Housing Overdose Prevention Peer Support

The Umbrella Society for Addictions and Mental Health works with individuals, and their loved ones, struggling with substance use issues. Umbrella is a flexible and responsive outreach organization that recognizes the needs of people struggling with addictions and mental health challenges. This role supports individuals primarily struggling with substance use who reside at the sites identified in the HOPPS Contract within our transitional housing sites.

Who We're Looking For:

The successful candidate will have knowledge and understanding of mental health and substance use issues, including working with individuals experiencing addiction, homelessness, poverty, criminal justice and/or other barriers to a healthy lifestyle. Strong preference will be given to those applicants who have personal and/or familial experience with substance use and/or mental health issues.

It would be considered an asset if the applicant had general knowledge of local resources, including hospitals, addictions treatment, other clinical community resources, housing, income assistance, legal and criminal justice resources, and supports for family members.

This position requires standing for long periods of time, walking the sites and perimeters and some light lifting (under 20 pounds).

The successful candidate will be required to complete the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General Criminal Record Check prior to commencement of employment.

Main Responsibilities

Housing and Support

· Provide options for safe drug use in both private and public settings, ensuring access to trained staff who can monitor individuals in-person, virtually, or via telephone.

· Respond promptly to overdoses to minimize fatalities and reduce associated harms.

· Offer reflexive and responsive support through activities and groups, focusing on recovery goals, harm reduction, safe supply, and overdose prevention.

· Administer room checks and ensure timely deliver of food and personal care items.

Client Education and Support

· Educate clients on substance use and recovery (if requested), life skills, hygiene, and offering feedback and positive reinforcement.

· Assist clients in developing social and personal skills to reduce harms associated with injection drug use.

· Identify, train, and supervise individuals for roles in the Resident Responder Program.

Community Engagement and Collaboration

· Foster safe and healthy communities by collaborating with housing providers and site operators.

· Share information, coordinate efforts, and mediate to mitigate overdose risks among residents.

· Support clients in accessing housing, income assistance benefits, and social supports essential for stability.

· Facilitate clinical and community referrals, participate in meetings, and address program inquiries as needed.

Reporting and Documentation

· Appropriately compensating residents participating in the Resident Trainee and Resident Responder Programs.

· Providing monthly updates to Umbrella management to track program outcomes and ensure accountability.

Job Requirement/Qualifications

· Valid Class 5 Drivers License

· Ability to work in a variety of settings and interact professionally with clients, community partners, and housing provider staff

· Strong preference will be given to People With Living and Lived Experience (PWLLE) with substance use disorder

Job Type: Casual

Pay: From $26.78 per hour

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Dental care
• Extended health care
• Flexible schedule
• Life insurance
• On-site parking
• Paid time off

Application question(s):

• Do you live in Victoria, BC?

Licence/Certification:

• Driving Licence (required)

Work Location: In person