Job Title Needle Exchange Outreach Worker

Department Harm Reduction/Adult Services

Location Oshawa and surrounding Durham Region

Posting Start Date April 5, 2024

Posting End Date April 16, 2024

Employment Group CUPE 2936.13, Full time permanent position

Salary Grid Rate $23.321 per hour

Standard Weekly Hours of Work 35

Shift Work Required Yes – days (8am to 4pm) evenings (3pm-11pm)

Work Environment Combination of in office, community and outdoors

Additional Benefits Health, Dental, Life, LTD, AD&D, EAP, Accident, RRSP

John Howard Society of Durham Region Mission Statement:

To reduce the impact of crime and its causes by providing a spectrum of effective prevention and intervention programs.

Position Summary:

The Project X-Change Program is committed to engaging people who use substances in a non-judgmental, culturally safe, and non-coercive manner. It prioritizes human rights, dignity, choice, and self-determination while addressing specific risks, including HCV, HIV, overdose, and substance-related harms. This program aims to provide essential support and resources for individuals who use substances while respecting their autonomy and promoting safer practices.

Key program features include:

• Harm Reduction Approach: Recognizing the need for diverse interventions without mandating cessation or abstinence from substance use.
• Resource Provision: Offering access to sterile injection and inhalation equipment, Naloxone and training, client support, education, and referrals to relevant resources and healthcare providers.
• Promoting Safety: Providing information on safer substance use, safe handling of sharps, and safer sex practices for individuals involved in at-risk activities.
• Location: The program operates in the Durham Region, and staff may be required to work at various John Howard Society site locations.

Key Relationships:

Harm Reduction Coordinator, JHS Durham management team, agency employees, service seekers, and other community agencies and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

The role within the Project X-Change Program encompasses a wide range of responsibilities aimed at supporting at-risk individuals and promoting harm reduction. This role is instrumental in promoting harm reduction and supporting individuals in making safer choices regarding their substance use and health.

Here's a concise summary of the key duties:

• Quality Service: Follow program best practices and confidentiality policies to ensure the quality of service.
• Program Support: Provide support services to at-risk individuals, actively engaging with them in a non-judgmental manner.
• Program Promotion: Assist with program promotion to reach and engage the target population effectively and educate community.
• Outreach: Actively seek at-risk individuals, build trust, and encourage practices that promote positive health outcomes.
• Collaboration: Collaborate with other community services to reduce stigma and remove barriers to accessing those services.
• Equipment Access: Facilitate access to sterile equipment and supplies and promote safe disposal of used items.
• Counselling: Provide counselling and education on Harm Reduction techniques, including safer sex practices, Hepatitis C, HIV/AIDS, STIs, and testing and treatment.
• Naloxone Training: Facilitate Naloxone training and distribution to address overdose risks.
• Student Mentorship: Recruit, interview, train, and supervise placement students to support program activities.
• Workshops: Organize and facilitate informational workshops at various times to reach a broader audience.
• Data Management: Maintain accurate statistical data related to the program and ensure the completion of necessary forms and reports.
• Referrals: Provide referrals to appropriate resources as needed and requested by clients.
• Appointment Assistance: Help clients schedule and arrange appointments and offer support during appointments.
• Professional Development: Attend workshops, seminars, or meetings as planned with or directed by the funder or the Harm Reduction Program Coordinator.
• Information Sharing: Disseminate information about agency programs and services to staff and clients.
• Resource Management: Create a program pamphlet and update the resource library to enhance accessibility to information and resources.

This position involves diligent record-keeping and reporting, ensuring that all documentation meets program requirements and funding standards. This meticulous attention to documentation and reporting is crucial for the program's effectiveness and compliance with funding standards.

Key responsibilities:

1. Statistical Documentation: Keep accurate statistical records in line with program requirements.
2. Reporting: Assist in the Preparation of accurate statistical and narrative reports.
3. Financial Tracking: Monitor and maintain financial tracking where necessary.
4. Deadlines: Meet all required deadlines for reporting and documentation.
5. System Development: Continuously work on the development of new systems and record-keeping methods to ensure that funding requirements are consistently met, and all documentation remains complete, accurate, and accountable.

Requirements

The role has specific requirements and qualifications to ensure the effective execution of responsibilities within the Harm Reduction Program. These qualifications and requirements are crucial for the effective functioning of the role within the program, ensuring that the individual can provide quality support and services to at-risk individuals in a professional and caring manner.

Education and Experience:

• A minimum of a college diploma in a related field, with a preference for candidates with a background in addictions and mental health.
• Previous experience utilizing a harm reduction model in addictions counselling, social service work, and/or healthcare is required.

Personal Attributes:

• Non-judgmental and flexible in working with diverse clientele.
• Solid knowledge of community and healthcare services in the Durham Region.
• Strong desire and interest in working with individuals at risk in various aspects of daily living.

Technical Skills:

• Proficiency in using Windows NT/WAN operating systems.
• Competence in using the Internet, Outlook, and Microsoft Office products, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

Licenses and Insurance:

• A valid G driver's license.
• Access to a personal vehicle with a minimum of $2,000,000 liability insurance.

Health Requirements:

• Must have Hepatitis B vaccinations.

Communication and Organizational Skills:

• Strong ability to apply crisis intervention techniques
• Ability to write simple correspondence, memos, letters, etc.
• Basic mathematical skills.
• The ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Adaptability to meet changing work needs and demands.
• Proficiency in maintaining filing systems, basic databases, and records.
• Superior telephone manners and strong interpersonal skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Work Conditions

• May be exposed to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc.
• Works outside in all weather (modified work for severe weather) and various terrain (as is reasonable)
• Interacts with the public, clients, staff, visitors, and staff from other organizations.
• Ongoing physical activity including walking, standing, sitting, lifting.
• Able to lift items as heavy as 35 lbs.
• Manual dexterity required to use desktop computer and peripherals.
• Flexible hours as required.

Application Instructions:

Submit a letter of interest and your resume which outlines your skills, education, experience and fit for this position through this link: https://jhsdurham.bamboohr.com/careers/355