Harm Reduction Worker - Kitchener, Canada - House of Friendship

House of Friendship

Verified Company

Kitchener, 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.

There are various positions available, including full-time, part-time and relief.

Please note that a Vulnerable Sector Police Records Check will be required.

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 antiracism, antioppressive 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:

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

Job Specific Knowledge/Skills: