Overdose Prevention Site Worker

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JOB TITLE: OVERDOSE PREVENTION SITE WORKER

Job Summary

The Overdose Prevention Site (OPS) Worker plays a vital role in promoting harm reduction and providing life-saving
interventions within an overdose prevention site. As an OPS Worker, you will be responsible for creating a safe and
supportive environment for individuals who use drugs, with the primary goal of preventing fatal overdoses and
connecting individuals to additional healthcare and support services. You will work closely with a multidisciplinary
team and directly interact with clients to provide education, overdose response, crisis intervention, and referrals to
appropriate resources.

**Responsibilities**:
Overdose Prevention and Response:

Monitor clients in the overdose prevention site to identify potential overdoses promptly.
Administer naloxone and provide emergency response during overdose situations.
Follow established protocols to respond to overdoses effectively and ensure clients' safety.
Document and report all incidents, interventions, and observations accurately and promptly.

Harm Reduction and Education:

Engage with clients in a non-judgmental and compassionate manner to establish rapport and trust.
Provide information and education on safer drug use practices, harm reduction strategies, and overdose

prevention techniques.
Supervises people to administer their own drugs.
Assists with stocking, organizing and inventory of supplies.
Distribute harm reduction supplies, including clean needles, naloxone kits, and other related materials and

ensures safe disposal of used equipment in accordance with establish protocols.
Conduct individual and group counseling sessions to support clients in reducing risks associated with drug

use.

Client Support and Referrals:

Offer emotional support and crisis intervention to clients experiencing distress or challenges related to
substance use.

Assess clients' needs and connect them to appropriate resources, including healthcare services, addiction
treatment programs, housing support, mental health services, and social assistance programs.

Collaborate with external service providers and engage in advocacy to ensure clients receive comprehensive
care and follow-up support.

Documentation and Data Management:
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Maintain accurate and confidential records of client interactions, interventions, and referrals.
Complete incident reports, progress notes, and other required documentation in a timely manner.
Compile and analyze data related to overdose incidents, interventions, and outcomes to identify trends and

make recommendations for program improvement.

Team Collaboration and Professional Development:

Work collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team, including nurses, social workers, outreach workers, and
peer support workers.

Attend regular team meetings, case conferences, and training sessions to enhance knowledge and skills in
overdose prevention, harm reduction, and addiction support.

Stay updated with current research, best practices, and relevant policies related to substance use, harm
reduction, and overdose prevention.

All other duties as may be assigned within the scope of this position.

Qualifications:

Minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent; a relevant post-secondary degree or certificate is an asset.
Experience and knowledge of harm reduction principles, substance use, and overdose prevention strategies.
Familiarity with community resources and services for individuals who use drugs, including addiction

treatment programs, mental health services, and housing support.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to establish rapport and build trust with

diverse populations.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, unpredictable environment with individuals

experiencing crises.
Non-judgmental and compassionate approach towards people who use drugs.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical guidelines and professional boundaries.
First Aid and CPR certification, including naloxone administration training, or willingness to obtain

certification.
Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.

Squamish Helping Hands is an equal opportunity employer, committed to recruiting an inclusive workforce that
reflects the community we serve. We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds, including Indigenous
applicants, all genders, nationalities, and persons with disabilities.

Note that Squamish Helping Hands workplace currently falls under a Provincial Health Order that
requires workers to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19.

BCGEU membership required