Harm Reduction Outreach Worker

Company: Six Nations of the Grand River

HARM REDUCTON OUTREACH WORKER – 101R1-24-3

Mental Health, Health Services

Part Time Evenings 4pm-9pm

 

Applications will be received by Six Nations of the Grand River and Grand River Employment & Training (GREAT) up until 4:00 p.m. EST, Wednesday, August 14, 2024, for the Mental Health with Health Services The Six Nations of the Grand River Application for Employment Form, Job Posting and Job Description are available for printing from the www.greatsn.com website. Online applications accepted through https://www.vscyberhosting.com/sixnations/. NO LATE APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED. Applicants from Six Nations and other First Nations will be given preference to deliver programs and services in a First Nations community.

 

JOB SUMMARY: Reports to and works under the direction and supervision of the Harm Reduction Outreach Manager, Mental Wellness Team, Six Nations Elected Council.

The role of the Harm Reduction Outreach Worker provides outreach services and networks with individuals in their homes or on the streets and be comfortable supporting individuals in a non-stigmatizing manner. The Outreach Worker will be responsible for delivering harm reduction services, education, and resources to individuals in areas throughout Six Nations, interacting with clients, and being a first contact between clients and the surrounding services. Harm reduction is aimed at the reduction of negative consequences of drug use, including the transmission of infectious diseases, overdoses and other negative consequences of drug use.

As well, they will be assisting the Drug Strategy Coordinator by designing, developing, planning, coordinating, implementing, maintaining, and managing various projects/programs for the Six Nations Harm Reduction and Outreach Program.

Type	Part Time Evenings 4pm-9pm
Closing Date	August 14, 2024
Hours of Work	25hrs/week
Wage	$28.57/hour

 

*A competitive compensation package will be offered commensurate with qualifications. *

 

 BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

 

Minimum Requirements:

• A diploma in Social Services/ Social Work, Addiction, or related field; or a minimum of Grade 12 education plus two (2) years of recent related experience; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
• Comfort in engaging with individuals who use injection and inhalation drugs, and other vulnerable populations in a compassionate and respectful manner
• Understanding of Harm Reduction as a therapeutic intervention
• Must have a vehicle and a Class "G" driver’s license

 

SUBMISSION PROCEDURE: (Choose one method ONLY):

 

Method #1:  Online

1. Please visit: https://www.vscyberhosting.com/sixnations/ to access our job board and follow the directions to apply.
2. Please ensure all required documents are provided/uploaded with your application package, which include:
   1. Cover letter including your band name and number (if applicable). Please indicate in your letter how your education and experience qualifies you for this position.
   2. Recent resume clearly identifying that you meet the Basic Qualifications of this position as stipulated above.
   3. Copy of your education diploma/degree/certificate and transcript.
3. If you have any questions or need assistance please reach out to Eniola Owoso, HR Business Partner at 519-445-2223 ext. 5716 or via email at HRBP3@sixnations.ca.

 

Method #2: GREAT – Applications must include all of the following:

1. Printed, filled in and authorized Six Nations of the Grand River Application for Employment Form.
2. Cover letter including your band name and number (if applicable). Please indicate in your letter how your education and experience qualifies you for this position.
3. Recent resume clearly identifying that you meet the Basic Qualifications of this position as stipulated above.
4. Photocopy of your education diploma/degree/certificate and transcript.
5. Place all documents listed above in a sealed envelope and mail to or drop off at: 

Harm Reduction Outreach Worker – Part Time Evenings 4pm-9pm – 101R1-24-3

                                                c/o Reception Desk

                                                Grand River Employment & Training (GREAT)

                                                P.O. Box 69, 16 Sunrise Court

                                                Ohsweken, Ontario N0A 1M0

POSITION DESCRIPTION – HEALTH SERVICES

 

POSITION TITLE:  HARM REDUCTION OUTREACH WORKER PART TIME EVENINGS

 

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP:

 

Reports to and works under the direction and supervision of the Harm Reduction Outreach Manager, Mental Wellness Team, Six Nations Elected Council.

 

PURPOSE & SCOPE OF THE POSITION:

 

The role of the Harm Reduction Outreach Worker provides outreach services and networks with individuals in their homes or on the streets and be comfortable supporting individuals in a non-stigmatizing manner. The Outreach Worker will be responsible for delivering harm reduction services, education, and resources to individuals in areas throughout Six Nations, interacting with clients, and being a first contact between clients and the surrounding services. Harm reduction is aimed at the reduction of negative consequences of drug use, including the transmission of infectious diseases, overdoses and other negative consequences of drug use.

As well, they will be assisting the Drug Strategy Coordinator by designing, developing, planning, coordinating, implementing, maintaining, and managing various projects/programs for the Six Nations Harm Reduction and Outreach Program.

