Harm Reduction Outreach Worker

Position Summary:

The Harm Reduction Worker is responsible for engaging, supporting, educating, advocating, and referring adult individuals, with various mental and health problems, substance use disorders, various addictions, communicable diseases, and stressors such as grief, loss, poverty, and homelessness to internal and external services. As part of a multi-disciplinary team and utilizing a variety of outreach and educational approaches, the Harm Reduction Worker will support individuals to remain engaged in addressing their own health status through connection to a continuum of care. This position also supports and advances various harm reduction strategies.

Responsibilities:

• Engage individuals with mental and health problems, substance use disorders, addictions, communicable diseases, and stressors such as grief, loss, poverty, and homelessness to internal and external services.
• Advocate on behalf of individual clients and their families;
• Utilizes a variety of outreach and educational approaches to engage with and support the individuals accessing services;
• Facilitate exchange and distribution of harm reduction supplies;
• Maintains control of the harm reduction area that receives a large volume of clients participating in the harm reduction program;
• Conduct outreach activities to homes, shelters, and a variety of other settings;
• Work with individuals to build relationships and ensure they are connected with local support services;
• Provide information and help navigate services and opportunities available to clients within the community;
• Provide updated information and education with regards to safe health practices, harm reduction, life skills, conflict resolution, drugs, prostitution, gangs, and community resources;
• Act as an advocate for clients;
• Maintain a high level of confidentiality standards;
• Assisting with forms and services such as ID assistance, housing, and other forms and applications as needed;
• Transportation to supports and services;
• Promotes cultural considerations with clients as appropriate, link client with cultural events, Elders, smudging, etc.;
• Demonstrates behaviours and attitude that align with STC Strategic priorities and values as a place that is judgment-free, accepting, compassionate and empathetic regardless of race, nationality, or economic standing;
• Work collaboratively with other Health Centre team members on program development and evaluation and aid in facilitating client care plans;
• Maintain accurate records and documentation in accordance with evaluation and funding agreement standards;
• Attend and participate in project staff meetings;
• Participate in STC Accreditation and maintain best practices and quality improvement;
• Adhere to STC policies and procedures;
• Perform other related duties as defined and assigned by the reporting Director or designate on an as and when required basis.

Working Environment:

• Services provided in a community setting which may present many unknown variables;
• Exposure to clients who may have impaired judgment due to emotional distress, mental illness, withdrawal, or intoxication;
• Flexible hours. Weekend, evening, or holiday work may be required.

Education and Experience:

• Completed grade 12 or equivalent;
• Two (2) years of related experience in an outreach capacity;
• Experience working effectively with culturally, economically, and socially diverse clients;
• Expertise in working with individuals living with mental health problems and substance use disorders;

Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities:

• Demonstrate empathy, compassion, and strong communication skills;
• Demonstrated success in connecting with vulnerable populations;
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint with an ability to easily learn new software applications;
• Knowledgeable of resources within the community;
• Understanding of harm reduction strategies and trauma-informed care;
• Ability to work independently and as a member of an interdisciplinary team;
• Must demonstrate appropriate communication during difficult, high stress and/or emotional situations;
• Highly self-motivated, energetic, organized, and detail-oriented with an attitude for continuous improvement;
• Ability to work independently with demonstrated organizational and time management skills;
• Must demonstrate appropriate communication during difficult, high stress and/or emotional situations;
• Sensitivity towards cultural differences with particular emphasis on First Nations and Metis People.
• Ability to provide compassionate, respectful, non-judgmental, and culturally competent care to the vulnerable population.
• Ability to deal with disruptive behaviour and manage crises.
• Ability to plan and organize assigned duties.
• Ability to establish positive working relationships with a multi-disciplinary team, clients, and service providers.
• Ability to problem-solve and apply sound judgment.
• Highly self-motivated, energetic, organized, and detail-oriented with an attitude for continuous improvement.
• High flexibility with strong interpersonal skills that allow one to work effectively in a diverse environment.
• Knowledge of the political, social, and economic objectives of the Saskatoon Tribal Council and of the Dakota, Cree, and Saulteaux cultures will be considered an asset.

Other:

• Must provide a current, original, Canadian Criminal Record Check (CCRC) with vulnerable sector search as a condition of employment; and
• Must possess a valid Saskatchewan driver’s license, a reliable vehicle, and meet STC’s insurance requirements.