Program Worker

The **John Howard Society of Durham Region** has an exciting opportunity for you. If you have a passion to support people and the community with resources related to harm reduction, an appreciation for the not-for-profit sector and would like to work for the John Howard Society of Durham Region, we encourage you to apply.

**PROGRAM WORKER(s)**

**Division**: Community and Justice
**Work Status**: Casually scheduled (3 to 15 hours per week)
**Location**: Durham Region

**About the Role**:
The John Howard Society is a multi-service organization. Services at JHS Durham are funded through a variety of federal, provincial, and municipal governments. The **On Point** **Program Worker** works with program facilitators and other program workers to seek out, pick up, and safely dispose of publicly discarded substance use equipment and paraphernalia within identified areas of the community.

**This program REQUIRES that you have LIVED EXPERIENCE with **housing instability substance use, and/or mental health challenges. Lived experience means have first-hand experience.**

**You’ll be working on things like**:
**Program Support**
- Interact professionally with the public and individuals experiencing homelessness, mental illness, and addiction challenges
- Work cooperatively with others and represent oneself and the program professionally in the community
- Communicate ongoing and clearly with facilitator and team, attend and contribute to staff meetings and program improvement
- Be willing to provide personal information that is reported anonymously to the program and program funder as per program outcome measures relating to housing, education, and employment

**Administrative**
- Document quantity and location of equipment found and other statistical information
- Keep accurate records and submit them appropriately, including keeping up to date and accurate time sheets.
- Maintain backpack supplies and other program supplies and equipment and report when they are missing or not in good working order.
- Contribute to the planning of pick-up routes
- Attend and participate in job training, goal setting.

**Client/Customer Service**
- Be friendly and helpful in public interactions
- Maintain a sensitive, non-judgmental framework through public interactions
- Clearly communicate program goals to the public when appropriate
- Provide sharps containers and disposal information to people who use substances

**Community Liaison**
- Representing the program and agency professionally in the community
- Attend training, events and meetings as requested/required

**If you have the following we want to hear from you**
- This program REQUIRES personal or first-hand lived experience with housing instability substance use, and/or mental health challenges
- Knowledge and understanding of harm reduction philosophies and practices.
- Strong ability to work and build trust with marginalized individuals including those who are street involved, actively using substances and who struggle with mental health issues.
- Ability to follow safety guidelines and instructions, including work in compliance with the Ontario Health & Safety Acts and Regulations
- Responsible to use personal protective equipment and clothing as directed by the employer,
- Ability to attend and participate in program meetings and trainings
- Non-judgmental, good people skills
- Must have Hepatitis B vaccinations
- Ability to understand and carry out instructions in written, verbal, or diagram form.

**Working Conditions**
- Exposure to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc
- Interacts with agency staff, visitors, and the general public
- Ongoing physical activity including walking and bending over in various outdoor places and spaces
- Be able to work safely, in rugged terrain and in all weather conditions where safe to do so conditions (exceptions: severe heat, severe cold, lightning - alternative programming or training will be provided on those days)
- Able to lift items as heavy as 25 lbs. and carry a backpack
- Use grabbers and other personal safety equipment effectively
- Responsible to report workplace hazards and dangers, responsible to work in a manner as required by the employer and use the prescribed safety equipment, responsible to report workplace injuries or illness
- Flexible hours as required.
- **COVID-19 protocols are in place, PPE is provided**:

- **COVID 19 Vaccination Policy**: The John Howard Society of Durham Region believes that immunization against COVID-19 is an individual and societal responsibility and that we must do everything possible to protect our clients, families, employees, students, volunteers, and contractors against the spread of COVID-19.

Status: Part Time/Contract

Duration: Continuous
Location: Durham Region (Oshawa & Bowmanville)

Reports to: Coordinator of Harm Reduction Services

Travel: Yes, as required (mileage reimbursement)

**Salary**: $18.36 per hour

Benefits: No

Union: Yes

Hours: Minimum 3 hours a week