Job purpose
The Harm Reduction Worker is a key member of the Fort McMurray team at Northreach Society in the full continuum of supporting people experiencing homelessness or in need of extra supports as well as STBBI prevention and support. The Harm Reduction Worker uses a harm reduction philosophy to engage with community members regarding our services. This individual provides harm reduction supply distribution and informal, one-on-one educational opportunities to promote safer practices. This position focuses on meeting clients where they’re at and connecting them with appropriate services and programs.
Duties and responsibilities
- Work with and build strong relationships with vulnerable populations including those experiencing homelessness, substance use, mental health, clients engaged in sex work, 2SLGBTQ+, and indigenous peoples.
- Prepare and distribute safer sex and safer substance using supplies to clients in a variety of settings including drop-in, delivery, and outreach.
- Evaluate client needs and promote the use of appropriate safer sex and safer substance using supplies and strategies to decrease their risk of transmission of STBBI and other health implications (abscesses, overdoses, etc).
- Provide transportation to clients for various appointments and health services access.
- Promote Opioid Agonist Therapy (OAT) and assist clients to access OAT services.
- Deliver naloxone education and be readily able to respond to opiate poisonings.
- Support local internal/external healthcare providers with STBBI testing events.
- Document all necessary information for reporting requirements.
- Engage in educational opportunities and ongoing professional development relevant to position and organizational mission.
- Provide referrals specific to STBBI testing and treatment, and recovery-oriented care services such as addiction counselling, detox, residential treatment, and opioid agonist therapy.
- Provide general referrals for clients and warm handoffs whenever possible.
- Participate in needle sweeps and respond to requests for community needle debris pick-ups.
- Document all necessary information for reporting requirements.
- Support local internal/external healthcare providers with STBBI testing events.
Required Qualifications & Competencies
- Experience, education or a combination of education & experience in social services, social work, or health promotion,
- Experience working with vulnerable populations (those experiencing homelessness, substance use, mental health, engaged in sex work, 2SLGBTQ+ individuals, Indigenous peoples),
- Strong understanding and advocacy of safer sex and safer drug-using practices,
- Knowledge of HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, Syphilis, and other STBBI,
- Knowledge of community supports to make appropriate referrals,
- Current CPR/First Aid,
- Valid driver’s license and clean driver's abstract,
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team,
- Adaptable and Resourceful,
- Strong communications skills with a culturally sensitive approach,
- Professionalism,
- Maintain confidentiality,
- Organization and accountability, and
- Accurate and timely data input and tracking.
Preferred Qualifications
- Two years experience working with both housed and street engaged populations providing wrap-around services,
- Two years experience working with people who are marginalized,
- Understanding and advocacy of safer sex and safer drug-use practices,
- Knowledge of HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, Syphilis, and other STBBI, and
- Knowledge of community supports available to clients.
Working conditions
The position is Monday – Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm with a half hour for lunch. There may be the occasional off hours task that is scheduled in advance. Daily interactions with individuals experiencing mental health, addictions, and other vulnerable populations. Candidate must be able to lift and carry objects, be on feet and/or walk for long periods of time, as well spend significant periods of time performing administrative and other desk duties. Due to the nature of living and working in the North, it is also important that the candidate be able to drive a vehicle in all types of weather conditions. Daily and monthly data entry.
Job Types: Permanent, Full-time
Salary: $25.00-$30.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Dental care
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Flexible schedule
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
Flexible Language Requirement:
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Monday to Friday
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Fort McMurray, AB T9H 1X6: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Work Location: In person
