Job Posting: Harm Reduction Support Worker

POSITION TITLE: Harm Reduction Support Worker 

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

DEPARTMENT: 713 Outreach Team, Harm Reduction Services 

SUPERVISOR: Director of Programs 

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

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JOB SUMMARY 

  • Under the direct supervision of the Manager; Courtenay and Campbell River, the Harm Reduction Support Worker will provide a broad range of low barrier, psycho-social supports to individuals accessing harm reduction programming at AIDS Vancouver Island.
  • The Harm Reduction Support Worker will provide evidence-based educational and harm reduction interventions to individuals and priority populations to increase knowledge regarding HIV and other BBD transmission and prevention strategies, and facilitate behavior change to prevent transmission.
  • The Harm Reduction Support Worker will provide oversight, support, and overdose response, including the administration of oxygen and Naloxone, to people using illicit substances in AVI’s Overdose Prevention Room. 

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 Kristen Kvakic, Director of Programs, kristen.kvakic@avi.org 

Applications will not be accepted after 9am, Monday February 27.