Needle Exchange Outreach Worker

Job Title Needle Exchange Outreach Worker

Department Harm Reduction

Location Oshawa and surrounding areas in Durham Region

Posting Start Date November 8, 2023

Posting End Date November 22, 2023 at 4pm

Employment Group CUPE 2938.13, Full time fixed term to May 15, 2024

Salary Grid Rate $22.66 to $22.81 per hour

Standard Weekly Hours of Work 35

Shift Work Required Yes - days/afternoons/evenings/weekends

Work Environment Combination of office, community and outdoors

Additional Benefits Accident Coverage

**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 providing non-judgmental and culturally safe support to individuals who use substances, focusing on harm reduction. Here's a summary of the role's responsibilities:
**Role Overview**:

- Provide access to sterile injection and inhalation equipment, Naloxone, client support, education, and referrals.
- Implement a community survey as part of funding requirements.

**Program Principles**:

- Non-judgmental and culturally safe approach.
- Valuing human rights, dignity, choice, and self-determination.
- Addressing specific risks, including HCV, HIV, overdose, and substance-related harms.
- Embracing a harm reduction strategy that offers a range of interventions without requiring abstinence.

This role is essential in ensuring the well-being of individuals at risk and promoting harm reduction practices in a supportive and non-coercive environment.

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

**_
Responsibilities_**

**Client/Customer Service**:

- Actively engage the priority population to establish trust and rapport for service provision.
- Facilitate exchanges, offering nonjudgmental access to sterile equipment/supplies and proper disposal of used items.
- Provide Naloxone training.
- Counsel and educate at-risk individuals in Harm Reduction techniques.
- Offer referrals as requested.
- Follow Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care best practices guidelines to ensure service quality.

**Case Management/Documentation**:

- Maintain accurate statistical data related to the program.
- Organize and manage filing systems, databases, and records.
- Meet all required deadlines for reporting and documentation.

**Community Liaison**:

- Assist with program promotion to reach the target population.
- Develop connections with relevant services and organizations to reduce barriers for access and referral.
- Provide education and information about Hepatitis C, HIV/AIDS, and STIs, encouraging testing and treatment.
- Attend training, workshops, or meetings as directed by the funder or deemed appropriate to the role.
- Disseminate information about agency programs and services to staff and clients.

This position plays a vital role in providing essential services and support to individuals involved in harm reduction efforts while maintaining accurate documentation and fostering connections with the community and relevant organizations.

**_
Requirements_**
- Minimum of a College diploma in a related field (e.g., Addictions and Mental Health, Social Service Worker).
- Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening required.
- Willingness to receive Hepatitis B vaccinations.
- Strong understanding of harm reduction philosophy in relation to substance use.
- Experience working with marginalized and diverse populations.
- Non-judgmental attitude, strong problem-solving skills, and excellent communication.
- Flexibility in terms of schedule, days, and hours.
- Ability to write professional correspondence and basic mathematical skills.
- Capacity to comprehend and execute instructions.
- Adaptability to changing work demands.
- Excellent telephone manners and strong interpersonal skills.

**Lived Experience**:
**_Work Conditions_**
- May be exposed to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc.
- Works outside in all weather (modified work for severe weather) and various terrain (as is reasonable)
- Interacts with the public, clients, staff, visitors, and staff from other organizations.
- Ongoing physical activity including walking, standing, sitting, lifting.
- Able to lift items as heavy as 35 lbs.
- Manual dexterity required to use desktop computer and peripherals.
- Flexible hours as required.

**Application Instructions**: