and education.

CLICK HERE to listen.

Are you living with Hepatitis C?

* New Support Group every Tuesday, starting June 1st, 1:15 – 2:45pm
@ AIDS Vancouver Island, 3rd Floor, Access Health Center, 713 Johnson St.
All those infected/affected by Hep C are welcome. Snacks and bus tickets provided.

* Intake into our Positive Wellness Program is now open to HCV positive people and includes:
- Free, hot lunch program on Tuesdays
- Advocacy, support and short term counselling
- Non-judgmental and harm reduction focused education and support

* For more information contact AVI at 250-384-2366 and ask for the Positive Wellness Program

Victoria – May 20, 2010 - The Access Health Centre celebrated its restored heritage building today with the mounting of a bronze plaque on 713 Johnson Street outlining the building’s history. Hallmark Society’s administrative director Helen Edwards presented the building’s owners, AIDS Vancouver Island and Victoria Cool Aid Society, with an Award of Merit for the building’s heritage restoration.

“The Hallmark Society was impressed not only by the quality of the heritage restoration,” said Helen Edwards, “but also because it was completed by non-profit partners actively engaged in improving the downtown core.” The project was managed by CitySpaces Consulting.
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AVI's Spring 2010 newsletter for gay men now online!

To read Men's Briefs, CLICK HERE.

“Love Your Liver Health Fair” on May 18 at Centennial Square
in Honour of World Hepatitis Day
12-2pm

On May 18, AIDS Vancouver Island is hosting an educational event to bring the community together in honour of World Hepatitis Day. There will be on-site testing & vaccinations, referrals, information booths, food, entertainment, speakers and giveaways.

The event will bring together activists, HCV/HIV positive people, healthcare, poverty, and community groups, and, the general public, to explore issues related to hepatitis and HIV. The idea for a “Love Your Liver Health Fair” was developed by peer education trainees at AIDS Vancouver Island.

Other groups involved include: HepCBC, Our Place, Cool Aid Community Health Centre, VIHA Street Nurses, SOLID, the Action Committee for People with Disabilities, Foundation House, TAPS, Harm Reduction Victoria, and the Victoria Native Friendship Centre.

The newly formed Hepatitis C Peer Education Group in conjunction with AIDS Vancouver Island (AVI) will be hosting a Liver Health Education Celebration at Spirit Square on World Hepatitis Day on May 19, from 12-2pm.

There will be a complimentary, healthy lunch served and a variety of interactive displays. The goals of the fair are to provide information about the importance of being tested for hepatitis, to provide information about traditional and complimentary treatments, and to provide hope for those living with hepatitis and to remember individuals who have passed away.