Harm Reduction Worker

2 weeks ago

Kitchener, Ontario, Canada House of Friendship Full time
At House of Friendship, we believe in what we are doing.

We get out of bed each day to make a difference in our community; to walk with and to serve.

We are not happy with the status quo. We get energy from ongoing learning and growth. We lead with passion and believe without a doubt that everyone deserves to belong and thrive. We live and breathe our values of Compassion, Inclusion, Justice, Dignity and Hope. And we have fun

Sounds pretty great, doesn't it? It is


Safer Use programs have been established in response to the opioid overdose crisis to provide an environment for safer consumption, along with addictions and mental supports within housing and shelter settings.

In this important role, the Harm Reduction Workers will support individuals using substances with safer use and reducing other health risks.


This is a permanent, salaried, full-time (37.5 hours per week) position with paid sick time,

personal days and vacation; group health benefits and defined contribution pension plan.

Schedule to be Monday to Friday, from 12pm to 8pm.

A satisfactory _Vulnerable Sector_
Police Records Check will be required pre-employment.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Greet and engage participants, orient participants to the service and space and complete brief intake and review of service user agreements
  • Maintain a hygienic, organized, comfortable and respectful environment in the Safer Use Program (SUP) space
  • Establish and maintain a helping relationship with program participants while upholding appropriate professional boundaries
  • Supervise substance consumption and respond with appropriate interventions in the event of a drug poisoning crisis
  • Prepare and give out harm reduction supplies and resources with the aim to improve the quality of life and health of all program participants
  • Offer support, training and education to participants around safer drug using practices, safe disposal and handling and overdose prevention and response including training in using Naloxone
  • Safe disposal/handling of used drug equipment and supplies
  • Work as part of a team including attending the team meetings, trainings, and regular supervision meetings
  • Collect statistics, data entry, and writ short reports
  • Collect and document all information relevant to the Urgent Public Health Needs Site (UPHNS) agreement with Health Canada and participate in an ongoing evaluation and review of the space
  • Track and record supplies distributed and collected
  • Assist with stocking, organizing harm reduction inventory, risk reduction and other relevant program supplies
  • Work within general rules, procedures and standards, referring issues or problems to supervisor
  • Stay informed of and comply with processes and policies related to the site, as well as current health risks to the population accessing SUP services
  • Work closely with the supervisor to ensure they are informed of any concerns and issues
  • Work as a team with other staff to provide consistency and wraparound support

Education/Experience:

  • Minimum College Diploma or University Degree in a related field of study required (i.e. social services, social work, addictions, mental health, community development etc.).
  • Knowledge and understanding of the complexities of substance use, homelessness, trauma, violence and mental health for the population accessing the Safer Use Program through a combination of lived experience, work experience and/or education and training
  • Knowledge of substances, problematic substance use, supporting safer consumption and evidence informed practices
  • Harm reductionrelated and peer support experience, education or training is an asset

Job Specific Knowledge/Skills:

  • Sensitivity to and knowledge of issues relating to and impacting on all genders and all marginalized populations
  • Strong understanding of interpersonal skills and the ability to engage in meaningful conversations to develop rapport with individuals who use drugs using a strengthbased approach
  • Knowledge of and training in substance use including associated health risks
  • Demonstrated capacity for accurate and efficient documentation and computer data entry
  • Willingness to learn and be adaptable as the program develops and evolves
  • Demonstrated ability to calmly problemsolve in a fastpaced, sometimes stressful environment
  • Must be able to provide a current Vulnerable Sector check at own cost
  • Good communication skills and strong listening skills
  • Ability to work independently, as well as collaboratively with an interdisciplinary team;
  • Knowledge of community services, resources, and strong advocacy skills is considered an asset
  • Commitment to ongoing professional development and training

Critical Skills:

  • Commitment to understand and uphold the mission and values of House of Friendship is expected
  • Exemplary emotional intelligence, resilience, communication, conflict management and problem solving skills required
  • Abili

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