Details:
The Casual Harm Reduction Support Worker provides a broad range of low barrier, harm reduction supports to individuals accessing harm reduction programming and services at AIDS Vancouver Island.
The Casual Harm Reduction Support Worker will provide evidence-based educational and harm reduction interventions to individuals and priority populations to increase knowledge regarding HIV and other blood-borne disease transmission and prevention strategies, and facilitate behavior change to prevent transmission.
The Casual Harm Reduction Support Worker will provide oversight, support, and overdose response, including the administration of oxygen or rescue breathing and Naloxone, to people using illicit substances in AVI’s Overdose Prevention Room.
Qualifications & Experience:
Qualifications:
• Diploma in health or social services (Social Work, Psychology, Mental Health & Addictions Support Worker, etc.), or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Valid Class 5 BC Driver’s License
• Valid First Aid Certification and experience responding to critical incidents
• Harm Reduction Support Workers will have a minimum of one (1) year relevant work experience and will demonstrate the following minimum requirements:
• Direct service delivery experience in the community social services sector with a demonstrated working knowledge of community-based programs and related provincial and community support services systems
• Demonstrated skills, experience, and knowledge in the areas of safer drug use, addictions, safer sex, sex work, HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C, mental health, etc.
• Demonstrated knowledge of social justice, health promotion and public health approaches and models of social support and health care
• Demonstrated understanding and commitment to harm reduction principles and practices
• Demonstrated ability to establish rapport with a diverse range of clientele including individuals who are actively using substances and living with significant health challenges;
• Experience managing hostile interactions, utilizing non-violent communication and de-escalation skills
• Experience with overdose response, including administration of naloxone, is an asset.
• Ability to apply sound judgement: stay grounded and use creativity, flexibility, and assertiveness when working through complex and often urgent situations
• Demonstrated understanding of the importance and role of people who use drugs in the development, delivery, and evaluation of services intended to benefit them
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills required to work effectively with co-workers, clients, community, and other service providers