Job Description
JOB POSTING
Position Title: Harm Reduction Worker (HRW) Supervised Consumption & Treatment Service
Positions: Permanent 0.6 FTE, casual Positions also available
Classification: Counsellor Level 2
Department: Family Community Health & Harm Reduction
Reporting to: Manager, Harm Reduction
Salary Band: $26.72 - $32.19
Reviewed: July 2023
Reviewed by: Manager, Harm Reduction
Deadline: July 31, 2023
Submit: https://swchc.bamboohr.com/careers/563
Posting: INTERNAL & EXTERNAL
___________________________________________________________________________
About SWCHC
We are the Somerset West Community Health Centre (SWCHC), a non-profit, community-governed organization that serves over 16K clients annually. We provide a wide range of health care services such as primary health care, health promotion, community development, mental health and harm reduction. We are deeply connected to the communities we serve.
We make our work meaningful for our community by striving to ensure that our team reflect the community we serve.
We work within an anti-racism, anti-oppression framework that acknowledges systemic racism exists and seeks to ensure that systems are fair and equitable for everyone.
Role
Reporting the Manager, Harm Reduction, the HRW works as part of an interdisciplinary team to provide health care and treatment to clients who consume drugs within the Supervised Consumption & Treatment Service (CTS).
As a member of the Harm Reduction Team, the HRW supports all activities within the CTS, including but not limited to: intake & harm reduction gear distribution & disposal; supervision & health teaching for safer drug consumption including injection; crisis intervention; overdose prevention, identification & response including naloxone and oxygen administration; information and referrals; practical assistance; counseling based on self referrals; advocacy; log keeping & data entry; and case coordination with internal and external service partners in ensuring coordinated, wrap-around care for each CTS client.
Care may be carried out independently according to scope of practice, under the guidance of medical directives, or in consultation with relevant providers as identified in SWCHC policies and procedures. The HRW also ensures the efficient operations of the CTS by maintaining harm reduction supplies, adhering to universal precautions and infection prevention and control requirements.
The HRW will also be responsible for supporting interdisciplinary CTS staff with overdose prevention and intervention, with a strong understanding of CTS client flow, an ability to build trusting rapport with CTS clientele, and intervene in crisis situations to support CTS staff with overdose interventions as needed.
Requirements
- Degree in Social Work (BSW); Social Service Work; or related health discipline with three years’ experience and passion for working with high risk populations and active drug users considered assets OR Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience
- Commitment to working from a health equity and anti-oppressive lens
- Lived experience of drug use and/or experience in advocacy for persons who use drugs considered assets
- Excellent knowledge and experience regarding harm reduction approaches
- Good understanding of health promotion, HIV and HCV transmission
- Experience in a drop-in, outreach or shelter setting is an asset
- Experience supporting people living with homelessness, mental health and addictions challenges
- Experience in overdose response is an asset
- Certification in the GAIN Staged Screening & Assessment tool an asset
- Experience working within Medical Directives an asset
- Experience and knowledge in working with regulated health professionals an asset
- Certification in oxygen therapy and airway management an asset
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Knowledge of best practice guidelines for individuals with substance use, supervised injection/consumption services, and suicide assessment
- Knowledge of substances frequently used in the CTS service user population, psychoactive properties & possible drug interactions
- Knowledge and ability to screen and assess for risk of overdose & withdrawal
- Sound judgment and strong problem solving skills
- Ability to work independently, set priorities and manage time effectively
- Strong clinical assessment skills
- Demonstrated ability and clinical expertise working with clients in crisis
- Expertise in non-violent crisis intervention and de-escalation
- Capable in supporting clients with concurrent mental health distress presentations including psychosis, trauma and emotional dysregulation
- Knowledge of harm reduction approach and service delivery
- Effective organizational, critical thinking, problem solving and decision making skills
- Ability to delegate
- Ability to work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team
- Ability to work with people with concurrent disorders
- Ability to work under stress with multiple demands
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Excellent communication skills
- Valid CPR and First Aid
- Successful completion of police record check for vulnerable populations
Language Capability
- English
- French
- Proficiency in other languages considered and asset
Please submit your resume and cover letter as one document before or on July 31, 2023 to https://swchc.bamboohr.com/careers/563
**It is the policy of SWCHC to require COVID-19 immunization for all employees, volunteers, students, and contractors, including those who do work off-site with the following exceptions: Persons with a medical reason that prevents them from being vaccinated against COVID-19; Persons with other reasonable considerations pursuant to the Ontario Human Rights Code that restrict them from being vaccinated against Covid 19 vaccination.**
Somerset West Community Health Centre is an equal opportunity employer who values the diversity of individuals in our programs and services.
We welcome and encourage applications from members of Indigenous, Black and racialized communities, Two-Spirit, nonbinary, LGBTQ+ people; people with disabilities; and members of other equity seeking groups. Applicants are encouraged to share accessibility needs in the application process, and every attempt will be made to accommodate them.
Due to the high volume of applicants, we can neither confirm receipt of nor respond to inquiries regarding your application. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Apply
Go Back