Harm Reduction Worker - Waterloo, Canada - House of Friendship

House of Friendship

Verified Company

Waterloo, Canada

5 days ago

Posted by:

Sophia Lee

beBee Recruiter

Description

Employer:

House of Friendship
Type:
Full-Time
Term (Duration):
Permanent
Description:

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

Critical Skills:

Commitment to understand and uphold the mission and values of House of Friendship is expected
Exemplary emotional intelligence, resilience, communication, conflict management and problem

solving skills required- Ability to work professionally as a team member with staff, participants and community members

Demonstrated ability to create and maintain a positive work environment including the ability to

navigate change in a positive and productive manner- Experience or strong interest in working with diverse populations including people from various

cultural background, income levels, and sensitivity to their needs- Experience with and commitment to using an anti-racism, anti-oppressive and trauma informed

approach in consultation, program design, evaluation processes and service delivery- Must be dependable, professional, flexible, a team player, and have a positive attitude

Respectful, supportive and engaging approach to persons with physical and/or cognitive

disabilities, addictions, mental health and other life challenges

Education/Experience:
Two-year post-secondary 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 reduction-related 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

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
Ability to intervene in overdose and drug poisoning crisis situations and willing to learn how to

respond in a drug induced crisis situation - through administering oxygen, Naloxone, CPR and 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 we