Needle Exchange Outreach Worker

Job Title Needle Exchange Outreach Worker - Casual

Department Harm Reduction/Adult Services

Location Oshawa and surrounding Durham Region

Posting Start Date September 6, 2024

Posting End Date September 20, 2024, at 4:00pm

Employment Group CUPE 2936.13

Salary Grid Rate $22.22 per hour

Standard Weekly Hours of Work On call, casually scheduled

Shift Work Required Yes - evenings (6pm-11pm)

Work Environment Combination of in office, community and outdoors

Additional Benefits Accident, Mileage

**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 engaging people who use substances in a non-judgmental, culturally safe, and non-intimidating manner. It prioritizes human rights, dignity, choice, and self-determination while addressing specific risks, including HCV, HIV, overdose, and substance-related harms. This program aims to provide essential support and resources for individuals who use substances while respecting their choices and promoting safer practices.

Key program features include:

- **_Harm Reduction Approach: _**Recognizing the need for diverse interventions without mandating cessation or abstinence from substance use.
- **_Resource Provision: _**Offering access to sterile injection and inhalation equipment, Naloxone and training, client support, education, and referrals to relevant resources and healthcare providers.
- **_Location: _**The program operates in the Durham Region, and staff may be required to work at various John Howard Society site locations.

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

**Responsibilities**:
The role within the Project X-Change Program focuses on supporting at-risk individuals and advancing harm reduction efforts. Responsibilities include delivering high-quality, non-judgmental support, conducting outreach, promoting healthy behaviors, and collaborating with community services to reduce stigma. Key duties also involve facilitating access to sterile supplies, providing education on safer practices and harm reduction, offering Naloxone training, and maintaining accurate program data. The position requires diligent record-keeping and reporting to ensure compliance with program and funding standards, including meeting deadlines and developing effective documentation systems.

**Requirements**:
The role has specific requirements and qualifications to ensure the effective execution of responsibilities within the Harm Reduction Program. These qualifications and requirements are crucial for the effective functioning of the role within the program, ensuring that the individual can provide quality support and services to at-risk individuals in a professional and caring manner.

**_ Education and Experience:_**
- Previous experience utilizing a harm reduction model in addictions counselling, social service work, and/or healthcare is required.

**_Personal Attributes:_**
- Non-judgmental and flexible in working with diverse clientele.
- Solid knowledge of community and healthcare services in the Durham Region.
- Strong desire and interest in working with individuals at risk in various aspects of daily living.

**_Technical Skills:_**
- Proficiency in using Windows NT/WAN operating systems.
- Competence in using the Internet, Outlook, and Microsoft Office products, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

**_Licenses and Insurance:_**
- A valid G driver's license.
- Access to a personal vehicle with a minimum of $2,000,000 liability insurance.

**_Health Requirements:_**
- Must have Hepatitis B vaccinations.

**_Communication and Organizational Skills:_**
- Ability to write simple correspondence, memos, letters, etc.
- Basic mathematical skills.
- The ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
- Adaptability to meet changing work needs and demands.
- Proficiency in maintaining filing systems, basic databases, and records.
- Superior telephone manners and strong interpersonal skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

**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**: