Rad Support Worker- Casual

Regulated Access to Drugs (RAD) is a flexible, community based, harm reduction program that provides safer, pharmaceutical alternatives to the currently toxic drug supply. This program operates in conjunction with AVI's existing programs and services, including the Positive Wellness Program for people living with or at risk of HIV/hepatitis C, health promotion education, youth advocacy and outreach, and drop-in harm reduction services. Our services are delivered on the traditional territory of the K'ómoks peoples.

**JOB SUMMARY**:
**DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES**:
1. Work collaboratively with the RAD team to identify potential program participants, provide information regarding access to pharmaceutical alternatives to street drugs, and assist with assessments and intakes for the program.

2. Connect regularly with program participants to offer peer support through active listening skills and a non-judgmental attitude, as well as referrals to other health and social services.

3. Assist with post-dose monitoring for RAD program participants, assess for overdose symptoms and respond with rescue breathing and naloxone when necessary.

4. As needed, assess for overdose symptoms, and respond with rescue breathing and naloxone for service users on-site.

5. Liaise between participants, systems navigators, nurses, and physicians to support participants to be heard and assist with keeping communication open and accessible.

7. Work with participants and the RAD team to navigate administrative and financial requirements for access to pharmaceuticals according to care plan.

8. Identify and develop safety plans with people who are using substances who are at increased risk of overdose.

9. Maintain the safety of all program spaces by following protocols related to violence prevention and critical incidents.

10. Contribute to a positive, respectful environment at the program space and act as an AVI ambassador in the community.

11. Maintain confidential records in accordance with privacy requirements and participate in team charting to assure comprehensive documentation.

12. Engage in planning, evaluation, reporting, and program development as directed.

13. Attend regularly scheduled team meetings and individual supervision meetings.

14. With the discretion of the Program Manager or designate, the RAD Support Worker may be asked to assist the Outreach Worker with client transport.

15. Perform other duties as assigned.

**QUALIFICATIONS**:

- Minimum two years' experience working within harm reduction settings. Experience working with safer supply programs preferred.
- Have lived/living experience with drug use and related health and social barriers. Have personal experience accessing harm reduction services for safer drug use support and/or accessed other services designed to meet the needs of people who use substances.
- First Aid training and experience responding to critical incidents and overdose, including administration of naloxone.
- Have a current knowledge of the local drug trends and can relate as a peer with program participants.
- Direct service delivery experience in the community social services sector with a demonstrated working knowledge of community-based programs and related provincial and community support services systems.
- Interest in learning and eager to share information with peers with a non-judgmental attitude.
- Demonstrated understanding of the importance and role of people who use drugs in the development, delivery, and evaluation of services intended to benefit them.
- Working understanding of the importance of confidentiality and boundaries.
- Commitment to honor Indigenous communities and ways of knowing, and approach learning about the ongoing impacts of colonial violence with humility.
- Demonstrated understanding and commitment to harm reduction principles and practices.

**SKILLS AND ABILITIES**:

- Ability to work in cooperation with a variety of stakeholders, including coworkers, management, program participants, and community partners.
- Ability to communicate clearly and with respect, both verbally and in writing.
- Ability to approach and initiate conversations with others and build respectful rapport.
- Ability to observe for changes in health and well-being in program participants.
- Ability to work in a complex and dynamic work environment while keeping a ‘cool head'.
- Ability and willingness to engage in proactive problem solving when tense situations arise.
- Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position and operate related equipment.
- Ability to work outdoors during all types of weather in all seasons.

**POSITION DETAILS**:

- Pay: $31.56/hour to start with stepped increases based on your seniority with AVI. (Pay for this role is based on the BCGEU paygrid 34)
- Number of Positions: There are multiple casual positions to be filled.
- Hours and Schedule: Casual as needed with hours of work between 9:00am - 5:00pm Monday to Sunday
- Location: Casual s