Harm Reduction Outreach Worker

**The Position**

The Harm Reduction Worker, under the direction of the STC Health Centre Manger, is primarily responsible for engaging, educating, supporting and referring at-risk, marginalized and vulnerable individuals to internal and external supportive services in a person-centered approach that is grounded in harm reduction and trauma-informed practice. As part of a multi-disciplinary team, the Harm Reduction Worker will support individuals to remain engaged in addressing their own health and wellbeing through connection to a continuum of care. The Harm Reduction Worker will also support the prevention of infectious diseases through distribution of harm reduction supplies.

**Responsibilities**
- Engage with and support individuals accessing services utilizing a variety of outreach and educational approaches;
- Uses active listening and crisis response skills to help meet immediate, basic needs and make appropriate referrals to other internal and external supportive services;
- Provide harm reduction and overdose prevention supplies and engage individuals who use drugs into respectful conversations about safer drug use, safer sex, overdose prevention and reduction of other harms associated with drug use;
- Provide education on safer drug use, safer sex, HIV, hepatitis C, syphilis and other STIs;
- Provide outreach-based supports in the community including accompaniment to appointments;
- Deliver presentations and workshops with a focus on promotion/prevention and harm reduction education;
- Establishes and maintains knowledge of all community resources;
- Provide information and help navigate supports and services available to individuals within the community;
- Works collaboratively with community partners to reduce barriers and develop collaborative approaches;
- Maintain high level of confidentiality standards;
- Act as an advocate on behalf of clients;
- Maintain accurate records and documentation in accordance with evaluation and funding agreement standards and best practice standards;
- Advise, refer or provide clients with linkages to cultural supports as appropriate and respectful of individual requests;
- Demonstrate behaviours and attitude that align with STC strategic priorities and values as a place that is judgement free, accepting, compassionate and empathetic regardless of race, nationality, or economic standing;
- Assist team members with program development and evaluation;
- Collect project data and complete program reports as required;
- Attend and participate in project staff meetings;
- Participate in STC Accreditation and maintain best practices and quality improvement;
- Adhere to STC policies and procedures;
- Perform other related duties as defined and assigned on an as and when required basis.

**Education and Experience**
- Certificate, diploma or post-secondary education, such as: social work, social science, nursing or addictions;
- Two (2) years of related experience in an outreach capacity;
- Experience working effectively with culturally, economically and socially diverse clients;
- Experience working with individuals living with mental health challenges and substance use disorders;

**Knowledge Skills and Abilities**
- Ability to provide compassionate, respectful, non-judgmental and culturally competent care to the vulnerable population;
- Ability to successfully connect with vulnerable populations;
- Understanding of harm reduction strategies and trauma informed care;;
- Understanding of the determinants of health;
- Ability to work independently with demonstrated organizational and time management skills;
- Ability to demonstrate appropriate communication during difficult, high stress and/or emotional situations;
- Sensitivity towards cultural differences with particular emphasis on First Nations and Metis People.
- Knowledge of Indigenous traditions and culture.
- Ability to communicate and effectively interact with clients with empathy and compassion.
- Knowledgeable with resources within the community;
- Ability to deal with disruptive behaviour and manage crises;
- Ability to plan and organize assigned duties;
- Ability to establish positive working relationships with a multi-disciplinary team, clients and service providers;
- Knowledge of common health-related needs including substance use, mental health, and HIV/AIDS experienced by homeless/at-risk individuals;
- Ability to work independently and as a member of an interdisciplinary team;
- Highly self-motivated, energetic, organized, and detail oriented with an attitude for continuous improvement;
- Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing;
- Adaptable with strong interpersonal skills that allow one to work effectively in a diverse environment;
- Knowledge of the political, social and economic objectives of the Saskatoon Tribal Council and of the Dakota, Cree, and Saulteaux cultures will be considered an asset.

**Other Conditions**
- Must possess a valid Saskatchewan driver’s license, a