Needle Exchange Outreach Worker

Job Title Needle Exchange Outreach Worker

Department Harm Reduction/Adult Services

Location Oshawa and surrounding Durham Region

Posting Start Date November 17, 2023

Posting End Date December 17, 2023

Employment Group CUPE 2936.13

Salary Grid Rate $21.73 per hour

Standard Weekly Hours of Work On call, casually scheduled

Shift Work Required Yes - evenings (6pm-11pm)

Work Environment Combination of in office, community and outdoors

Additional Benefits Accident, Mileage

**John Howard Society of Durham Region Mission Statement**:

- To reduce the impact of crime and its causes by providing a spectrum of effective prevention and intervention programs._

**_
Position Summary:_**

The Project X-Change Program is committed to engaging people who use substances in a non-judgmental, culturally safe, and non-coercive manner. It prioritizes human rights, dignity, choice, and self-determination while addressing specific risks, including HCV, HIV, overdose, and substance-related harms. This program aims to provide essential support and resources for individuals who use substances while respecting their autonomy and promoting safer practices.

Key program features include:

- **Harm Reduction Approach**: Recognizing the need for diverse interventions without mandating cessation or abstinence from substance use.
- **Resource Provision**: Offering access to sterile injection and inhalation equipment, Naloxone and training, client support, education, and referrals to relevant resources and healthcare providers.
- **Location**: The program operates in the Durham Region, and staff may be required to work at various John Howard Society site locations.

**_ Key Relationships:_**
- Harm Reduction Coordinator, JHS Durham management team, agency employees, service seekers, and other community agencies and stakeholders._

**_
Responsibilities_**

The role within the Project X-Change Program encompasses a wide range of responsibilities aimed at supporting at-risk individuals and promoting harm reduction. This role is instrumental in promoting harm reduction and supporting individuals in making safer choices regarding their substance use and health.

Summary of the key duties:

- **Quality Service**: Follow program best practices and confidentiality policies to ensure the quality of service.
- **Program Support**: Provide support services to at-risk individuals, actively engaging with them in a non-judgmental manner.
- **Program Promotion**: Assist with program promotion to reach and engage the target population effectively and educate community.
- **Outreach**: Actively seek at-risk individuals, build trust, and encourage practices that promote positive health outcomes.
- **Collaboration**: Collaborate with other community services to reduce stigma and remove barriers to accessing those services.
- **Equipment Access**: Facilitate access to sterile equipment and supplies and promote safe disposal of used items.
- **Naloxone Training**: Facilitate Naloxone training and distribution to address overdose risks.
- **Data Management**: Maintain accurate statistical data related to the program and ensure the completion of necessary forms and reports.
- **Referrals**: Provide referrals to appropriate resources as needed and requested by clients.
- **Appointment Assistance**: Help clients schedule and arrange appointments.
- **Professional Development**: Attend workshops, seminars, or meetings as planned with or directed by the funder or the Harm Reduction Program Coordinator.
- **Information Sharing**: Disseminate information about agency programs and services to staff and clients.

This position involves diligent record-keeping and reporting, ensuring that all documentation meets program requirements and funding standards. This meticulous attention to documentation and reporting is crucial for the program's effectiveness and compliance with funding standards.

Key responsibilities:

- **Statistical Documentation**: Keep accurate statistical records in line with program requirements.
- **Deadlines**: Meet all required deadlines for reporting and documentation.
- **System Development**: Continuously work on the development of new systems and record-keeping methods to ensure that funding requirements are consistently met, and all documentation remains complete, accurate, and accountable.

**Requirements**:
The role has specific requirements and qualifications to ensure the effective execution of responsibilities within the Harm Reduction Program. These qualifications and requirements are crucial for the effective functioning of the role within the program, ensuring that the individual can provide quality support and services to at-risk individuals in a professional and caring manner.

**Education and Experience**:

- Previous experience utilizing a harm reduction model in addictions counselling, social service work, and/or healthcare is required.

**Personal Attributes**:

- Non-judgmental and flexible in working with diverse client