Casual Overdose Prevention Worker

Be part of our inspiring mission-driven team at Squamish Helping Hands Society.

We are a registered charity operating in the Sea to Sky region, based in Squamish. We believe in being part of a community where everyone matters, and where housing and access to food are human rights.

Ultimately, we want to create "a safe and healthy community for all". We feel we can only do that by meeting people where they are and helping them to create capacity building plans for themselves leading them to where they want to go. We are a community where we believe that everyone has something to contribute, and that consequences help inform our choices.

This position is open internally to all staff and externally. Hiring will be evaluated in accordance with the Collective Agreement. Qualified internal candidates shall be considered and interviewed prior to external candidates.

Squamish Helping Hands Society 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.

This position requires membership in the Union.

Interested individuals should apply by providing a resume and cover letter to SHHS Management Team at quoting the Posting No. "2025 – 62" and the Position "Casual Overdose Prevention Site Worker". We thank and acknowledge all applicants and will proactively contact those selected for an interview.

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, recovery 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 (wellness and community resources).

DUTIES & 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.
• Supervise people to administer their own drugs.
• Assist with stocking and organizing of harm reduction inventory, emergency response and first aid supplies.
• Distribute harm reduction supplies, including clean needles, naloxone kits, and other related materials and ensures safe disposal of used equipment in accordance with established protocols.
• Conduct individual and group wellness and outreach support sessions to support clients in reducing risks associated with drug use.
• Provide a safe environment for participants: behaviour management, prevention and de-escalation of potential violence, monitor and initiate policy adherence as necessary.
• Coordinate the work and activity of Volunteers and Peers, provide orientation, training, mentorship and support.
• Provide performance feedback to supervisors and SHHS management regarding the Volunteers and Peers.

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 community 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:

• Maintain accurate and confidential records of client interactions, interventions, and referrals. Record support and personal service plans.
• 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, peer support workers, SHHS frontline, outreach and management team.
• 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.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Demonstrated ability to work independently, within a team environment and with volunteers.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrated experience working with disadvantaged adults who are experiencing homelessness, substance use, mental health, or other barriers to independence.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships within the community that will facilitate a continuum of care that is client-centered and that mobilizes resources to support agency programming.
• A working knowledge of community resources and the ability to liaise with service providers such as government agencies and community organizations to help others access support.
• Demonstrated ability to work a flexible schedule to best meet the needs of the clients.
• Demonstrated ability to be open-minded and non-judgmental.
• Strong computer skills, working knowledge of common computer programs.
• Strong understanding of issues facing people with barriers and related knowledge of relevant services and programs available both locally and provincially.
• Demonstrated ability to take direction from others.
• Demonstrated ability to understand and maintain client-worker boundaries.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical guidelines and professional boundaries.

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

• Diploma level in Social Work, Community Social Services, or relevant discipline.
• Minimum two years previous experience working with vulnerable or at-risk individuals.
• 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.
• The successful candidate will be subject to a Criminal Record Check.
• Level 1 First Aid Certificate.
• Additional preferred Assets – training in: Capacity Building Approaches; Crisis Intervention Skills; Conflict Resolution; Hostile Interactions/De-escalation skills.
• An equivalent combination of education, training and experience may be considered.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: From $29.17 per hour

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Company events
• Discounted or free food
• On-site parking

Experience:

• working with homeless and at-risk individuals: 2 years (preferred)

Work Location: In person