Harm Reduction Worker

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

*** This is a permanent, part-time (15 hours per week) position; offering personal days, vacation pay, group health benefits and defined contribution pension plan.**

**Schedule to be every Saturday Sunday, from 8am to 4pm.**

**Successful completion of Police Records Check (Vulnerable Sector) will be required**

**pre-employment.**

**Key Responsibilities**:

- Greets and engages participants, orients participants to the service and space and completes brief intake and review of service user agreements
- Maintains a hygienic, organized, comfortable and respectful environment in the Safer Use Space
- Supervises consumption and responds appropriately 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
- Work as part of a team by attending the team meetings, trainings, and regular supervision meetings
- Maintain professional boundaries with participants
- Meet commitments i.e. adhering to work schedule, program and client needs
- Collecting statistics, data entry, and writing short reports
- Collects and documents all information relevant to the Safer Use Program (SUP) agreement with Health Canada and participates in an ongoing evaluation and review of the space
- Works within general rules, procedures and standards, referring issues or problems to supervisor
- Maintains high level of confidentiality when working with sensitive and personal client, employee and contract information
- Tracking and recording of supplies distributed and collected
- Assisting with stocking, organizing harm reduction inventory, risk reduction and other relevant program supplies
- Providing clients with support, information and referrals to harm reduction, overdose prevention, health, community, and drug treatment services (as appropriate) within and outside House of Friendship
- Support participants to follow established health protocols at the site
- Stay informed of and comply with processes and policies related to the site, as well as current health risks to the population using the site
- 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 wrap-around support

**Job Specific Knowledge/Skills**:

- Demonstrated skill in building and maintaining productive relationships
- Knowledge of and training in substance use and associated health risks
- Knowledge of local community agencies and resources is an asset
- Demonstrated capacity for accurate documentation, collaboration with an interdisciplinary team and strong oral, written and listening skills
- Willingness to learn and be adaptable as the program develops and evolves
- Demonstrated ability to problem-solve in a fast-paced, sometimes stressful environment
- Knowledge of community services, resources, and strong advocacy skills is considered an asset
- 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 in a team
- Ability to accept feedback, take initiative, and work independently in a culturally diverse environment
- Basic computer skills

**Education/Experience**:

- Two-year post-secondary education in a related field of study (i.e. social services, social work, addictions, mental health, community development etc.)
- Knowledge and understanding of the complexities of drug use, homelessness, violence and mental health - through a combination of lived experience, work experience and/or education and training
- Harm reduction-related and peer support volunteer or paid experience, education, or training is an asset
- Knowledge of substances, problematic substance use, and evidence informed practices
- Knowledge of supporting safer consumption

**Critical Skills**:

- Commitment to u