Harm Reduction Worker - Waterloo, Canada - House of Friendship

House of Friendship

Verified Company

Waterloo, Canada

3 weeks ago

Posted by:

Sophia Lee

beBee Recruiter

Description

At House of Friendship, we believe in what we are doing.

We get out of bed each day to make a difference in our community; to walk with and to serve.

We are not happy with the status quo. We get energy from ongoing learning and growth. We lead with passion and believe without a doubt that everyone deserves to belong and thrive. We live and breathe our values of Compassion, Inclusion, Justice, Dignity and Hope. And we have fun

Sounds pretty great, doesn't it? It is

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.

In this important new role, the Harm Reduction Workers will support individuals using substances with safer use and reducing other health risks.

This is a permanent, part-time (22.5 hours per week) position;

offering personal days, vacation pay, group health benefits

and defined contribution pension plan.

Schedule to be every Friday, Saturday Sunday, from 12am to 8am.

Successful completion of a Police Records Check (Vulnerable Sector) will be required

pre-employment.

Key Responsibilities:

Greets and engages participants, orients participants to the service and space and completes brief intake and review of service user agreements
Maintains a hygienic, organized, comfortable and respectful environment in the Safer Use Space
Supervises consumption and responds appropriately 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
Work as part of a team by attending the team meetings, trainings, and regular supervision meetings
Maintain professional boundaries with participants
Meet commitments i.e. adhering to work schedule, program and client needs
Collecting statistics, data entry, and writing short reports
Collects and documents all information relevant to the Safer Use Program (SUP) agreement with Health Canada and participates in an ongoing evaluation and review of the space
Works within general rules, procedures and standards, referring issues or problems to supervisor
Maintains high level of confidentiality when working with sensitive and personal client, employee and contract information
Tracking and recording of supplies distributed and collected
Assisting with stocking, organizing harm reduction inventory, risk reduction and other relevant program supplies
Providing clients with support, information and referrals to harm reduction, overdose prevention, health, community, and drug treatment services (as appropriate) within and outside House of Friendship
Support participants to follow established health protocols at the site
Stay informed of and comply with processes and policies related to the site, as well as current health risks to the population using the site
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 wraparound support

Job Specific Knowledge/Skills:

Demonstrated skill in building and maintaining productive relationships
Knowledge of and training in substance use and associated health risks
Knowledge of local community agencies and resources is an asset
Demonstrated capacity for accurate documentation, collaboration with an interdisciplinary team and strong oral, written and listening skills
Willingness to learn and be adaptable as the program develops and evolves
Demonstrated ability to problemsolve in a fastpaced, sometimes stressful environment
Knowledge of community services, resources, and strong advocacy skills is considered an asset
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 in a team
Ability to accept feedback, take initiative, and work independently in a culturally diverse environment
Basic computer skills

Education/Experience:

Twoyear postsecondary education in a related field of study (i.e. social services, social work, addictions, mental health, community development etc.)
Knowledge and understanding of the complexities of drug use, homelessness, violence and mental health through a combination of lived experience, work experience and/or education and training
Harm reductionrelated and peer support volunteer or paid experience, education, or training is an asset
Knowledge of substances, problematic substance use, and evidence informed practices
Knowledge of supporting safer consumption

**Critical Skill