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, doesn\xe2\x80\x99t 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. In this important new role, the Harm Reduction Workers will support individuals using substances with safer use and reducing other health risks.

We are hiring for the following positions and correlated schedules:

1. Every Saturday and Sunday (15 hours per week), from 6am-2pm

2. Every Saturday and Sunday (22 hours per week), from 4pm-4am

3. Every Saturday and Sunday (22 hours per week), from 8pm-8am

** These are three (3) permanent, part-time positions, offering personal days, vacation pay,

group health benefits and defined contribution pension plan.

A satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Police Records Check will be required. **

Key Responsibilities:

\xc2\xb7 Greets and engages participants, orients participants to the service and space and completes brief intake and review of service user agreements

\xc2\xb7 Maintains a hygienic, organized, comfortable and respectful environment in the Safer Use Space

\xc2\xb7 Supervises consumption and responds appropriately in the event of a drug poisoning crisis

\xc2\xb7 Prepare and give out harm reduction supplies and resources with the aim to improve the quality of life and health of all program participants

\xc2\xb7 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 Naloxone

\xc2\xb7 Safe disposal / handling of used drug equipment

\xc2\xb7 Work as part of a team by attending the team meetings, trainings, and regular supervision meetings

\xc2\xb7 Maintain professional boundaries with participants

\xc2\xb7 Meet commitments i.e. adhering to work schedule, program and client needs

\xc2\xb7 Collecting statistics, data entry, and writing short reports

\xc2\xb7 Collects and documents all information relevant to the Safer Use Program (SUP) agreement with Health Canada and participates in an ongoing evaluation and review of the space

\xc2\xb7 Works within general rules, procedures and standards, referring issues or problems to supervisor

\xc2\xb7 Maintains high level of confidentiality when working with sensitive and personal client, employee and contract information

\xc2\xb7 Tracking and recording of supplies distributed and collected

\xc2\xb7 Assisting with stocking, organizing harm reduction inventory, risk reduction and other relevant program supplies

\xc2\xb7 Providing clients with support, information and referrals to harm reduction, overdose prevention, health, community, and drug treatment services (as appropriate) within and outside House of Friendship

\xc2\xb7 Support participants to follow established health protocols at the site

\xc2\xb7 Stay informed of and comply with processes and policies related to the site, as well as current health risks to the population using the site

\xc2\xb7 Work closely with the supervisor to ensure they are informed of any concerns and issues

\xc2\xb7 Work as a team with other staff to provide consistency and wrap-around support

Education/Experience:

\xc2\xb7 Two-year post-secondary education in a related field of study (i.e. social services, social work, addictions, mental health, community development etc.)

\xc2\xb7 Knowledge and understanding of the complexities of drug use, homelessness, violence and mental health \xe2\x80\x93 through a combination of lived experience, work experience and/or education and training

\xc2\xb7 Harm reduction-related and peer support volunteer or paid experience, education, or training is an asset

\xc2\xb7 Knowledge of substances, problematic substance use, and evidence informed practices

\xc2\xb7 Knowledge of supporting safer consumption

Job Specific Knowledge/Skills:

\xc2\xb7 Demonstrated skill in building and maintaining productive relationships

\xc2\xb7 Knowledge of and training in substance use and associated health risks

\xc2\xb7 Knowledge of local community agencies and resources is an asset

\xc2\xb7 Ability to intervene in overdose and drug poisoning crisis situations and willing to learn how to respond in a drug induced crisis situation \xe2\x80\x93 through administering oxygen, Naloxone, CPR and working with Emergency Responders

\xc2\xb7 Ability to build trust with individuals who use drugs and/or do sex work

\xc2\xb7 Demonstrated capacity for accurate documentation, collaboration with an interdisciplinary team and strong oral, written and listening skills

\xc2\xb7 Willingness to learn and be adaptable as the program develops and evolves

\xc2\xb7 Demonstrated ability to problem-solve in a fast-paced, sometimes stressful environment

\xc2\xb7 Knowledge of community services, resources, and strong advocacy skills is considered an asset

\xc2\xb7 Must be able to provide a current Vulnerable Sector check at own cost

\xc2\xb7 Good communication skills and strong listening skills

\xc2\xb7 Ability to work independently, as well as in a team

\xc2\xb7 Ability to accept feedback, take initiative, and work independently in a culturally diverse environment

\xc2\xb7 Basic computer skills

Critical Skills:

\xc2\xb7 Commitment to understand and uphold the mission and values of House of Friendship is expected

\xc2\xb7 Exemplary emotional intelligence, resilience, communication, conflict management and problem solving skills required

\xc2\xb7 Ability to work professionally as a team member with staff, participants and community members

\xc2\xb7 Demonstrated ability to create and maintain a positive work environment including the ability to navigate change in a positive and productive manner

\xc2\xb7 Experience or strong interest in working with diverse populations including people from various cultural background, income levels, and sensitivity to their needs

\xc2\xb7 Experience with and commitment to using an anti-racism, anti-oppressive and trauma informed approach in consultation, program design, evaluation processes and service delivery

\xc2\xb7 Must be dependable, professional, flexible, a team player, and have a positive attitude

\xc2\xb7 Respectful, supportive and engaging approach to persons with physical and/or cognitive disabilities, addictions, mental health and other life challenges

Compensation:

\xc2\xb7 We value our team members above all else and know that our mission can only succeed through your work

\xc2\xb7 We value the work that you do with fair pay and benefits:

o We are a Living Wage employer as defined by the

o We use a 3.5:1 ratio meaning that the highest paid team member is not paid more than 3.5 times than the lowest paid team member

o We believe strongly in supporting the mental health of our team members, including providing access to the Employee and Family Assistance Program, $1,000 for counselling services and our workplace Wellness and Psychological Health and Safety programs

o Part-time benefit plan including Extended Health Care (EHC), Dental, Group Life, Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) and Health Care Spending Account

o 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 Account

At House of Friendship all compensation ranges are categorized under a series of \xe2\x80\x9cgrades\xe2\x80\x9d and we base our payment structure on internal equity. When determining rate of pay, a candidate\xe2\x80\x99s past related experience will be taken into consideration along with where others with similar experience are currently on the pay grid.

Grade: 4

Min: $21.53

Mid: $24.93

Max: $28.33

Working Conditions:

\xc2\xb7 Position #1: 15 hours per week; Saturday and Sunday, from 6am-2pm

\xc2\xb7 Position #2: 22 hours per week; Saturday and Sunday, from 4pm-4am

\xc2\xb7 Position #3: 22 hours per week; Saturday and Sunday, from 8pm-8am

\xc2\xb7 Intensive contact with program participants required

\xc2\xb7 Encountering participants at the site under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, and/or experiencing symptoms of mental illness or crisis

House of Friendship is open and inviting to qualified candidates with lived experience.

We strive to remove barriers that may prevent qualified applicants from fully participating in the recruitment and selection process. Accommodation in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and other applicable legislation is available throughout all stages of the recruitment and selection process. Accommodations will be provided upon request.

If you are as passionate as we are about serving the community, let\xe2\x80\x99s talk.

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter here:

By end of day December 17, 2023.

House of Friendship