Harm Reduction Worker

**Job Details**:

- ** Hours**: 35 hrs/wk.
- ** Range**: $40,032- $65,292
- ** Location**:655 Bloor St. West
- ** Position**: BU FT Contract (March 31/24)

**Summary**:
Native Child and Family Services of Toronto strives to provide a life of quality, well-being, caring and healing for our children and families in the Toronto Indigenous Community. We do this by creating a service model that is culture-based and respects the values of Native people, the extended family, and the right to self-determination and through the integration of holistic, culturally based prevention services that are child centered, family focused, and community driven.

**Primary Responsibilities**:
Under the direction of the Manager, Youth Services, Employment and Training, the Harm Reduction Worker is responsible for:

- Providing direct harm-reduction support including; safety planning, safer practices, supportive counseling, and transitional support to Indigenous youth, grounded in Indigenous worldviews of interconnection, respect and balanced wellbeing.
- Working with the Harm Reduction Coordinator to develop and facilitate harm reduction programs to youth residing in shelter and transitional housing, as well as the drop-in program at the Native Youth Resource Centre (may include shifts on the floor).
- Working as part of a circle to provide wrap-around supports to Indigenous youth.
- Supporting the Harm Reduction Coordinator in delivering training to agency staff and community partners.
- Working in a safe manner in accordance with the Society’s Health and Safety policies and procedures, and all relevant legislation.
- Other duties as assigned.

**Qualifications, Knowledge and Skills**:

- Strong understanding and practice of Indigenous approaches to wellbeing, including trauma informed land based practices and cultural knowledge.
- Connection to First Nation, Métis, Inuit communities.
- BSW or related degree with 3-5 years experience supporting individuals from a harm reduction lens OR a combination of education and direct experience working in harm reduction with First Nation, Métis and Inuit people.
- Lived experience with substance use and harm reduction is an asset.
- Ability to provide culturally grounded education, support and training to social service professionals and community members.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills; organizational skills; initiative and respect for confidentiality
- Professionalism, initiative and respect for confidentiality.
- Demonstrated understanding, and commitment to, integrating the Native Child and Family Services of Toronto Mission and values in to practice, service and relationships.
- Demonstrated understanding of workplace Health and Safety practices and understanding of an employee’s responsibility under current legislation.
- NCFST requires all employees, contractors, students, and volunteers to be fully vaccinated against COVID- 19, absent of a valid medical exemption or other reasonable consideration pursuant to the Human Rights Code of Ontario.

**To apply**, please provide:

- Cover letter outlining how you how meet the qualifications of the role.
- Current resume and include three work related references
- Proof of Vaccination. NCFST employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, absent of a valid medical exemption or other reasonable consideration pursuant to the Human Rights Code of Ontario.
- As a multi-service urban Aboriginal agency providing holistic, culture-based programs and services to Aboriginal children, and families, NCFST will give priority to applicants who identify as First Nations, Inuit, Metis, and those with close affiliations.
- NCFST is committed to providing a barrier-free work environment in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and the Ontario Human Rights Code. As such, NCFST will make accommodations available to applicants with disabilities upon request during the recruitment process.