Harm Reduction Coordinator (Full -time, Permanent)

POSITION: Harm Reduction Coordinator

DEPARTMENT: Harm Reduction

REPORT TO: Director of Emergency Services

DIRECT REPORTS: Peer Support Workers

POSITION TYPE: Full-time, Permanent

WORK HOURS: 1.0 FTE

LOCATION: 609 Main Street

About the Company

Main Street Project (MSP) is a community health Centre with a mandate to address the social determinants of health which give rise to issues of addiction, physical and mental health issues and homelessness. MSP uses housing-first and harm reduction principles in the provision of a safe, respectful and accessible place for individuals who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness in the community. Since 1972, MSP has been providing a range of services to Winnipeg's most marginalized residents, including emergency shelter and nutrition services, drug and alcohol withdrawal management services, health advocacy and support, case management services, housing support services, food bank services and a mobile community outreach program.

Are you seeking a career where you can be part of a dynamic, diverse team, and where the mission is centered around ensuring everyone has access to a safe environment that promotes dignity, respect, and self-determination? Main Street Project is committed to developing impactful and meaningful solutions that drive positive changes in our community. The work you do here will have a lasting, meaningful impact on those we serve.

At Main Street Project, we believe that the best work happens when diverse minds come together. We believe in building and fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. Our commitment to diversity, including embracing Truth & Reconciliation, Decolonization and Anti-Oppression, is embedded in our culture and drives the success of the organization. Our team is made up of talented individuals from various backgrounds and life experiences, creating a rich tapestry of perspectives.

Job Summary

The Harm Reduction Coordinator provides leadership to the CSOA and M.A.P team and associated services towards these ends including (but not limited to), the supervision of staff, students, volunteers, interns. Leading data collection, reporting and documentation. The Harm Reduction coordinator will work across all programs ensuring the advancement of harm reduction initiatives.

The Program Coordinator serves as the direct contact for employee development including performance management, program development, evaluation and delivery; as well as developing relationships with external partners. This position is also responsible for the successful facilitation of harm reduction training and ordering of harm reduction supplies. This position provides of supports and interventions for individuals using MSP services in coordination with an interdisciplinary team, as well as oversight for MSP’s Managed Alcohol Program (MAP) and Community Supported Opioid Program (CSOA).

The Managed Alcohol Program (MAP) provides compassionate, low-barrier support for individuals experiencing harm from their alcohol use. Through safer access to beverage alcohol, case management, housing support, cultural connection, and healthcare coordination, MAP aims to reduce harms associated with non-beverage alcohol use, emergency service involvement, and barriers to stability while promoting dignity, safety, and self-determination.

The Community Supported Opioid Access (CSOA) Program provides safer alternatives to the toxic illicit drug supply through a comprehensive harm reduction approach. The program supports program relatives with medication access, peer support, case management, housing stabilization, cultural supports, healthcare navigation, and connection to community resources, with the goal of reducing overdose risk and improving health, safety, and overall well-being.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership Responsibilities

• Ensuring new staff are successfully onboarded and trained
• Monitor on-shift performance and attendance, identify training needs and provide coaching to staff, reporting updates to shelter leadership team
• Recognize excellent performance and show ongoing staff appreciation
• Directly report staff issues, including staff complaints, conflict resolution needs, and disciplinary issues to Director of Emergency Services; document issues and ensure appropriate team members are notified on matters of concern
• Provide on-site leadership, including debriefs, during/after incidents
• Schedule staff for all shifts, resolve scheduling issues, and fill in for scheduling gaps as needed
• Provide direct supervision and day-to-day oversight to peer support workers on-shift
• Responsible for the implementation and maintenance of program policies, procedures and activities to bring participant experience and outcomes in line with MSP’s mission, values and strategic plan
• Provides periodic review, evaluation and modification of programs to ensure activities are meeting participant priorities and are in line with MSP’s strategic plan and contractual obligations
• Responsible for the supporting supervision, development and accountability of program staff, students, volunteers and interns, ensuring their actions and behaviors are in line with MSP mission, goals, and values, and contributing positively to our strategic plan
• Ensures that programs and activities are peer directed and contribute positively towards advancing MSP’s strategic plan.
• Actively creates a culturally safe and secure environment where people feel safe and draw strength in their identity, culture and community; and can develop relationships that offer structure, belonging, and support ongoing personal and interpersonal development.

