Res Support Workers - Victoria, Canada - AVI Health & Community Services

AVI Health & Community Services

Verified Company

Victoria, Canada

2 weeks ago

Posted by:

Sophia Lee

beBee Recruiter

Description

AVI Health & Community Services (AVI) is a multi-disciplinary community based organisation providing HIV, hepatitis C and harm reduction services out of 5 locations across Vancouver Island. AVI provides services to people living with HIV and hepatitis C and harm reduction clients. We take evidence-based action to prevent infection, provide support, and reduce stigma. We work within a social justice and health promotion framework to ensure equity and access to services for all.

Join our supportive, dedicated and client-centred team in promoting the health, dignity and well-being of all people affected by HIV, HCV and substance use by delivering sex-positive and harm reduction-based education, prevention and/or support services.

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

EVENT

RR Checkin/Debriefing
ALL Resident Event or group

- (Rotate site)
- (Rotate site)

Education Day
RR Check-In/Debriefing
SUPPORT
Harm Reduction restock &
Prep 4 Event
Systems Nav

- &
Prep Supers

Systems Nav

- &
Prep

Education

Systems Nav

- &
Supers w SITE

Harm Reduction restock &
Pay-Day

JOB SUMMARY:

Team Support workers develop relationships with community members to support ongoing peer and community based overdose prevention within supportive housing, including but not limited to regular access to harm reduction supplies, witnessing, overdose response and overdose prevention trainings and advocacy

This position relies heavily on the abilities of the worker to connect and develop relationships of trust and rapport with service users.

A thorough understanding of the principles and practices of harm reduction, the impact of colonialism and system inequities on individual and population health, and the operationalization of trauma and violence practices are essential.

This position requires experience developing and facilitating harm reduction educational programming, and the awareness, empathy, ability to provide non-judgemental support in group settings.

Confidence in group facilitation, systems navigation and advocacy, as well as overdose response are essential to this position.

This position will also provide accurate information regarding HIV, HCV and other blood-borne disease transmission and prevention strategies, as well as evidence-based educational and harm reduction intervention to individuals and priority populations to increase knowledge of overdose prevention and response strategies.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Develop and facilitate harm reduction based educational programming to persons living in Supportive Housing, including overdose prevention and peer skill development
Provide on the spot, and groupbased training in overdose response and education on substances and safer use practices
Monitor and support people who are using substances. Assess for overdose symptoms and respond with rescue breathing and naloxone when necessary. Training is provided
Responsible for harm reduction supply distribution and recovery
Provide overdose prevention education and first aid response, including education on administration of Naloxone and overdose response
Engage with service users in a collaborative, personcentered approach grounded in harm reduction
Maintain the safety of all program spaces by following protocols related to violence prevention and critical incidents (such as overdose prevention and response), including the ability to use communication devices
Identify and develop safety plans with people who are using substances who are at increased risk of overdose
Maintain both paper and electronic confidential records, as required.
Provides training and support to build capacity for peer lead initiatives
Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Diploma in health or social services (Social Work, Psychology, Mental Health Support Worker, etc.) or equivalent combination of education and experience
Experience developing, facilitating, and tailoring harm reduction educational programming
Have a minimum of oneyear relevant work experience
Experience developing and facilitating educational programming
Strong public speaking and group facilitation skills
Direct service delivery experience in the community social services sector with a demonstrated working knowledge of communitybased programs and related provincial and community support services systems
First Aid training and experience responding to critical incidents, including overdose
Experience with overdose response, including administration of naloxone, an asset.
Experience in providing harm reduction outreach in various situations, including in supportive housing sites/shelters, in Overdose Prevention Sites and in community settings
Experience deescalating crisis and adjusting program delivery based on the needs of community and gaps in services.
Demonstrated ability to establish rapport with a diverse range of clientele including individua