CTS EOI- Harm Reduction Outreach Worker

Kingston Community Health Centres•Kingston, ON

2d•CA$24 - CA$28•Onsite

About The Position

As part of a multi-disciplinary team, the Harm Reduction Outreach Worker (HRW) assists with the promotion and delivery of harm reduction programs, services, and activities. Nurturing a welcoming environment and atmosphere at KCHC’s Street Health location, Harm Reduction Outreach Worker works with complex clients facing barriers to care. Engaging in harm reduction outreach and promotion activities, the Outreach Harm Reduction Worker finds solutions that assist clients with their day-to-day living, in a trauma-informed manner, and with recognition of the social determinants of health. This position is rooted in a health promotion and harm reduction framework and applies a social prescribing lens. The primary focus is to engage hard-to-reach populations to improve their access to health and community services, particularly harm reduction supports. Collaborating with community services and other Outreach Workers within KCHC and through community partnerships, the Harm Reduction Outreach Worker promotes health and wellness for people who use substances through supportive conversations, education (recognition of best practice recommendations), health promotion, and system navigation focused on improving access to harm reduction supplies and holistic healthcare.

Requirements

College Diploma in Social Services, Health Promotion, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Minimum of 2 years of experience working in a community setting with direct client encounters with marginalized persons and or harm reduction initiatives.
Knowledge of health promotion initiatives, social determinants of health, drug use trends in community (i.e., injection and inhalation drug use), as well as community services and resources
Knowledge and understanding of the local health and social service sector, government programs and current legislation that may affect clients
Current First Aid and Naloxone training.
Knowledge of concerns affecting marginalized communities and the community resources that provide services and support to marginalized persons
Knowledge of strengths and challenges of street involved community and drug involved populations
Knowledge and understanding of the local health and social service sector, government programs and current legislation that may affect clients
Demonstrated ability to work under pressure, to anticipate potential problems/conflicts and take appropriate actions and to meet deadlines
Excellent interpersonal, organizational, presentation, and communication skills
Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a team member within an evolving role in a multi-disciplinary environment
Strong advocacy and negotiation skills
Strong commitment to health promotion, community development and adult education
Excellent knowledge of MS computer applications and other office-related software
Must be able to work in a variety of social and physical settings
Demonstrated ability to attend work on a regular basis
Strong organizational skills and above average attention to detail
Ability to meet the physical demands of the position

Nice To Haves

Valid Driver’s License, Driver’s Abstract and proof of vehicle liability insurance preferred
French, or other second language is an asset
As a registered professional, to abide by and be accountable to the ethics and standards set out by the relevant regulatory body of the profession. All KCHC staff have a duty to understand and follow KCHC policies, uphold high ethical and professional standards, and maintain confidentiality and privacy, using tact and good judgment in all dealings with other staff and clients.

Responsibilities

Oversee a welcoming space with a specific focus on engaging those needing social supports, practical assistance, and harm reduction supplies to help address unmet social health needs (e.g., housing, income security, food security, transportation, literacy, and social isolation).
Build trusting relationships with clients and individuals who use substances by providing harm reduction supplies (including distribution of naloxone kits)
Provide direct service to clients; assist complex clients facing barriers. Support social prescribing efforts by making internal and external referrals, connecting clients to organization and community resources
Employ creative problem solving to address client related issues, including responding to client crisis and employ de-escalation interventions as necessary.
Provide educational opportunities for people who use substances including safer substance use, HIV, Hep C testing including prevention practices and overdose prevention.
Promote population health education and prevention information such as opportunities for immunizations, STBBI testing such as hepatitis C, HIV, and sexually transmitted infection testing.
Conduct outreach activities within the Kingston and surrounding community to engage and support community members from a harm reduction perspective.
Coordinate training, information and education sessions for community members, staff members, and community stakeholders to promote harm reduction.
Develop and facilitate client engagement initiatives such as Drop-Ins, One-on-One activities, Survey’s, etc.
Work with KCHC programs and the community to assist in the identification of needs for various harm reduction health promotion initiatives projects and programs that serves the community harm reduction needs.
Promote awareness of and participation in Street Health Centre, and other KCHC activities/programs.
Provide mentorship, guidance, and skills-building opportunities to the peer and volunteer program.
Work as part of a multidisciplinary team to identify the services needed for the clients, utilizing social determinants of health lens.
Participate as a team member in all team functions, program planning, evaluation, QI projects, team meetings, case conferences, committees and staff meetings.
Oversee the daily Harm Reduction Distribution Program, including inventory and ordering of supplies (stock levels), kit-assembly, data collection and reporting.
Encourage a safe and secure environment for KCHC clients, community members, and staff while also nurturing a harm reduction philosophy and practice.
Maintain healthy and professional relationships with community partners and program stakeholders. Network with internal and community partners to ensure an optimal continuum of health & social.
Document client encounters in the EMR to assist with data capturing for reporting and program evaluation.
Provide feedback into program development, enhancement, and improvements, identifying community, and systemic issues
Comply with all relevant legislation and KCHC policies, including privacy laws
Commits to acquiring an understanding of the importance of trauma responsiveness and the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
Commits to demonstrating an ongoing commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Indigenization and Accessibility (EDIIA) by representing the diverse nature of our communities, promoting and practicing inclusion
Supports consistent application and development of KCHC policies and procedures
Supports KCHC’s student and volunteer placement programs
Promotes awareness of and participation in KCHC activities
Demonstrated commitment to continuous learning and quality improvement
On occasion, perform other temporary duties as required