Harm Reduction Lead

Detailed Overview

Supporting the Vision, Values, Purpose and Commitments of Fraser Health including service delivery that is centered around patients/clients/residents and families:
The Harm Reduction Lead provides leadership in the delivery of harm reduction services across Fraser Health. Responsible and accountable for leading the planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of harm reduction services to meet the goals and objectives of the program. Participates in strategic planning. Acts as a resource to contracted agencies, community organizations and internal staff by providing expert advice on harm reduction strategies.

Advocates for and promotes public awareness of a wide-range of harm reduction support services. Contributes to the development of program guidelines, standards and procedures. Participates in committees, task groups and/or community initiatives. Liaises with municipal government representatives, law enforcement officials and other local leaders to promote collaboration on harm reduction efforts and local policy development. Monitors budget allocation and resources for assigned initiatives.

Responsibilities Plans, coordinates, implements and evaluates harm reduction strategies, initiatives and services across Fraser Health. Assesses and prioritizes the condition and demand for increased harm reduction services and/or refinements to existing services. Liaises with Medical Health Officer, program managers and other internal stakeholders on status of current program planning to meet harm reduction strategies; identifies gaps and makes recommendations to enhance services.

Contributes to the development of service plans ensuring effective systems, practices, and policies are in place to support the goals and objectives of the program. Participates in the strategic planning process related to broader organizational and program specific areas of responsibility. In collaboration with the Manager, Clinical Services, develops, implements, evaluates, and updates service/program specific plans, goals and objectives, policies and procedures and related guidelines for the assigned program area(s), ensuring consistency with regional and community objectives and operational plans.

Ensures accessibility of a wide-range of harm reduction services to meet legislative responsibilities. Advocates for the development of a range of support services and strategies to enhance the knowledge, skills, resources, and supports for target populations. Collaborates with contracted service providers to develop practice guidelines, procedures and standards to promote consistent, best practice service and to ensure effective use of resources.

Supports professional competence in the area of harm reduction. Coordinates partner organizations, community groups and other relevant stakeholders to guide the development of a facilitation training program. Identifies and recommends strategies to address community safety. Organizes and/or participates on community advisory committees; engages community groups and stakeholders to gather support and address community concerns. Uses best practice, literature review, research and local information to inform the development of protocols to support the distribution of harm reduction supplies.

Creates program materials on related topics to increase public awareness of harm reduction principles, policies, and programs. Develops partnerships with a wide variety of health professionals, businesses and community groups to support mutual learning and resource coordination and sharing in the advancement of harm reduction strategies. Assesses regional needs and response to needs through the collection of data; monitors emerging trends to guide further direction for planning.

Develops and maintains harmonious working relationships with other FH programs and contracted agencies, professionals, community groups and individual members of the public. Participates in committees, task groups and/or community initiatives; provides program/service representation and input from a clinical perspective, presents material, acts as an advocate for the program goals and objectives…