Outreach Support Worker- Casual

AVI Health and Community Services; Nanaimo; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A community health organization in Nanaimo seeks an Outreach Support Worker to provide peer support and engage with program participants in a harm reduction program. Ideal candidates will have lived experience with drug use and a commitment to support individuals accessing vital health services. The position offers flexible hours and a competitive pay rate.

Benefits

Competitive hourly rate

Union benefits

Pension contributions

5% vacation pay

Qualifications

• Minimum two years experience within harm reduction settings.
• Have lived/living experience with drug use and related health barriers.
• Experience responding to critical incidents and overdose.

Responsibilities

• Provide peer support in various settings including shelters and parks.
• Monitor and support program participants using substances.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Peer support

Clear communication

Problem-solving

Ability to work outdoors

Job description

Overview

AVI Health & Community Services (AVI) is a multi-disciplinary community-based organization providing HIV, hepatitis C and harm reduction services at five locations across Vancouver Island. We serve people living with HIV and hepatitis C and harm reduction clients. We act on evidence-based actions to prevent infection, provide support and reduce stigma. We work within a social justice and health promotion framework to ensure equity and access to services for all. Our goal is to create meaningful connections between clients and staff, peers, organizations, communities and funders, and to deliver impactful programs.

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Job Summary

This position will work in a flexible community-based harm reduction program that provides safer pharmaceutical alternatives to the currently toxic drug supply. This program operates in conjunction with AVI’s existing programs and services, including the Positive Wellness Program for people living with or at risk of HIV/hepatitis C, health promotion, education, youth advocacy and outreach, and drop-in harm reduction services. Our services are delivered on the traditional territory of the Kmoks peoples.

Under the direct supervision of the Systems Navigator or designate, the Outreach Support Worker applies lived/living experience of drug use to build and maintain relationships with program participants. They will practice harm reduction in their relationships to build trust and provide peer support. The Outreach Support Worker will be integral to establishing and maintaining a positive, respectful environment and to acting as an AVI ambassador in the community.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with the team to identify potential participants, provide information regarding access to pharmaceutical alternatives to street drugs and assist with assessments and intakes.
• Provide peer support in a variety of settings including the on-site program space, parks, encampments, shelters, supported housing units and drop-in centres.
• Distribute safer drug use supplies, safer sex supplies and naloxone kits and provide information and training about their use.
• Monitor and support program participants who are using substances. Assess for overdose symptoms and respond with rescue breathing and naloxone when necessary.
• Maintain the safety of all program spaces by following protocols related to violence prevention and critical incidents.
• Provide harm reduction information and referrals for other health and social services.
• Connect regularly with program participants to offer peer support through active listening skills and a non-judgmental attitude.
• Liaise between participants, systems navigators, nurses and physicians to support participants to be heard and assist with keeping communication open and accessible.
• Identify and develop safety plans with people who are using substances who are at increased risk of overdose.
• Contribute to a positive, respectful environment at the program space and act as an AVI ambassador in the community.
• Attend regularly scheduled team meetings and individual supervision meetings.
• Keep records and participate in team charting to assure comprehensive documentation.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Minimum two years experience working within harm reduction settings. Experience working with safer supply programs is an asset.
• Have lived/living experience with drug use and related health and social barriers. Have personal experience accessing harm reduction services and other services designed to meet the needs of people who use substances.
• Experience responding to critical incidents and overdose including administration of naloxone.
• Have a current knowledge of local drug trends and can relate as a peer with program participants.
• 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.
• Interest in learning and eagerness to share information with peers with a non-judgmental attitude.
• Demonstrated understanding of the importance and role of people who use drugs in the development, delivery and evaluation of services intended to benefit them.
• Working understanding of confidentiality and boundaries.
• Working knowledge in harm reduction, safer drug use, OAT, safer sex, sex work, HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C, mental health, etc.
• Commitment to honor Indigenous communities and ways of knowing and approach to learning about the ongoing impacts of colonial violence with humility.
• Demonstrated understanding and commitment to harm reduction principles and practices.

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to work with a variety of stakeholders including coworkers, management, program participants and community partners.
• Clear and respectful verbal and written communication.
• Ability to initiate conversations and build respectful rapport.
• Ability to observe changes in health and well-being in program participants.
• Ability to work in a complex and dynamic environment while remaining composed.
• Proactive problem solving in tense situations.
• Physical ability to perform duties and operate related equipment.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather and seasons.

Position Details

• Pay: $31.56/hour to start with stepped increases based on seniority. Pay is based on the BCGEU pay grid 34.
• Hours and Schedule: Casual basis with potential shifts on Wednesday and Thursday.
• Position: Casual position.
• Location: Nanaimo.
• Number of positions available: 2.
• Union: AVI is a union environment under the Collective Agreement: HEABC & Health Services & Support Community Subsector Association 2022-2025; this role is a BCGEU union position.
• Pension: If you are a member of the Municipal Pension Plan (MPP), AVI contributes an additional 9.31% toward your pension. If not a member, part-time staff may become eligible after 2 years with AVI.
• Other Perks: This position includes 5% in lieu of vacation and 5% in lieu of statutory holidays, effectively increasing hourly rate by 10%.
• Hours of Work, Days Off and Work Area may change.

To Apply

To apply, send your resume (mandatory) and cover letter through the portal where you view this ad by August pm.

AVI is committed to equity and diversity and strongly encourages applications from Indigenous people, people of colour, racialized people, those living with a disability, people who use/d drugs, people with experience of sex work, people living with HIV and/or hepatitis C, and people representing diverse genders and sexualities. It is beneficial to indicate in the cover letter if you are Indigenous and/or have lived/living expertise relevant to the position.

Accommodations are available on request for candidates participating in all aspects of the selection process. As AVI is a union environment, internal staff will be prioritized in the hiring process. We thank all applicants; only those selected for an interview will be contacted.