Harm Reduction Worker -Old Cathedral

Good Shepherd Centres•Hamilton, ON

23h•CA$31 - CA$36•Onsite

About The Position

Good Shepherd is expanding its services with a new floor at the Cathedral dedicated to their Men's Centre, which will support 50 beds for men and gender-diverse individuals impacted by homelessness. This centre will provide a safe and welcoming environment with nourishing meals, snacks, warm beverages, breakfast, washroom and shower facilities, secure storage, and security cameras. Good Shepherd follows a harm reduction approach, equipping the facility with necessary supplies. The organization is seeking a passionate and dedicated Harm Reduction Worker to join their team for this expansion.

Requirements

Possess a post-secondary diploma/degree in a relevant area of study.
Experience in delivering Harm Reduction practices with a trauma-informed lens.
Trained on emergency response protocols for responding to critical incidents such as violence, fire, building evacuation and drug poisoning.
Standard First Aid and CPR-C certification.
Experience with program logs and HIFIS to report risks, threats, and critical incidents.
Experience in recognizing the particular risks experienced by transgender and non-binary people.
Experience with working with clients who use substances to support their safety and well-being.
Trained in the administration of Naloxone.
Trained in de-escalation techniques.
Experience with discharges and service restrictions procedures.
Organizational, time management, and communication skills, both verbally and in writing.
Skill in maintaining a professional demeanor and healthy boundaries.
Positive, non-judgmental attitude toward others.
Able to remain calm in stressful situations.
Compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

Nice To Haves

Certificates in Crisis Prevention and Intervention.

Responsibilities

Provide crisis and ongoing support to service users, embodying the mission and values through dignified and respectful service.
Integrate anti-oppression/anti-racism, trauma-informed, and client-centered frameworks in all interactions.
Understand and address the emotional and mental health needs of service users.
Adhere to established operational rules, procedures, policies, and code of conduct.
Maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information.
Expand and enhance harm reduction services, principles, and practices.
Act as the lead in educating/coaching and increasing capacities of all professionals who work in the Men's shelter system.
Provide services across the geographic area in a flexible, timely, and consistent manner.
Support activities that promote establishing and maintaining healthy lifestyles, with a strong focus on relapse prevention, community engagement, and life skill development.
Provide service in a dignified, culturally competent, and respectful manner, reflecting Good Shepherd's ethos and incorporating an integrated anti-racism/anti-oppression framework.
Promote services based on the principles of trauma-informed recovery and harm reduction.
Recognize the particular risks experienced by transgender and non-binary people, providing support, safety planning, and specific accommodation as required.
Work with clients who use substances to support their safety and well-being.
Provide hands-on support during overdose events at shelter sites.
Facilitate harm reduction drop-in groups in each shelter, led by peer workers/individuals with lived/living experience, supported by harm reduction workers.
Use de-escalation techniques and manage discharges and service restrictions procedures only in situations where client behavior compromises safety.
Use discernment at all times to make guests feel safe and welcome, using words to de-escalate situations and reason by using options.
Utilize organizational, time management, and communication skills, both verbally and in writing.
Maintain a professional demeanor and healthy boundaries; possess a positive, non-judgmental attitude and ability to remain calm in stressful situations.
Advocate for and accompany clients to various services including safe injection sites, withdrawal management, healthcare, crisis beds, and treatment.
Maintain strict confidentiality concerning client and staff information.
Adhere to Good Shepherd's Health and Safety programs.
Comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act to ensure minimal risk to clients, staff, others, and property.