SAFER Support Worker- Casual Call Job Victoria area,BC Canada,Healthcare

Position: SAFER Support Worker- Casual Call Out

AVI Health & Community Services (AVI) is a multi-disciplinary community-based organisation providing HIV, hepatitis C and harm reduction services out of 5 locations across Vancouver Island. AVI provides services to more than 500 people living with HIV and hepatitis C and more than 3000 harm reduction clients. We take evidence-based action 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.

At the core of what we do is our ability, and commitment to, creating meaningful connections. Every day, we strive to create meaningful connections between clients and staff, between peers, between staff members, between organizations, between communities, and between funders and impactful programs. For more info see (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..org

SAFER program is a flexible, community-based, harm reduction program that provides safer, pharmaceutical alternatives to the currently toxic drug supply. SAFER is located on the territories of the Ləkʷəŋən peoples (Esquimalt and Songhees nations).

JOB SUMMARY:

Under the direct supervision of the Clinic Care Manager, or designate, the SAFER Support Worker applies their lived/living experience of criminalized drug use to build and maintain relationships with SAFER participants. They will practice harm reduction in their relationships to build trust and provide peer support. The SAFER Support Worker will be integral to helping to establish and maintain a positive, respectful environment at the SAFER program space and to act as a SAFER ambassador in the community.

This position is Minimum Baseline Staffing for a busy Safe Supply Clinic. The importance of being able to commit to the days and times of assigned shifts is imperative for the success of the program.

KEY

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Work collaboratively with the SAFER team to identify potential participants, provide information regarding access to pharmaceutical alternatives to street drugs, and assist with assessments and intakes.

Witness doses & record times as delegated by nursing team in the most dignified way possible.

Welcome participants into the space.

Distribute safer drug use supplies, safer sex supplies and naloxone kits, and provide information and training about their use.

Monitor and support people who are using substances. Assess for overdose symptoms and respond with SAFER team with rescue breathing and naloxone when necessary. Training is provided.

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 SAFER participants and offer peer support through active listening skills and 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.

In conjunction with other SAFER staff, 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 SAFER program space and act as a SAFER ambassador in the community.

Attending regularly scheduled team meetings and individual supervision meetings.

Keep records and participate in ‘team charting’ to assure comprehensive documentation.

Maintaining cleanliness in the space; ensuring booths and the washroom are properly sanitized after each use.

Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Key qualification:
Have lived/living experience with criminalized drug use and related health and social barriers. (adjacent experience also considered)

Minimum two years’…