Job Posting: Harm Reduction Support Worker

POSITION TITLE: Harm Reduction Support Worker 

SCHEDULE: 1) Regular/Full-Time (37.5 hours/week; Sunday-Thursday, 1-9pm) 

DEPARTMENT: 713 Outreach Team, Harm Reduction Services 

SUPERVISOR: Harm Reduction Services Manager 

WAGE RATE: Grid 10 (starting $21.13/hr) 

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JOB SUMMARY 

Under the supervision of the Manager of Harm Reduction Services and the Team Lead of the 713 Outreach Team (intensive case management), the Harm Reduction Support Worker will work on a multidisciplinary team to provide a broad range of psychosocial and health-related supports to individuals in accordance with the Team’s goals and objectives. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES 

  1. Active engagement with people who use drugs (including alcohol) and individuals who are living with, or at risk for, HIV/hepatitis C, using a collaborative, person-centered approach grounded in harm reduction and trauma-informed practice. 
  2. Use brief assessment, active listening and crisis response skills to help meet immediate, basic needs and make appropriate referrals to other health and support services. 
  3. Provide outreach-based supports in the community including accompaniment to appointments, home visits, eviction prevention, and advocacy in accordance with the established client care plans. 
  4. Distribute and recover harm reduction supplies, and provide education and support on safer drug use, safer sex, HIV, hepatitis C, and STIs. 
  5. Work in collaboration with partner agencies to provide a continuum of services within AIDS Vancouver Island and the Island Health Authority. 
  6. Maintain confidential paper and electronic case notes and communicate clearly to coworkers in communication log. 
  7. Foster safety by following protocols related to violence prevention and critical incidents (such as overdose and other medical emergencies), including the ability to use a cell phone. 
  8. Engage in planning, evaluation, and program development as directed. 
  9. Perform other duties as assigned. 

 

QUALIFICATIONS

Formal education in health or social services program (Social Work, Psychology, Mental Health & Addictions Support Worker, etc), or equivalent combination of education and experience. 
Support Workers will have a minimum of two years relevant work experience and will demonstrate the following minimum requirements: 

  •  Valid Class 5 BC Driver’s License and use of own vehicle for work purposes; 
  •  Demonstrated skills, experience, and knowledge in the areas of harm reduction principles and practices; 
  •  Demonstrated ability to establish rapport, provide support and advocate for a diverse range of clientele including individuals who are actively using substances and living with significant health challenges; 
  •  Direct service delivery and advocacy experience with community-based and provincial support services and systems (financial aid, housing, health care, justice system, etc); 
  •  Demonstrated skills, experience and knowledge in the areas of safer drug use, addictions, safer sex, sex work, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C, mental health, etc; 
  •  Demonstrated knowledge of social justice, health promotion and public health approaches and models of social support and health care; 
  •  Experience managing hostile interactions, utilizing non-violent communication and diffusing techniques; 
  •  Ability to problem solve with creativity, flexibility, assertiveness and a cool head in dealing with complex issues; 
  •  Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills, and demonstrated commitment to working within a collaborative team approach; 
  •  Demonstrated time management and personal organization skills in order to effectively support a full caseload within a case management model. 

 

Application process: 

Please apply in writing with a resume and cover letter included as one document in an attachment addressed to Heather Hobbs, Coordinator of Harm Reduction Services, heather.hobbs@avi.org 

Posting open for both positions until Friday, January 13 at 12 noon.