Harm Reduction Outreach

Lookout Housing and Health Society; Abbotsford; On-site; CAD 45,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Lookout Housing and Health Society in Cedar Valley Apartments is hiring a Harm Reduction Outreach Worker (HRO) on a full-time basis, temporary until the incumbent returns. The HRO will support Lookout’s Harm Reduction Program, oversee needle distribution, and orient staff to harm reduction practices.

Qualifications include a related social services certificate or Grade 12 plus two years of experience, and a Class 5 driver’s license. Respirator fit testing is required under COR certification.

Qualifications

• Must have related social services background or Grade 12 + 2 years related experience
• Naloxone Training, CPI & trauma-informed practice are assets
• Ability to work independently and in a team setting
• Strong communication, writing, documentation, and organizational skills

Responsibilities

• Provide oversight, coordination, and education of Lookout’s Harm Reduction program
• Assist staff and managers with implementing harm reduction practices
• Provide assistance to clients by identifying and sharing information on resources
• Maintain related manual and computerized records
• Participate as a team member to ensure a safe and caring environment
• Adhere to health and safety requirements including respirator fit testing

Skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Organizational skills

Stress management

Education

Grade 12 or related certificate

Job description

Company: Lookout Housing and Health Society

Employment Status

Full Time - Temporary until Incumbent Return

Header

We provide housing and a range of support services to adults with low or no income who have few, if any, housing or support options. Because the people we serve have challenges meeting basic needs and goals, we place minimal barriers between them and our services. For more information about Lookout, please visit www.lookoutsociety.ca

Location

Cedar Valley Apartments
25 minute walk from Mission City Station

Days and Hours of work

Friday through Monday
Shift times will be 0800 - 1600 Hours
Shifts are 7.5 hours in length
Days of rest shall be consecutive. Schedule may change with two weeks’ notice
Probationary/qualifying period will be 488 hours with mid and end point reviews

$33.49 - 35.31depending upon applicants' length of seniority (as per the Collective Agreement)

Job Summary

The Harm Reduction Outreach Worker (HRO) supports Lookout’s Harm Reduction Program under the direction of the Program Manager. The HRO gives oversight of harm reduction supplies throughout the Society, orienting and supporting staff to carry out their duties within the harm reduction framework. The people we serve may have a variety of challenging and often overlapping problems including serious mental illness, substance abuse (including IV drug use), hygiene issues, treatment (medical, psychiatric, and rehab), and increasingly HIV+/Aids. Harm Reduction Outreach Workers provide the necessary support for the needle distribution program including intake and orienting guests, and support for meeting the needs of clients, as well as education on harm reduction methods and distribution of harm reduction supplies. The Harm Reduction Outreach Worker deals with the public, other service agencies, and professionals involved in the support of clients.

Job Duties

• Provide oversight, coordination, and education of Lookout’s Harm Reduction program and the Needle Distribution program to support harm reduction practice through the Society
• Assist staff and managers with implementing harm reduction practices that are approved
• Provide assistance to clients by identifying and sharing information on a variety of resources
• Maintain related manual and computerized records
• Participate as a team member with staff to ensure a safe and caring environment by responding to emergencies and supporting others through methods and information
• Employees are expected to remain alert and attentive during working hours. Sleeping during shifts is not permitted
• Responsible for complying with and contributing to all aspects of health and safety program

Qualifications & Competence

• Related Certificate in social services; or minimum Grade 12 education plus two (2) years of recent related experience; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
• Familiarity with community resources; particularly harm reduction, addiction, mental health, and others
• Must have current Occupational First Aid Level 1 Certificate and negative TB Test
• Must have Class 5 Driver’s Licence and Driver’s Abstract
• Naloxone Training, Crisis Intervention (CPI), and Trauma Informed Practice Training is an asset
• Ability to work independently and in a team setting
• Strong ability to manage stress and organize workload
• Excellent communication, writing, documentation, and organizational skills
• Understands and maintains clientele/worker boundaries
• Ability to work with disadvantaged and challenging adults in a diverse environment
• Strong physical and mental ability to perform work tasks and operate job related equipment
• A minimum of two (2) years sobriety if you have had concerns related to alcohol and/or drug use
• Criminal Record Clearance – Vulnerable Sector required

Respirator Fit Test Requirement
This position requires successful completion of respirator fit testing, as Lookout is COR (Certificate of Recognition) certified and must comply with WorkSafeBC health and safety requirements. To ensure a proper respirator seal during fit testing and use, employees are required to be clean-shaven where the respirator seals against the face.

Closing Date

Applications will be accepted until October 6, 2026 at 5:00 pm

“All employees, including laid off and displaced employees, are entitled to apply on the vacancy and be considered pursuant to the provisions of Article 12.9.” Internal applicants must apply through "Career Opportunities" on SAP. External applicants will be reviewed after Internal.

Lookout Housing and Health Society is committed to empowering people from different races, gender, age, religion, identities and unique experiences. We welcome everyone from diverse backgrounds and encourage them to apply in order to foster an inclusive environment.