Harm Reduction Support Worker
TEAM(S): 713 Outreach Team and/or Harm Reduction Drop-In Program
DEPARTMENT: 713 Outreach Team, Harm Reduction Services
SUPERVISOR: Harm Reduction Services Coordinator
WAGE RATE: Grid 10 (starting $21.13/hr)
HOURS: Various- must have flexible schedule to accommodate a variety of shifts (713 Outreach Team: between 8am and 9pm, 7 days/week; Drop-In Program: between 3-10:30pm, 7 days/week)
____________________________________________________________________________________
JOB SUMMARY
Under the supervision of the Coordinator of Harm Reduction Services and the Team Leads of the 713 Outreach Team (intensive case management) and Drop-In Program, the Harm Reduction Support Worker will provide a broad range of low barrier, psycho-social supports to individuals accessing harm reduction programming and services at the Access Health Centre and AVI.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES
- Provide safer drug use and safer sex supplies.
- Provide education and support regarding safer drug use and safer sex, HIV, hepatitis C, and STIs.
- Overdose prevention education and first aid response.
- Follow protocol related to violence prevention and critical incidents including the ability to use communication devices (cell phone, two-way radio) and navigate a stairwell of three stories multiple times each shift.
- Use brief assessment, active listening and crisis response skills to help meet immediate, basic needs. This includes collaboration and making appropriate referrals with a continuum of services within the Access Health Centre and across the Island Health Authority.
- 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.
- Maintain both paper and electronic confidential client files and statistical documents as directed.
- Engage in planning, evaluation, and program development as directed.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
- Specific to working with 713 Outreach Team: Work both highly independently and collaboratively with team members to provide outreach-based supports in the community including accompaniment to appointments, home visits, eviction prevention, and advocacy in accordance with established client care plans.
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:
- Demonstrated understanding of using a harm reduction approach to engage with people who use illicit substances and other stigmatized populations;
- 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;
- Demonstrated skills in managing hostile interactions, utilizing non-violent communication and diffusing techniques;
- Ability to apply sound judgement: stay grounded and use creativity, flexibility and assertiveness when working through complex and often urgent situations;
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and demonstrated commitment to working within a collaborative, team approach and high pressure environment;
- Demonstrated understanding of the importance and role of people who use
For 713 Outreach Team only:
- Valid Class 5 BC Driver’s License and use of own vehicle for work purposes
- Demonstrated time management and personal organization skills in order to effectively support individuals 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
Hiring ongoing into January 2017.