Job Description

Interior Health is looking for an experienced Coordinator | Harm Reduction to join our team on a full time Term basis working out of our Vernon location.

What we offer:

Employee & Family Assistance Program Employer paid training/education opportunities Employer paid vacation Employer paid insurance premiums Extended health & dental coverage Municipal Pension Plan Work-life balance

Salary Range:

Salary range for the position is $88,990 to $127,923. Interior Health establishes salaries within the minimum and maximum of the salary range based on consideration of the qualifications, experience of the applicant, and an internal equity review of the salaries of other employees.

About the job:

In accordance with the established vision and values of the organization, the Coordinator, Harm Reduction provides leadership in the delivery of harm reduction services across Interior Health (IH). The Coordinator is responsible and accountable for the planning, 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 harm reduction contracts, including vendor achievement of deliverables and financial performance; and coordinates community grants.

Typical duties and responsibilities:

Plans, coordinates, implements, and evaluates harm reduction strategies, initiatives, and services across IH. Assesses and prioritizes the condition and demand for increased harm reduction services and/or refinements to existing services. Liaises with the Medical Health Officer, program managers, and other internal partners on the 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. 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 provincial, 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. Works with partner organizations, community groups and relevant partners to identify harm reduction training/education needs; develops training programs and resources.


Identifies and recommends strategies to address barriers and community concerns regarding service delivery. Organizes and/or participates on community advisory committees; engages community groups and partners 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, people with lived/living experience, businesses, and community groups to support mutual learning, resource coordination, and sharing in the advancement of harm reduction strategies. Assesses regional needs and response to needs through the collection of data and monitors emerging trends to guide further direction for planning.


Develops and maintains harmonious working relationships with other IH programs and contracted agencies, people with lived/living experience, 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; and promotes support within the community to improve access, integration, and coordination of services.


Prepares and monitors budget allocation and resources for assigned initiatives and ensures the efficient utilization of financial resources within the objectives, plans, and budgets.


Liaises with harm reduction contractors to support service delivery and identify program needs and pressures. Coordinates small community seed grants to engage harm reduction clients and community service organizations in the provision of harm reduction services.


Promotes a coordinated, collaborative approach with a systems perspective to the development and delivery of harm reduction programs and services. Works in partnership with community agencies and organizations, such as people with lived/living experience, law enforcement, municipal and provincial governments, local leaders, and the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control in the development of local policy and to address related issues. Acts as a liaison with key local government staff. Participates in the Provincial Harm Reduction Strategy and Services Committee, contributing to provincial policy and practice development. Participates in local and provincial initiatives and committees.


Liaises with appropriate partners to ensure that the coordination of information is maintained; prepares reports and briefing notes; develops communication strategies.


Monitors initiatives and takes corrective action to ensure that implementation strategies and services continue to operate efficiently and effectively. Identifies, documents, and follows up on risk management and quality issues. Ensures appropriate processes are in place for responding and develops a proactive approach to risk management.


Participates in evaluative research initiatives, initiative planning, and evaluation activities, taking an interdisciplinary and consultative approach.


In alignment with IH's Occupational Health & Safety Program, employees shall adhere to all Occupational Health and Safety policies and procedures at all times and attend all required training. Employees are responsible to report any identified hazards, unsafe conditions or incidents to the manager or supervisor immediately.


Performs other related duties as assigned.


Honouring Interior Health's commitment to Truth and Reconciliation and the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA), and Pursuant to Section 42 of the BC Human Rights Code, preferential consideration and/or hiring will be given to qualified applicants who self-identify as Indigenous (First Nations, Metis, or Inuit).

Education, Training, and Experience

Bachelor's degree in a health-related field such as, nursing, public or population Health, social work, or other health and social service-related field. Five years of related experience working with populations who are disproportionately impacted by substance use, poverty, homelessness, or other determinants. Or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Eligibility for registration with the appropriate professional body.

Skills and Abilities

Demonstrated knowledge of applicable legislation and government policies related to harm reduction services. Demonstrated knowledge of social determinants of health, intersectionality, and specific barriers faced by people who use substances. Demonstrated program development and evaluation skills. Ability to organize, coordinate, and prioritize own work. Ability to provide group leadership, facilitate professional development, facilitate change, perform needs assessments, and program evaluation. Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills. Ability to administer, oversee, and coordinate the delivery of contracted population health services. Effective interpersonal and leadership skills and the demonstrated ability to develop and maintain collaborative working relationships. Ability to work with computer technology and software at an advanced level. Travel is a requirement of the position. * Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.