Peer Worker

**About Sanguen Health Centre**

Sanguen Health Centre exists to improve individual and community well-being by providing health and social care for people who face barriers to accessing traditional supports. This includes people living with Hep C, people who use drugs, those experiencing homelessness and equity deserving communities.

Our mission is to meet the needs of those in Waterloo Region and Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph living with or at risk of Hepatitis C through the provision of education, outreach, support, and comprehensive, expert medical care.

Our vision is to create a future where everyone in our community is empowered, accepted, and cared for in the way they need to thrive.

**Position Summary**

Sanguen Health Centre, in collaboration with Traverse Independence, has opened a Drop In Space and Clinical Hub for people who use drugs at 130 Victoria Street South (Bramm Street entrance).

We’re looking to add some new folx to complement our existing team Shifts will help cover our Drop In schedule (Monday, Tuesday, Friday: 1-8 pm; Saturday & Sunday: 1-4 pm), including time to open and close the space. Typically, weekday shifts run between the hours of 12:30-8:30 pm and weekend shifts run 12:30-4:30 pm. As funding grows, the plan is to grow the schedule to 9 am - 9pm, 7 days per week.Please note: there is no set schedule, as these hours are depending on coverage needs; some weeks there may be multiple shifts, and others they may be none.

The Drop In space will provide:

- Welcoming and stigma free space for those who use drugs
- Access to basic needs items such as washroom; space to sit and chill; snacks; some clothing and seasonal items
- Drug Checking Program
- Needle Syringe Program (NSP) and staff trained in Harm Reduction techniques
- Social Support and Health System navigation
- Peer activities such as Needle Supply Kit making groups (run by Sanguen community engagement staff)

The Drop In space will provide:

- Space for drug consumption (policies will support - no drug use, trading, selling)
- Meals

Staff in the Drop In space at all times will include:

- Harm Reduction Workers
- Harm Reduction Peers
- Other rotating staff to ensure there are 3 staff in the space at all times (including Harm Reduction Manager, Community Engagement staff, Nurse)

The Role of the Harm Reduction Peer is to:

- Create a welcoming, stigma free space including snacks; interaction with clients; respect for clients current needs
- Connect people to the services and resources they need
- Share information on Harm Reduction practices including providing harm reduction supplies and information, including naloxone training.
- Support Sanguen policies to ensure a safe place for clients and staff

Peers will be supervised and supported by Violet Umanetz as the Manager, Harm Reduction. Peers may select goals around their own health and well-being, and access to the services that Sanguen provides. Peers will also receive support from the Sanguen team for any selected goals around their own health and well-being.

All staff are expected to perform their role appropriately during shifts and be accountable to the team and our clients.
- **Personal live(d) experience with substance use, current or somewhat recent (**required)**:

- Understanding, and experience, with issues that may impact on people who use drugs (including mental health, lack of housing, poverty, trauma, etc.)
- The ability to be reliable and punctual
- Good communication skills with coworkers and community
- Knowledge of some community resources especially those useful to, and accessed by, people who use drugs
- The ability to work independently and within a multidisciplinary team
- The ability to work evenings and/or weekends as required, including on short notice
- Basic computer skills for data entry and client registration

**Compensation**

This is an hourly position that pays $25 per hour. Additional compensation and benefits may be available, depending on the working relationship.

**How to apply**:
**Note that your experience with substance use, overdose, and community involvement, are considered assets, and disclosures of these experiences are welcomed and held confidential.**
- Sanguen Health Centre is committed to building an environment where everyone feels heard, welcomed and included. Sanguen is a proud equal opportunity workplace that is committed to providing equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, gender expression, or Veteran status_

**Job Type**: Casual

Pay: $25.00 per hour

Expected hours: No more than 15 per week

Work Location: In person