Start date: June 5, 2017
End date: August 4, 2017
Hours of work: 30hrs/week, Monday through Friday. Specific hours will be determined with the supervisor in order to best meet organizational need.
Rate of pay: $15/hour, this position is exempt from union membership
JOB TITLE: Social Service Support Worker – Courtenay
JOB SUMMARY: The student will work within AIDS Vancouver Island, a community based not-for-profit organisation offering services to more than 150 clients including those living with a disability (HIV and hepatitis C), many of whom experience structural vulnerability. The Social Service Support Worker will provide direct care services within a number of AVI’s programs- Positive Wellness, Harm Reduction, and education.
TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Work closely with staff to provide outreach to local Aboriginal organisations and reserves including provision of health and wellness fairs;
- Supporting the daily health and wellness drop-in;
- Providing advocacy and assistance to clients in completing disability and housing applications;
- Organising appointments for clients and liaising with other health and social service organisations;
- Assisting with the organising of events such as National Aboriginal Day, World Hepatitis Day and HIV and hepatitis testing events;
- Providing coverage on the AVI reception desk;
- Distributing harm reduction supplies;
- Developing health specific resources for clients.
QUALIFICATIONS
- As this program is funded through the Canada Summer Jobs program, the successful candidate must be between the ages of 15 and 30 and intending to return to full-time studies in the fall. The applicant must be able to work 30hrs/week for the duration of the contract.
- Student in the field of social services, social sciences, or humanities;
- Ability to utilize a variety of communication skills; verbal, written, electronic;
- Ability to provide compassionate, supportive care to a diverse group of service users;
- Demonstrated understanding of the issues surrounding communicable disease, substance use, mental health, poverty, homophobia, and stigma;
- Demonstrated understanding of health promotion, harm reduction, and social justice models of social and health care;
- Experience working in community based organizations;
- Good organizational and time management skills;
- Understanding and knowledge of the social, emotional, and physical impact of living with HIV and hepatitis C;
- Demonstrated knowledge of local and provincial resources and programs, including financial aid systems, housing, and medical support;
- Computer literacy.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
- Please apply in writing with a resume and cover letter in one document to clare.pepper@avi.org
- Posting closes at 4pm on Friday, May 26, 2017.