 

 DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

 

1. Technical Functions:

• Assists in designing and developing culturally relevant harm reduction activities.
• Co-creates and helps implement outreach activities to reach more clients.
• Provides client-centered support to individuals dealing with substance use, incorporating a harm reduction and trauma-informed approach.
• Responsible for driving the Health RV bus, delivering mobile outreach services to clients in the community.
• Helps clients access services through referrals and shares knowledge of the healthcare system.
• Provides harm reduction supplies such as naloxone to service users and their contacts at fixed sites, via mobile services, and through street outreach activities.
• Liaises and collaborates with community partners to develop a comprehensive harm reduction strategy, supporting and participating in outreach activities.
• Represents the outreach team at events such as Community Awareness Month and other stakeholder events by setting up and staffing informational booths.
• Promotes health and provides education on harm reduction strategies, making referrals to community supports as needed.
• Offers support, education, and training on safer drug use practices, infection prevention, and health promotion to community members who use substances.
• Co-creates and leads training/workshops as requested by community stakeholders.
• Assists in the creation and support of peer support groups, collaborating with other programs to develop and manage these groups.
• Facilitates the planning and coordination of events such as Overdose Awareness Day and National Addictions Awareness Week.
• Ensures safe disposal and handling of used drug equipment.
• Due to the nature of outreach work and community events, availability during evenings and weekends may be required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

 

2. Communications Functions:

• Works with other team members to ensure work plan is managed.
• Follows pre-established work plan.
• Accurately documents work plan activities.
• Considers cost effectiveness when planning activities.
• Collaborates with the Programs & Services Supervisor.
• Work plan is evaluated against established expectations.
• Cost effective programs are delivered.
• Committed to ongoing staff education.

 

3. Administrative Functions :

• Preparing and collecting statistics on harm reduction activities
• Attend monthly team meetings
• Prepares reports for special projects initiated outside of normal responsibilities.
• Provide activity reports according to established office policies and procedures.
• Supports the program development and evaluation process
• Maintains statistics relevant to the position, fulfills annual work plan activities and documents required information.

 

4. Other Functions:

• Performs other related duties as may reasonably be required by the Drug Strategy Coordinator. OTHER RELATED DUTIES
• Provides support for the Six Nations Emergency Measures Plan by ensuring awareness of the Emergency Measures Plan and assistance as instructed by the Director of Health Services as a member of the Emergency Control Group.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

 

• Scheduled working hours are from 4 PM to 9 PM. However, these hours are subject to change based on operational needs.
• Work requires physical activity and mental stress; requires working inside/outside; requires travel; requires extensive interaction with the public; subject to interruptions, deadlines, unscheduled hours.
• Work requires the ability to prioritize tasks, work independently with minimal supervision, cope with many demands and time restraints.

 

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:

 

With the Drug Strategy Coordinator:

• Receives direction, guidance and discusses plans, priorities or actions to ensure tasks are done efficiently and effectively, receives instruction and supervision.

With Other Staff:

• Promotes courtesy, cooperation and teamwork with all staff.

With the Public:

• Represents and promotes the health service interests of Six Nations;
• works in a courteous, cooperative, positive and proactive manner.

With External Agencies:

• Represents and promotes Six Nations interests relative to Health Services, maintains awareness of legislative policy and program changes; seeks to develop sound, professional working relationships.

 

KNOWLEDGE  SKILLS:

 

Minimum Requirements:

• A diploma in Social Services/ Social Work, Addiction, or related field; or a minimum of Grade 12 education plus two (2) years of recent related experience; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
• Comfort in engaging with individuals who use injection and inhalation drugs, and other vulnerable populations in a compassionate and respectful manner
• Understanding of Harm Reduction as a therapeutic intervention
• Must have a vehicle and a Class "G" driver’s license

 

Other Related Skills:

• A current cardio-pulmonary resuscitation certificate (CPR).
• Willingness to obtain Non-Violent Crisis Intervention, First Aid, CPR and ASIST Certification
• An understanding of the social determinants of health as they pertain to substance use
• Strong understanding of social services and healthcare systems of Six Nations, Brantford/Brant County
• Understands the importance of confidentiality, and the ability to work with tact and discretion
• Knowledge of computers an asset
• Strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills
• Strong knowledge of the Six Nations community
• Willingness to maintain ongoing professional competency
• Lived experience of substance use is an asset
• Experience in advocacy for persons who use substances or knowledge of substance use, through a combination of lived experience and education is an asset

 

IMPACT OF ERROR:

 

Errors in judgement and in the conduct of duties could lead to loss credibility, poor public relation, confusion, duplication of effort and misinformation being given to the Director of Health Services, Human Services Committee, Six Nations Elected Council, Government Agencies and the public.

 

CONTROL:

 

Guiding principles set by Health Services Department and Six Nations Elected Council. Works within the administrative policies and procedures established by the Six Nations Elected Council for the Health Services Department and other legislation provided by the respective governments.