Needle Exchange Worker

PROJECT X-CHANGE WORKER

Location Base: Oshawa, Ontario
Employment Type: Casual/ Relief
Hours of Work: 35 hours/week, Monday to Friday, Shifts include 8am to 4pm and 3pm to 11pm
Wage: $22.72/hour to start
Salary Grade: Class 2
Reports To: Program Coordinator, Harm Reduction Services
Union: CUPE

Vacancies:

•  Casual/ Relief – includes Accident Insurance, Mileage.

About Us

The John Howard Society is dedicated to supporting individuals in building healthy, independent lives through evidence-based programs and services. Our Harm Reduction program, funded by the Durham Region Health Department. As a Needle Exchange Outreach Worker, you will play a vital role in delivering harm reduction services to individuals who use substances. This position focuses on building respectful, nonjudgmental relationships with people who use drugs, providing access to sterile harm reduction supplies and supporting safe disposal of used equipment along with Naloxone training and distribution to qualified individuals.  

POSITION SUMMARY
The Project X-Change Program engages people who use substances in a non-judgmental, culturally safe, and non-coercive manner. The program prioritizes human rights, dignity, choice, and self-determination while addressing risks such as HCV, HIV, overdose, and other substance-related harms. Through harm reduction practices, the program provides essential supports and resources while respecting autonomy and promoting safer practices.

The Project X-Change Worker supports at-risk individuals by distributing supplies, providing education, responding to crises, and connecting clients to health and community services. The role also includes program promotion, community outreach, student supervision, and administrative responsibilities that contribute to ongoing service delivery and harm reduction strategies.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Client Support

• Engage people who use drugs, people experiencing homelessness, sex workers, and other marginalized groups using trauma-informed, non-judgmental approaches.
• Distribute safe use supplies and encourage safe disposal practices.
• Provide education, information, and referrals to promote positive health outcomes.
• Offer emotional support, crisis intervention, and de-escalation strategies when needed.
• Respond to overdoses/drug poisonings; administer naloxone and call EMS as required.
• Distribute naloxone and provide training to clients and community members.
• Coordinate with staff to support community cleanup responses.

Community Outreach and Education

• Develop and implement promotional materials and outreach strategies to engage the target population.
• Provide harm reduction education to reduce stigma and improve access to supports.
• Facilitate naloxone training and prevention education workshops.
• Collaborate with community agencies to expand access to harm reduction services.
• Organize and participate in community events, workshops, and presentations.

Program Administration

• Recruit, train, and supervise placement students.
• Collect, maintain, and report accurate statistical and program data.
• Complete incident reports and contribute to ongoing program development.
• Monitor and maintain supply inventory; order OHRDP supplies as required.
• Conduct site visits with satellite locations to assess needs and ensure best practices.
• Administer client surveys and maintain accurate records in compliance with policies and procedures.
• Attend training, team meetings, and community partner meetings as required.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Education & Certifications

• Diploma in Addictions & Mental Health, Social Services, or related field (minimum two years).
• Valid Class G driver's license and access to a reliable vehicle with $2M liability insurance.
• Hepatitis B vaccination (required).

Experience

• Previous experience applying harm reduction principles in addictions counselling, social services, or healthcare settings.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong ability to engage with diverse and marginalized clients using trauma-informed and anti-stigma approaches.
• Knowledge of substances, administration routes, related risks, and harm reduction strategies.
• Understanding of safer sex practices, blood-borne infections (HCV, HIV, STIs), and related testing/treatment.
• Familiarity with community and healthcare resources in the Durham Region.
• Proficiency in crisis intervention, de-escalation, and motivational interviewing.
• Strong interpersonal skills, professional communication (written/verbal), and organizational ability.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and database systems.
• Flexibility to work day, evening, and occasional weekend shifts.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Exposure to infectious waste, substances, and environmental hazards.
• Work may take place outdoors in varying weather and terrain.
• Frequent interaction with the public, clients, staff, and community partners.
• Physical activity required, including walking, standing, lifting (up to 35 lbs).
• Manual dexterity for computer and equipment use.
• Flexible scheduling required to meet program and client needs.

HOW TO APPLY
Interested applicants are invited to submit a cover letter and resume outlining their qualifications and experience.

Applications should be sent in to:  

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.