Job posting: Harm Reduction Overdose Response Outreach Worker

POSITION TITLE: Harm Reduction Overdose Response Outreach Worker 

CATEGORY: Temporary/Part-time - January 3, 2017-March 31, 2017 

DEPARTMENT: Harm Reduction Services 

SUPERVISOR: Director of Programs 

WAGE RATE: GRID 10 

HOURS: 20-30hrs/week, 8 hours on Sundays and 4-8 hours (depending on the week) on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays 

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JOB SUMMARY 

Under the direct supervision of the Director of Programs or designate, the Harm Reduction Overdose Response Outreach Worker will be part of a temporary outreach team engaged in the following activities: 

  •  Distribute Naloxone to high use areas in the downtown core and surrounding areas (Gorge, Esquimalt, etc.) both on the street and within existing services 
  •  Provide on the spot training in overdose response 
  •  Provide education on safer injection techniques 
  •  Respond to overdoses 
  •  Recover inappropriately discarded supplies 
  •  Prepare and distribute timely drug warnings (similar to bad dates sheets) 
  •  Assist staff and clients of shelters, supporting housing and other facilities to scale up access to naloxone and other safety practices 
  •  Assist existing providers to implement policies and practice that enhance safety and wellness using the overdose prevention and response protocol for service providers 
  •  Identify residents who may be interested in enhanced training in order to be a building designate for people who don't want to use alone 
  •  Provide increased and enhanced training to peers on first aid practices, naloxone distribution and safer injecting practices 
  •  Identifying and developing safety plans with peers who are at increased risk of overdose 

 

QUALIFICATIONS 

University degree in health or social services (Social Work, Psychology, Mental Health and Addictions Support Worker, etc), or equivalent combination of education and experience. 

Harm Reduction Overdose Response Outreach Workers will have a minimum of two years relevant work experience and will demonstrate the following minimum requirements: 

  • Direct service delivery experience in the community social services sector with a demonstrated working knowledge of community-based programs and related provincial and community support services systems; 
  • Demonstrated ability to establish rapport with a diverse range of clientele including individuals who are actively using substances and living with significant health challenges; 
  • 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; 
  • Demonstrated understanding and commitment to harm reduction principles and practices; 
  • Demonstrated ability to establish rapport with a diverse range of clientele including individuals who are actively using substances and living with significant health challenges; 
  • Experience managing hostile interactions, utilizing non-violent communication and diffusing techniques; 
  • Ability to problem solve with creativity, flexibility and assertiveness in dealing with complex issues; 
  • Demonstrated understanding of the importance and role of people who use drugs in the development, delivery, and evaluation of services intended to benefit them; 
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills required to work effectively with co-workers, clients, community, and other service providers; 
  • Strong working knowledge of local health and social services; 
  • Demonstrated knowledge of group process and facilitation techniques. 

 

One file containing both the cover letter and resume should be submitted to Kristen Kvakic via email at kristen.kvakic@avi.org by January 6, 2017.