Worker - Harm Reduction

Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority•Sioux Lookout, ON

10d•Onsite

About The Position

The objective of the Worker - Harm Reduction is to support communities in the prevention of infectious diseases by supporting Needle Distribution Services provided through the Harm Reduction program. Harm reduction is an important initiative in order to respond to the high prevalence of substance use and associated harms in remote First Nations communities, including sexually transmitted and blood borne infections.

Requirements

Persons of First Nations ancestry will be given preference (OHRC, Part II, Special Employment)
Grade 12 diploma, general equivalency diploma (GED), or a combination of education/experience as deemed acceptable by SLFNHA.
Minimum 3 months previous experience in harm reduction and/or public health, or a combination of education/experience as deemed acceptable by SLFNHA.
Understanding of the unique determinants of health for First Nations in northwestern Ontario, and the health landscape in which they seek services.
Active interest in harm reduction and its core principles and purpose.
Excellent planning, organization, time management, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Professional integrity and the ability to maintain confidentiality.
Experience working both independently and in a team-oriented, collaborative environment.
Ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment.
Ability to develop and maintain respectful/cooperative relationships with First Nations people, communities, services, stakeholders, and health care providers to promote an integrated, seamless delivery of service.
Excellent written, verbal, and computer skills.
Ability to complete reports and documentation.
Experience and training in cultural competency with First Nations.
Ability to travel to remote First Nations communities.
Ability to perform the requirements of the role on a regular basis.

Nice To Haves

Ability to communicate in one of the First Nations dialects of the Sioux Lookout region is an asset.
Valid class G driver's license or willingness to obtain is an asset.

Responsibilities

Ensure that Needle Distribution Service kits are packaged and available for distribution.
Maintain an inventory management system, and ensure the supervisor is notified when new orders are needed in a timely manner.
Receive and process harm reduction kit orders, and coordinate the packaging and shipping of kits to First Nations communities in an efficient manner.
Collect and maintain data records on the distribution of kits (i.e. number of kits going to each community)
Ensure mechanisms are in place for communities to provide feedback on harm reduction services.
Increase community awareness about the availability of needle distribution and other harm reduction services.
Provide health promotion/education to regional partners, community members, and people who use substances on the function of the kit contents, harm reduction, safe disposal, and risks associated with unsafe drug use.
Support the development of awareness campaigns and materials around harm reduction.
Travel to remote First Nations communities for community events and initiatives as required.
Other duties as assigned.