Casual RAD Support Specialist

4 weeks ago

Comox Valley, Canada AVI Health and Community Services Full time

AVI Health & Community Services (AVI) is a comprehensive community-oriented organization dedicated to providing services related to HIV, hepatitis C, and harm reduction across multiple locations. AVI serves a diverse population, ensuring equitable access to essential services while fostering a supportive environment for over 500 individuals living with HIV and hepatitis C, along with more than 3000 harm reduction clients. Our mission is grounded in social justice and health promotion, focusing on evidence-based strategies to prevent infection, offer support, and combat stigma for affected communities. We prioritize building meaningful connections among clients, staff, peers, organizations, and communities.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW:

The Regulated Access to Drugs (RAD) initiative is a dynamic, community-driven harm reduction program that provides safer, pharmaceutical alternatives to the hazardous drug supply. This program complements AVI's existing services, including the Positive Wellness Program, health promotion education, youth advocacy, and drop-in harm reduction services. Our operations respect the traditional territory of the K'ómoks peoples.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the guidance of the Program Manager or their delegate, the RAD Support Worker will leverage their personal experience with substance use to foster relationships with program participants and facilitate the delivery of participant-led safer supply services. The role involves practicing harm reduction, assisting with post-consumption monitoring, and responding to overdose situations using naloxone and rescue breathing techniques when necessary. The RAD Support Worker plays a crucial role in maintaining a safe and respectful atmosphere at the program site and acts as a representative of AVI within the community.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

  1. Collaborate with the RAD team to identify potential participants, provide information about accessing pharmaceutical alternatives, and assist with program assessments and intakes.
  2. Engage regularly with program participants to offer peer support through active listening and a non-judgmental approach, along with referrals to additional health and social services.
  3. Support post-dose monitoring for RAD participants, evaluate for overdose symptoms, and respond with naloxone and rescue breathing as required.
  4. Assess for overdose symptoms on-site and provide necessary interventions.
  5. Facilitate communication between participants, systems navigators, healthcare professionals, and others to ensure participants' voices are heard.
  6. Distribute harm reduction supplies, including safer drug use and safer sex materials, and provide education on overdose prevention and response.
  7. Assist participants and the RAD team in navigating administrative and financial processes related to pharmaceutical access.
  8. Develop safety plans for individuals at heightened risk of overdose.
  9. Ensure the safety of program spaces by adhering to violence prevention and critical incident protocols.
  10. Contribute to a positive and respectful environment and represent AVI in the community.
  11. Maintain confidential records in compliance with privacy regulations and participate in team documentation efforts.
  12. Engage in planning, evaluation, reporting, and program development as directed.
  13. Attend scheduled team and supervision meetings.
  14. Assist the Outreach Worker with client transport as needed, at the discretion of the Program Manager.
  15. Perform additional duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • At least two years of experience in harm reduction settings, with a preference for experience in safer supply programs.
  • Personal experience with substance use and related health and social challenges, including accessing harm reduction services.
  • First Aid certification and experience in responding to critical incidents and overdoses, including naloxone administration.
  • Current knowledge of local drug trends and the ability to relate to program participants as a peer.
  • Experience in direct service delivery within community social services, with knowledge of community-based programs and support services.
  • Willingness to learn and share information with peers in a non-judgmental manner.
  • Understanding of the role of individuals who use drugs in the development and evaluation of beneficial services.
  • Knowledge of confidentiality and boundaries.
  • Familiarity with harm reduction, safer drug use, OAT, safer sex, HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C, and mental health.
  • Commitment to honoring Indigenous communities and understanding the impacts of colonial violence.
  • Dedication to harm reduction principles and practices.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

  • Ability to collaborate effectively with various stakeholders, including coworkers, management, program participants, and community partners.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to initiate conversations and build respectful relationships.
  • Observational skills to monitor changes in participants' health and well-being.
  • Capacity to work in a dynamic environment while maintaining composure.
  • Proactive problem-solving skills in tense situations.
  • Physical capability to perform job duties and operate necessary equipment.
  • Willingness to work outdoors in various weather conditions.

POSITION DETAILS:

  • Compensation: Starting at $31.56/hour with incremental increases based on seniority.
  • Number of Positions: Multiple casual roles available.
  • Schedule: Casual hours available between 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, Monday to Sunday.
  • Location: Shifts available at various AVI locations.
  • Union: This position is part of a union environment under the BCGEU collective agreement.
  • Pension: Continuation of Municipal Pension Plan membership is available, with additional contributions from AVI.
  • Additional Benefits: Extra compensation in lieu of vacation and statutory holidays, resulting in a 10% higher effective hourly rate.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their resume and cover letter. This position remains open until filled, with applications reviewed on an ongoing basis.

AVI is committed to promoting equity and diversity, and we encourage applications from individuals who identify as Indigenous, persons of color, individuals living with disabilities, those with lived experience of substance use, sex work, and those living with HIV and/or hepatitis C.

Accommodation requests are welcomed for candidates participating in the selection process.

Internal staff will be prioritized in the hiring process.

We appreciate all applications; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

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