Job Description

At House of Friendship, we believe in what we are doing. We get out of bed each day to make a difference in our community; to walk with and to serve. We are not happy with the status quo. We get energy from ongoing learning and growth. We lead with passion and believe without a doubt that everyone deserves to belong and thrive. We live and breathe our values of Compassion, Inclusion, Justice, Dignity and Hope. And we have fun!Sounds pretty great, doesnxe2x80x99t it? It is!Safer Use programs have been established in response to the opioid overdose crisis to provide an environment for safer consumption, along with addictions and mental supports within housing and shelter settings. The Harm Reduction Worker(s) will support individuals using substances with safer use and reducing other health risks.** This is a permanent, part-time (15 hours per week) position with paid sick time, personal days, vacation pay; group health benefits and defined contribution pension plan.Schedule Saturday and Sunday, from 6:00am to 2:00pm.Successful completion of a Police Records Check (Vulnerable Sector) is required. **Key Responsibilities:xc2xb7 Greet and engage participants, orient participants to the service and space and complete brief intake and review of service user agreementsxc2xb7 Maintain a hygienic, organized, comfortable and respectful environment in the Safer Use Program (SUP) spacexc2xb7 Establish and maintain a helping relationship with program participants while upholding appropriate professional boundariesxc2xb7 Supervise substance consumption and respond with appropriate interventions in the event of a drug poisoning crisisxc2xb7 Prepare and give out harm reduction supplies and resources with the aim to improve the quality of life and health of all program participantsxc2xb7 Offer support, training and education to participants around safer drug using practices, safe disposal and handling and overdose prevention and response including training in using Naloxonexc2xb7 Safe disposal/handling of used drug equipment and suppliesxc2xb7 Work as part of a team including attending the team meetings, trainings, and regular supervision meetingsxc2xb7 Collect statistics, data entry, and writ short reportsxc2xb7 Collect and document all information relevant to the Urgent Public Health Needs Site (UPHNS) agreement with Health Canada and participate in an ongoing evaluation and review of the spacexc2xb7 Track and record supplies distributed and collectedxc2xb7 Assist with stocking, organizing harm reduction inventory, risk reduction and other relevant program suppliesxc2xb7 Work within general rules, procedures and standards, referring issues or problems to supervisorxc2xb7 Stay informed of and comply with processes and policies related to the site, as well as current health risks to the population accessing SUP servicesxc2xb7 Work closely with the supervisor to ensure they are informed of any concerns and issuesxc2xb7 Work as a team with other staff to provide consistency and wrap-around supportJob Specific Knowledge/Skills:xc2xb7 Sensitivity to and knowledge of issues relating to and impacting on all genders and all marginalized populationsxc2xb7 Strong understanding of interpersonal skills and the ability to engage in meaningful conversations to develop rapport with individuals who use drugs using a strength-based approachxc2xb7 Knowledge of and training in substance use including associated health risksxc2xb7 Ability to intervene in overdose and drug poisoning crisis situations and willing to learn how to respond in a drug induced crisis situation - through administering oxygen, Naloxone, CPR and working with Emergency Respondersxc2xb7 Demonstrated capacity for accurate and efficient documentation and computer data entryxc2xb7 Willingness to learn and be adaptable as the program develops and evolvesxc2xb7 Demonstrated ability to calmly problem-solve in a fast-paced, sometimes stressful environmentxc2xb7 Must be able to provide a current Vulnerable Sector check at own costxc2xb7 Good communication skills and strong listening skillsxc2xb7 Ability to work independently, as well as collaboratively with an interdisciplinary team;xc2xb7 Ability to accept and apply feedback and take initiativexc2xb7 Knowledge of community services, resources, and strong advocacy skills is considered an assetxc2xb7 Commitment to ongoing professional development and trainingEducation/Experience:xc2xb7 Minimum College Diploma or University Degree in a related field of study required (i.e. social services, social work, addictions, mental health, community development etc.).xc2xb7 Knowledge and understanding of the complexities of substance use, homelessness, trauma, violence and mental health for the population accessing the Safer Use Program xe2x80x93 through a combination of lived experience, work experience and/or education and trainingxc2xb7 Knowledge of substances, problematic substance use, supporting safer consumption and evidence informed practicesxc2xb7 Harm reduction-related and peer support experience, education or training is an assetCritical Skills:xc2xb7 Commitment to understand and uphold the mission and values of House of Friendship is expectedxc2xb7 Exemplary emotional intelligence, resilience, communication, conflict management and problem solving skills requiredxc2xb7 Ability to work professionally as a team member with staff, participants and community membersxc2xb7 Demonstrated ability to create and maintain a positive work environment including the ability to navigate change in a positive and productive mannerxc2xb7 Experience or strong interest in working with diverse populations including people from various cultural background, income levels, and sensitivity to their needsxc2xb7 Experience with and commitment to using an anti-racism, anti-oppressive and trauma informed approach in consultation, program design, evaluation processes and service deliveryxc2xb7 Must be dependable, professional, flexible, a team player, and have a positive attitudexc2xb7 Respectful, supportive and engaging approach to persons with physical and/or cognitive disabilities, addictions, mental health and other life challengesCompensation:At House of Friendship, we know that our team members are the key to the success of our organization and our ability to provide essential services to the community. In support of our mission and in alignment with our values, House of Friendship is committed to ensuring fair, market competitive, and rewarding compensation practices for all of our team members. We aspire to support our team members to create a great work environment where our team is able to thrive, succeed, and have a positive work experience.House of Friendship compensation practices including our pay grid, have been developed using documented leading pay practices in the not-for-profit sector including (Ontario Nonprofit Network) and . We value the experience that new team members bring to the organization and have a process in place to review previous related experience for placement on our pay grid.We value the work that you do with fair pay and benefits:xc2xb7 Time off includes 3 personal daysxc2xb7 Part-time benefit plan including Extended Health Care (EHC), Dental, Group Life, Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D), Flexible Spending Account and Employee & Family Assistance Programxc2xb7 We believe strongly in supporting the mental health of our team members, including providing access to the Employee and Family Assistance Programxc2xb7 We help you save for the future by providing a retirement plan that includes a matched Group Pension Plan as well as a Group RRSP and a Group Tax Free Savings AccountRate of Pay:At House of Friendship all compensation ranges are categorized under a series of xe2x80x9cgradesxe2x80x9d and we base our payment structure on internal equity. When determining rate of pay, a candidatexe2x80x99s past related experience will be taken into consideration.Grade: 4Min: $22.18Mid: $25.40Max: $28.61Working Conditions:xc2xb7 This role typically works 7.5 hour shifts (days, evenings and overnight depending on schedule)xc2xb7 Intensive contact with program participants requiredxc2xb7 Frequent contact with participants at the site under the influence of substances, and/or experiencing symptoms of mental illness or crisisHouse of Friendship is open and inviting to qualified candidates with lived experience.House of Friendship supports justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in our workplace. We strive to be a workplace free of harassment and discrimination and we are committed to removing barriers and being an inclusive, work environment. House of Friendship is a place where each person can bring their true selves and feel that they belong. We aspire to be an organization that is anti-racist and anti-oppressive so that our team, and therefore our community, can truly belong and thrive.We invite applications from all qualified candidates and actively encourage applications from members of groups with historical and/or current barriers to accessing employment including, but not limited to Indigenous Peoples, members of racialized groups, persons with disabilities, women, and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.If you require accommodations to be able to participate fully at any stage in the recruitment process, including applying for this position, please let us know so that we can discuss accommodation options. Accommodations will be provided upon request.If you are as passionate as we are about serving the community, letxe2x80x99s talk.To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter here:By end of day January 24, 2025.

House of Friendship