Job Title Harm Reduction Worker

Lookout Housing + Health Society; Duncan; On-site; CAD 41,000 - 43,000; Part time

Job summary

Lookout Housing and Health Society in Cowichan Valley is hiring a Harm Reduction Worker (casual). The role supports the Harm Reduction Program under the Program Manager, overseeing harm reduction supplies, orienting staff, and delivering services to clients with complex needs including mental health, addiction, and medical concerns.

The worker will participate in needle distribution, provide client support, and educate on harm reduction methods.

Qualifications

• Related Certificate in social services or equivalent education/experience.
• Current Occupational First Aid Level 1 certificate and negative TB test.
• Class 5 Driver’s License and Driver’s Abstract.
• Naloxone Training, CPI, and Trauma-Informed Practice Training are an asset.
• Criminal Record Clearance – Vulnerable Sector required.

Responsibilities

• Provide oversight, coordination, and education of Lookout’s Harm Reduction program and Needle Distribution program to support harm reduction practices.
• Assist staff and managers with implementing approved harm reduction practices.
• Provide assistance to clients by identifying and sharing information on resources; maintain records.
• Participate as a team member to ensure a safe and caring environment and respond to emergencies.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety program; respirator fit testing protocol.

Skills

Excellent communication

Documentation

Organizational skills

Teamwork

Education

Social services certificate

Grade 12 + 2 years related experience

Job description

Harm Reduction Worker

Lookout Housing and Health Society

Employment Status: Casual

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: Cowichan Valley Wellness and Recovery Centre

Days and Hours of work: 7 days a week, day, afternoon/evening and overnight shifts, weekdays, weekends and holidays. 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.

Salary: $29.62 - 31.40 depending upon applicants' length of seniority (as per the Collective Agreement)

Job Summary

The Harm Reduction Worker (HRW) supports Lookout’s Harm Reduction Program under the direction of the Program Manager. The HRW 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 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 Worker deals with the public, other service agencies, and professionals involved in the support of clients. 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.

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 License 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

Applications will be accepted until October 3, 2026 at 5:00 pm