Positive Wellness Support Worker - Courtenay, Canada - AVI Health & Community Services Society

AVI Health & Community Services Society

Verified Company

Courtenay, Canada

2 weeks ago

Posted by:

Sophia Lee

beBee Recruiter

Description

AVI Health & Community Services (AVI) is a multi-disciplinary community-based organization, 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 work within a social justice and health promotion framework - ensuring equity and access to services for all - and from a harm reduction perspective, understanding that clients are the best sources of knowledge regarding the services and supports they need.

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.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Positive Wellness Program Support Worker is responsible for the provision and delivery of direct services to persons living with HIV and/or Hepatitis C.

Under the supervision of the manager, staff will use a harm reduction model to give care to a wide variety of service users at the office and in the community.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Actively engages with individuals who are living with, or at risk for, HIV/Hepatitis C, using a collaborative, personcentered approach grounded in harm reduction.
Advocate on behalf of clients with various Ministries and agencies to ensure clients receive maximum information and support.
Work with clients on issues such as housing, medical, legal and other support agencies.
Bimonthly group facilitation for identified priority populations.
Attend appointments with service users in the community.
Distribute harm reduction supplies and provides education and support regarding safer substance use and safer sex.
Conduct individual or group education sessions, and compiles educational materials to meet clients' needs, as required.
Provide onsite supervision and support to service users
Work in collaboration with partner agencies to provide a continuum of services, including Positive Wellness Service providers.
Provide support and referral to people who have survived overdose(s) including Opiate Agonist Treatment (OAT) and other resources.
Participate in the regional STOP HIV Collaborative and other HIV/Hepatitis C community initiatives.
Engage in planning, evaluation, and program development as directed.
Maintain both paper and electronic confidential client files.
Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

University degree in health or social services (Social Work, Psychology, Mental Health Support Worker, etc.), or equivalent combination of education and experience
Proof of Vaccination Status, as required by the Provincial Health Order for Hospital and Community Health Care Services staff
A minimum of two years' relevant work experience
Valid Class 5 BC Driver's License and access to vehicle to drive clients.
Able to respectfully engage and support Indigenous relationships, with a trauma informed and decolonial lens
Demonstrated skills, experience, and knowledge in the areas of harm reduction principles and practices.
Demonstrated ability to establish rapport, provide support and advocate for a diverse range of clientele including individuals who are actively using substances and living with significant health challenges.
Direct service delivery and advocacy experience with communitybased and provincial support services and systems (financial aid, housing, healthcare, justice system, etc.)
Demonstrated empathic observer invested in respectful relationshipbuilding.
Demonstrated skills, experience, and knowledge in the areas of harm reduction/health promotion practices, safer using practices, HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C, poverty issues, mental health concerns and substance use.
Demonstrated knowledge of social justice, health promotion and public health approaches and models of social support and health care
Understanding of the impact on individual health and wellbeing, as well as the considerations for service delivery related to systemic barriers associated with poverty, mental health, substance use, trauma, racism, ongoing colonialism, heterosexism, and gender discrimination.
Experience managing hostile interactions, utilizing nonviolent communication and using trauma informed practice.
Demonstrated experience planning, and developing workshops.
Strong public speaking and group facilitation skills.
Demonstrated time management and personal organization skills to effectively support a high volume of client work.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Commitment to honor local indigenous communities and a dedication to lessening the ongoing impacts of colonial violence.
Committed to social justice, equity, antiracism and decolonization.
Ability to carry out physical duties of position.
Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills, and demonstrated commitmen