We're Hiring: Temporary ICM Harm Reduction Support Worker - Victoria

Summary of the Position:

Grid Level:  35, $26.19/hour

Work Location: 713 Johnson Street, Victoria, BC, V8W 1M8

Hours of Work: 37.5 hours a week, Monday through Friday 9:00am – 5:00pm

Start Date: ASAP

End Date: This is a temporary position covering a leave, the end date will be based upon the return of the incumbent.

To Apply: Please submit your resume and cover letter to jobs@avi.org. This position is open till filled. 

Job Summary:
The ICM 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.
 

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

  1.  Actively engages with people who use substances and individuals who are living with, or at risk for, HIV/Hepatitis C, using a collaborative, person-centered approach grounded in harm reduction
  2. Uses 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. Establishes client care plan in collaboration with the client, and the team
  4. Provides outreach-based supports in the community including accompaniment to appointments, home visits, eviction prevention, and advocacy in accordance with the established client care plans
  5. Distributes and recovers harm reduction supplies, and provides education and support on safer drug use, safer sex, HIV, hepatitis C, and STIs
  6. Works in collaboration with partner agencies to provide a continuum of services within AIDS Vancouver Island and the Island Health Authority
  7. Maintains confidential paper and electronic case notes and communicates clearly to coworkers in the communication log
  8. Fosters 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
  9. Engages in planning, evaluation, reporting, and program development as directed
  10. Performs other duties as assigned
     

Qualifications:
University degree in health or social services (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, healthcare, 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 to effectively support a full caseload within a case management model

Skills and Abilities:

  • Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position
  • Ability to work independently and in cooperation with others
  • Ability to operate related equipment
  • Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
  • Ability to organize and prioritize
  • Ability to observe and recognize changes in clients
  • Ability to establish and maintain rapport with clients
  • Ability to analyze and resolve problems
  • Conflict resolution and crisis intervention skills
  • Advocacy skills
  • Leadership experience
  • Ability to work with a diverse clientele facing significant structural vulnerability
  • Demonstrated skills, experience, and knowledge in the areas of harm reduction/health promotion practices, safer using practices, HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C, poverty issues, mental health concerns and addictions
  • Ability to work under pressure and in crisis situations
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills
  • Understanding of diversity issues
  • Understanding of the psycho-social issues affecting people who use substances

We encourage applications from, but not limited to, Indigenous Persons, persons of colour, persons living with disabilities, persons who use/d illicit drugs, persons with experience of sex work, and persons representing diverse genders and sexualities.