Counsellor Harm Reduction

**Job ID**: 56019

**Job Category**:Community & Social Services

**Division & Section**:Toronto Shelter & Support Services, Homelessness Init & Prevention Svcs

**Work Location**:SS&HA - SEATON HOUSE, 339 George Street

**Job Type & Duration**:Part-time, Temporary

**Hourly Rate and Wage Grade**: $41.33 - $45.26 (2024 Wage)

**Affiliation**: L79 Unit B PT

**Number of Positions Open**: 5

**Posting Period**: 29-Apr-2025 to 13-May-2025

**Location and Shift Information**: Please note this position is on an as required basis. Must be available to work all shifts (days, afternoons & overnight shifts) four (4) separate days a week, of which two (2) days must include Saturdays & Sundays. Work schedules are posted six (6) weeks in advance, and hours of work will be determined based on operational needs, including call-in shift coverage.

**Major Responsibilities**:
- Provides mobile harm reduction service delivery and intensive case management at various locations such as shelters, streets, parks, encampments, drop-ins and public spaces
- Assesses client knowledge of best practices for safer drug use and provides education regarding proper drug use technique to facilitate best possible health outcomes for each client.
- Counsels and educates clients regarding overdose prevention and management, including the use and administration of naloxone where appropriate and safety planning.
- Distributes harm reduction supplies and provides/administers naloxone to clients where appropriate.
- Counsels clients regarding various needs/issues such as but not limited to: mental health crisis/trauma, sexual abuse/assault, life skills, sexuality, birth control, abortion, pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, grief, HIV/AIDS prevention, suicide prevention.
- Monitors clients for signs and symptoms of overdose and initiates emergency response protocol as per emergency response policy and procedure.
- CPR/First Aid, O2 Administration and other life saving interventions.
- Assesses clients for drug use related complications including but not limited to skin infection and abscess and provides referral(s) as appropriate.
- Initiates referrals to supports such as opioid substitution therapy as appropriate.
- Assists client to identify needs and supports clients to develop and achieve health goals.
- Provides immediate care in crisis situations. Accompanies and transports clients requiring emergency medical and/or psychiatric assessment to medical and withdrawal management centres. Provides patient/client history to the attending physician; facilitates entry to withdrawal management centres. Advocates for client to receive specialized services in presence of crisis or high acuity situation among team and within community.
- Oversees flow and number of clients at sites and de-escalates conflict.
- Provides counselling for HIV, syphilis, Hepatitis B/C.
- Advocates for client to receive specialized services in presence of crisis or high acuity situation among team and within community.
- Works collaboratively with the client and health care professionals and community stakeholders to identify and resolve health issues and facilitate integration of care.
- Assesses need for and makes referrals to a variety of community resources.
- Maintains client records and necessary documentation according to the policies and procedures of the Division.
- Conducts infection control tasks in accordance with related policies and procedures.
- Supports the organization and execution of workshops, training, community capacity building, and presentations for clients and broader community related to the harm reduction and health and wellbeing. Represents the division on assigned networks and committees. Presents and participates in professional conferences and workshops.
- Participates in developmental and mandatory training, team meetings, inter-disciplinary community case conferences and team. Mentors, and provides orientation and training to new staff, community professionals, students, and peers.
- Maintains standards of practice and develops professional competence through in-service and other educational means.
- Informs the development of program policies and procedures.
- Supports the implementation and evaluation of various Quality Assurance and Quality Improvement initiatives/processes to ensure effective delivery, continuous improvement, and enhancement of services.

**Key Qualifications**:
- Considerable experience in the provision of harm reduction, drug treatment/addiction counselling, drug use counselling, case management, opioid substitution/and or safer supply, social, health, housing, and HIV/AIDS related services.
- Considerable experience managing crises, conflict, and trauma.
- Experience working from an anti-oppression framework including empowering engagement with people with lived experience, Indigenous Peoples, people of diverse ethno-racial backgrounds, 2SLGBTQ+ communities.
- Experience with positive community engagement and cap