Harm Reduction Worker (SUP)

House of Friendship•Waterloo, ON

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Safer Use programs have been established in response to the opioid overdose crisis to provide an environment for safer consumption, along with addictions and mental supports within housing and shelter settings. The Harm Reduction Worker will support individuals using substances with safer use and reducing other health risks. This is a permanent, part-time (15 hours per week) position with personal days and vacation pay; group health benefits and defined contribution pension plan. Schedule is Saturday and Sunday, from 4:00pm to 12:00am. Successful completion of a Police Records Check (Vulnerable Sector) required pre-employment.

Requirements

Sensitivity to and knowledge of issues relating to and impacting on all genders and all marginalized populations
Strong understanding of interpersonal skills and the ability to engage in meaningful conversations to develop rapport with individuals who use drugs using a strength-based approach
Knowledge of and training in substance use including associated health risks
Ability to intervene in overdose and drug poisoning crisis situations and willing to learn how to respond in a drug induced crisis situation - through administering oxygen, Naloxone, CPR and working with Emergency Responders
Demonstrated capacity for accurate and efficient documentation and computer data entry
Willingness to learn and be adaptable as the program develops and evolves
Demonstrated ability to calmly problem-solve in a fast-paced, sometimes stressful environment
Must be able to provide a current Vulnerable Sector check at own cost
Good communication skills and strong listening skills
Ability to work independently, as well as collaboratively with an interdisciplinary team
Ability to accept and feedback and take initiative
Commitment to ongoing professional development and training
Minimum College Diploma or University Degree in a related field of study required (i.e. social services, social work, addictions, mental health, community development etc.).
Knowledge and understanding of the complexities of substance use, homelessness, trauma, violence and mental health for the population accessing the Safer Use Program – through a combination of lived experience, work experience and/or education and training
Knowledge of substances, problematic substance use, supporting safer consumption and evidence informed practices
Commitment to understand and uphold the mission and values of House of Friendship is expected
Exemplary emotional intelligence, resilience, communication, conflict management and problem solving skills required
Ability to work professionally as a team member with staff, participants and community members
Demonstrated ability to create and maintain a positive work environment including the ability to navigate change in a positive and productive manner
Experience or strong interest in working with diverse populations including people from various cultural background, income levels, and sensitivity to their needs
Experience with and commitment to using an anti-racism, anti-oppressive and trauma informed approach in consultation, program design, evaluation processes and service delivery
Must be dependable, professional, flexible, a team player, and have a positive attitude
Respectful, supportive and engaging approach to persons with physical and/or cognitive disabilities, addictions, mental health and other life challenges

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of community services, resources, and strong advocacy skills is considered an asset
Harm reduction-related and peer support experience, education or training is an asset

Responsibilities

Greet and engage participants, orient participants to the service and space and complete brief intake and review of service user agreements
Maintain a hygienic, organized, comfortable and respectful environment in the Safer Use Program (SUP) space
Establish and maintain a helping relationship with program participants while upholding appropriate professional boundaries
Supervise substance consumption and respond with appropriate interventions in the event of a drug poisoning crisis
Prepare and give out harm reduction supplies and resources with the aim to improve the quality of life and health of all program participants
Offer support, training and education to participants around safer drug using practices, safe disposal and handling and overdose prevention and response including training in using Naloxone
Safe disposal/handling of used drug equipment and supplies
Work as part of a team including attending the team meetings, trainings, and regular supervision meetings
Collect statistics, data entry, and writ short reports
Collect and document all information relevant to the Urgent Public Health Needs Site (UPHNS) agreement with Health Canada and participate in an ongoing evaluation and review of the space
Track and record supplies distributed and collected
Assist with stocking, organizing harm reduction inventory, risk reduction and other relevant program supplies
Work within general rules, procedures and standards, referring issues or problems to supervisor
Stay informed of and comply with processes and policies related to the site, as well as current health risks to the population accessing SUP services
Work closely with the supervisor to ensure they are informed of any concerns and issues
Work as a team with other staff to provide consistency and wrap-around support