Harm Reduction Program Coordinator

Lower Mainland Purpose Society for Youth and Families (Purpose Society)

Harm Reduction Program Coordinator

Work Site: 40 Begbie Street, New Westminster

Salary: $29.00/hour

Hours:

35 hours/week, Full time

Purpose Society is a community-based multi-service organization dedicated to delivering comprehensive programs for children, youth, and families. We focus on enhancing well-being, strengthening family functioning, and promoting personal responsibility through a client-centered approach. Our services are provided in a safe, respectful environment that values diversity and community connection.

We are seeking a passionate and committed Harm Reduction Program Coordinator to join our innovative team and make a meaningful difference in our community. The Harm Reduction Coordinator is responsible for the planning, delivery, and evaluation of mobile harm reduction and mobile drug checking services in New Westminster, Burnaby, Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows and the Tri-Cities. This role includes direct outreach, education, and support for people who use substances, as well as training staff and community members in naloxone administration and Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI).

The Coordinator will work collaboratively with local agencies, health authorities, and community partners to reduce the harms associated with substance use, promote safer practices, and respond to overdoses.

• Mobile Harm Reduction Outreach Supervision
• Supervise staff who operate and maintain the Purpose mobile outreach and mobile drug checking vehicles, which provides harm reduction supplies (e.g., clean needles, naloxone kits, condoms, food, seasonal clothing), safe recovery and disposal of used syringes and other paraphernalia from the community and responds to medical emergencies, including drug overdoses, and provides first aid as required.
• Provide Training on the FTIR and SCATR Drug Checking devices.
• Provide Harm Reduction education to individuals in various communities.
• Build and maintain trusting, non-judgmental relationships with service users, ensuring confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Offer early intervention, support, and referrals to health, social, and addiction services as needed.
• Maintain accurate records of outreach activities, inventory, and client interactions.
• Liaise with community partners and participate in cross-case planning for shared clientele.

• Naloxone Training and Overdose Response
• Provide naloxone training to staff, clients, and community members, including common drugs and their effects, overdose prevention, recognition, and first aid response.
• Ensure the mobile team and partners are equipped with naloxone kits and are confident in their use.
• Develop and maintain safe work procedures for naloxone administration and overdose response, including documentation and debriefing protocols.
• Stay current with best practices in opioid overdose response and harm reduction.
• Support the integration of trauma-informed, non-violent approaches within all harm reduction activities.

• Program Coordination & Education
• Design, implement, and facilitate harm reduction educational programming for both service users and professionals.
• Coordinate special projects, community events, and workforce development initiatives related to harm reduction.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of substance use trends, HIV/HCV/STI prevention, and emerging risks.
• Engage with diverse populations, including Indigenous communities, LGBTQ2S+ individuals, and people who use criminalized drugs.

• Additional Duties
• Maintain inventory and cleanliness of the outreach vehicle and supplies.
• Participate in team meetings, training, and professional development.
• Adhere to confidentiality policies, codes of conduct, and health and…