Program Delivery

• Maintain confidentiality in accordance MSP policy & legislation
• Remain up to date on MSP policies, internal communications, safety protocols and the collective bargaining agreement
• Oversee and provide direction to staff in their day-to-day duties and harm reduction services
• Responsible to lead and develop programs across the organisation in line with MSP strategic plan with Harm Reduction Nurse and Director. Implement harm reduction programming, practice, measurement, and evaluation, and achieve practice consistency. This includes;
• The creation of peer-led projects and associated data collection and reporting
• Harm Reduction programming including advocacy, training, and support with policy development
• Collaboration across all departments including partnership with Harm Reduction Nurse
• Support with implementation and evaluation of new Harm Reduction initiatives at MSP
• Lead harm redaction training and education for all MSP staff and program areas, including Opioid Response and Oxygen Therapy
• Working collaboratively with Housing, Volunteer, Case Mgmt and Indigenous Relations leadership and Skabes to plan and support events and programming for MAP and CSOA relatives, and other housing residents.
• Order all harm reduction supplies, including naloxone, for organisation, ensuring minimum stock levels are always achieved in all programs
• Work collaboratively with Housing Coordinator, Housing Manager to plan peer led activities and meetings for Harm Reduction Programs
• Lead harm reduction training across the organization including opioid response and naloxone training, and oxygen therapy.
• Monitoring harm reduction supply stock levels in each program area and placing orders for monthly stock.

Qualifications

• Experience working in the field of human services preferably with adults experiencing homelessness, mental health and substance use issues
• Proven work experience as a team leader or supervisor
• In-depth knowledge of performance metrics
• Good computer skills, especially Microsoft Suite and Incident Reporting
• Experience in data collection and report writing
• Excellent de-escalation, conflict resolution and leadership skills
• Organizational and time-management skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills and communication skills, both oral and written
• Strong decision-making skills, ability to adapt to emerging situations
• Able to act proactively to ensure smooth team operations and effective collaboration
• Ability to work with a community member-centred care philosophy
• Ability to apply Harm Reduction, Trauma Informed Care, Anti-Oppressive, and Housing First philosophies in their day-to-day support of community members and staff team
• Knowledge of Indigenous culture
• Knowledge of and ability to apply the principles of the TRC Calls to Action, MMIWG Calls to Justice, and UNDRIP
• Knowledge of the effects of poverty and the determinants to health
• Experience in working with culturally diverse populations
• Ability to work with individuals presenting challenging behaviours or experiencing crisis

Conditions of Employment

• Ability to meet to the physical demands required for the role including being on your feet for long periods of time, lifting up to 50 lbs
• Exposure to biohazards including but not limited to blood, bodily fluids, and syringes
• Ability to work with individuals who use substances and/or experience mental health issues
• Ability to provide support in high intensity incidents including but not limited to medical emergencies and aggressive individuals
• Comfortable working in environment where Indigenous ceremonies and practices are actively taking place including Smudging
• Satisfactory Criminal Record Check with Clear Vulnerable Sector Search and a Clear Adult Abuse Registry Check and Child Abuse Registry Check are required. Ability to work with individuals who use substances and/or experience mental health issues
• Must hold current Class 5 driver’s licence and may be asked to travel between Main Street Project locations

Additional Requirements

• Satisfactory Criminal Record with clear Vulnerable Sector Search, and a clear Child and Adult Abuse Registry Check is required. The employee is responsible for any service charges incurred.
• Valid CPR & Basic First Aid
• Non-violent Crisis Intervention and mental health first aid training is considered an asset

Values & Competencies

Ability to embody Main Street Project’s Core Values:

• Reducing Harm
• Truth and Reconciliation
• Anti-Oppression
• Trauma-Informed

Key Competencies

• Collaboration
• Problem Solving
• Crisis Management
• Decision Making
• Verbal Communication
• Service Excellence
• Accountability

Main Street Project offers

• Competitive wages within the nonprofit sector
• Health & Dental Benefits
• Pension Plan
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Paid Sick and Family days
• Shift Premiums
• Employee Assistance Program

Application deadline: Open Until filled

Main Street Project recognizes the importance of building a workforce that is reflective of the community it serves, where culture, language and perspectives drive a high standard of care and service. Therefore, preference will be given to Indigenous people and those who reflect the people/population we serve. Applicants are asked to self-declare in their cover letter along with describing how they meet the above qualifications.

We thank all applicants but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.