Positive Wellness Program Support Worker

**AVI Health & Community Services (AVI)** is a multi-disciplinary community-based organization, providing HIV, hepatitis C and harm reduction services out of 5 locations across Vancouver Island. AVI provides services to people living with HIV and hepatitis C and harm reduction clients. We work within a social justice and health promotion framework - ensuring equity and access to services for all - and from a harm reduction perspective, understanding that clients are the best sources of knowledge regarding the services and supports they need.

Join our supportive, dedicated and client-centred team in promoting the health, dignity and well-being of all people affected by HIV, HCV and substance use by delivering sex-positive and harm reduction-based education, prevention and/or support services.

**JOB SUMMARY**:
The Positive Wellness Program Support Worker is responsible for the provision and delivery of direct services to persons living with HIV and/or Hepatitis C. Under the supervision of the manager, staff will use a harm reduction model to give care to a wide variety of service users at the office and in the community.

**KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES**:

- Actively engages with individuals who are living with, or at risk for, HIV/Hepatitis C, using a collaborative, person-centered approach grounded in harm reduction.
- Advocate on behalf of clients with various Ministries and agencies to ensure clients receive maximum information and support.
- Work with clients on issues such as housing, medical, legal and other support agencies.
- Bi-monthly group facilitation for identified priority populations.
- Attend appointments with service users in the community.
- Distribute harm reduction supplies and provides education and support regarding safer substance use and safer sex.
- Conduct individual or group education sessions, and compiles educational materials to meet clients’ needs, as required.
- Provide onsite supervision and support to service users
- Work in collaboration with partner agencies to provide a continuum of services, including Positive Wellness Service providers.
- Provide support and referral to people who have survived overdose(s) including Opiate Agonist Treatment (OAT) and other resources.
- Participate in the regional STOP HIV Collaborative and other HIV/Hepatitis C community initiatives.
- Engage in planning, evaluation, and program development as directed.
- Maintain both paper and electronic confidential client files.
- Perform other duties as assigned.

**QUALIFICATIONS**:

- University degree in health or social services (Social Work, Psychology, Mental Health Support Worker, etc.), or equivalent combination of education and experience
- Proof of Vaccination Status, as required by the Provincial Health Order for Hospital and Community Health Care Services staff
- A minimum of two years’ relevant work experience
- Valid Class 5 BC Driver’s License and access to vehicle to drive clients.
- Able to respectfully engage and support Indigenous relationships, with a trauma informed and decolonial lens
- Demonstrated skills, experience, and knowledge in the areas of harm reduction principles and practices.
- Demonstrated ability to establish rapport, provide support and advocate for a diverse range of clientele including individuals who are actively using substances and living with significant health challenges.
- Direct service delivery and advocacy experience with community-based and provincial support services and systems (financial aid, housing, healthcare, justice system, etc.)
- Demonstrated empathic observer invested in respectful relationship-building.
- Demonstrated skills, experience, and knowledge in the areas of harm reduction/health promotion practices, safer using practices, HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C, poverty issues, mental health concerns and substance use.
- Demonstrated knowledge of social justice, health promotion and public health approaches and models of social support and health care
- Understanding of the impact on individual health and well-being, as well as the considerations for service delivery related to systemic barriers associated with poverty, mental health, substance use, trauma, racism, ongoing colonialism, heterosexism, and gender discrimination.
- Experience managing hostile interactions, utilizing non-violent communication and using trauma informed practice.
- Demonstrated experience planning, and developing workshops.
- Strong public speaking and group facilitation skills.
- Demonstrated time management and personal organization skills to effectively support a high volume of client work.

**SKILLS AND ABILITIES**:

- Commitment to honor local indigenous communities and a dedication to lessening the ongoing impacts of colonial violence.
- Committed to social justice, equity, anti-racism and decolonization.
- Ability to carry out physical duties of position.
- Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills, and demonstrated commitmen