Overdose Prevention Site Advanced Care Paramedic

The OPS is a low barrier service that allows staff to interact and build relationships with clients living with multiple vulnerabilities. This unique opportunity involves assisting clients with wound care, substance use education, COVID-19 screening, testing and assessment, COVID-19 immunizations, vein care, overdose response, and education and referrals to a variety of recovery orientated services with the understanding that recovery is based on the individuals definition of recovery.

Turning Point is a progressive, non-profit organization actively engaged in changing the conversation surrounding drug use, people who use drugs, homelessness, HIV and vulnerable populations. As a team member, you will gain knowledge in the following areas: HIV, hepatitis C and other sexually transmitted infections; Naloxone; Overdose Prevention Site/ Supervised Consumption Services; sex-trade and survival sex; substance use; homelessness; LBGTQ supports; comprehensive sexual health; harm reduction supply distribution; supportive housing; and community support networks. You will also be part of a supportive team that encourages personal and professional growth.

**Key Responsibilities**

Providing substance consumption related education (vein care, overdose prevention)

Monitoring of participants actively consuming substances

Vital sign assessments and interventions

Adverse event management (Naloxone administration, oxygen, OPA/NPA insertion, CPR)

Ensure all operations within the OPS comply with requirements set by Alberta Health

Maintaining records and documentation

Provide basic wound assessment and treatment

Complete referrals

COVID-19 testing

COVID-19 immunizations

Supervise and delegate tasks to the Harm Reduction Worker

**Education**:

- Complete of accredited Advanced Care Paramedic OR Primary Care Paramedic program
- Criminal record with vulnerable sector check required
- _______________________________________

**Qualifications**:

- Experience working with diverse marginalized populations
- Experience in addictions and/or emergency services and medical experience.
- Ability to work independently and supervise others
- Knowledge of harm reduction and its principles
- STBBI education, prevention and treatment knowledge
- Knowledge of addiction and mental health
- Ability to respond effectively in emergency situations
- Strong sense of ethics and the ability to handle sensitive or private information with tact and discretion
- Active registration with Alberta College of Paramedics (ACP) as an Advanced Care Paramedic.
- Current Basic Cardiac Life Support - Healthcare Provider (BCLS-HCP).
- Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector

**Additional Required Qualifications**:
Have a working knowledge of Physical and Mental Status Assessments are required. Interact effectively with diverse populations including gender, cultural, sexual and socio-economic, particularly the homeless and people who use drugs. Be self-directed and exercise independent decision making, sound nursing judgment and critical thinking skills to respond quickly and appropriately to the changing priorities. Exhibit excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively maintain collaborative working relationships with the interdisciplinary team. Exhibit strong time management and prioritization skills, with a demonstrated ability to function effectively within a dynamic environment. Create innovative solutions for complex and diverse issues. Be proficient and knowledgeable with Microsoft Office programs and data management programs.

**Preferred Qualifications**:
Two to five years of experience. Knowledge and understanding of blood borne pathogens and sexually transmitted infections. Knowledge and experience utilizing the principles and practice of harm reduction, including prevention, recognition and response to opioid overdose. Experience working with diverse populations. Knowledge of indigenous populations will be considered an asset.

**Job Types**: Full-time, Part-time

**Salary**: $34.76-$44.77 per hour

**Benefits**:

- Dental care
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Vision care

Schedule:

- 8 hour shift

Supplemental pay types:

- Overtime pay

Work Location: One location