Job Description

Union:

Non-Union

Base Location:

Mobile Supervised Consumption Site (MSCS)

Employment Type:

Casual

Wage:

Commensurate with experience

Shifts:

Varies based on workload and identified needs.

Vehicle Requirement:

N/A

Application Deadline:

On-going

About Northreach Society

Northreach Society is a non-profit organization based in Grande Prairie, Alberta, dedicated to improving health and well-being across Northern Alberta. Our mission is to address the social determinants of health through education, harm reduction, and collaborative community efforts. We provide a wide range of services, including overdose prevention, STBBI testing and support, harm reduction supply distribution, and health promotion programs. Guided by a vision of a safe and inclusive world free from discrimination, Northreach Society works to empower individuals and strengthen communities through innovation, compassion, and respect.

Position Overview

The Medical Professional (LPN, PCP) assigned to the Mobile Supervised Consumption Site (MSCS) delivers clinical care and oversight under the guidance of the SCS Clinical Lead. This role includes monitoring individuals during substance use within the mobile unit, performing pre- and post-consumption assessments, distributing harm reduction supplies, and providing education on safer consumption practices. The medical professional serves as the primary responder in medical emergencies both inside the unit and in the immediate surrounding area, ensuring timely and appropriate intervention.

This position supports individuals facing substance use, mental health challenges, and other vulnerabilities. Team members develop expertise in areas such as HIV, hepatitis C, sexually transmitted infections, naloxone administration, overdose prevention, and community health resources. Success in this role requires a compassionate, non-judgmental approach and a strong commitment to promoting health, safety, and dignity for all clients.

Key Responsibilities Include:

Supervise clients during substance consumption within the mobile unit, ensuring safety and adherence to site protocols. Perform pre- and post-consumption assessments, including vital signs monitoring and documentation, and provide basic wound care within scope of practice. Deliver education on safer consumption, vein care, overdose prevention, and infection control; distribute harm reduction supplies. Lead medical response during adverse events (e.g., suspected opioid poisoning), including naloxone administration, oxygen therapy, CPR, and EMS activation, and complete incident documentation. Maintain accurate clinical records, statistics, and reports in compliance with the Health Information Act (HIA), site policies, and provincial reporting standards. Ensure adherence to the Mental Health Services Protection Act, Alberta's Recovery-Oriented Overdose Prevention Services standards, and Health Canada SCS exemption conditions. Complete referrals to recovery-oriented programs (detox, ODP/VODP, mental health, primary care and social support services) consistent with provincial standards. Collaborate with the SCS team, community partners, and first responders to ensure client safety and continuity of care. Uphold trauma-informed, culturally safe, and non-judgmental care; de-escalate and manage behavioral concerns using least-restrictive approaches. Contribute to a respectful, welcoming environment for clients, colleagues, and the community. Assist with daily setup and teardown of the mobile unit, ensuring clinical spaces are clean, stocked, and operational; support infection prevention and control (IPAC) procedures. Safely operate the MSCS vehicle between the storage facility and Wapiti House as required, including completing daily vehicle inspections. Participate in orientation, ongoing training, drills, and quality improvement activities such as chart audits, debriefs, and harm reduction best practices. Perform additional duties as assigned to support program operations.

Required Qualifications:

LPN - Active registration with the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta (CLPNA) PCP - Active registration with the Alberta College of Paramedics (ACP) Current Basic Cardiac Life Support - Health Care Provider (BCLS-HCP)

Additional Requirements:

Clear Criminal and Vulnerable Sector Check.

Additional Qualifications:

Experience working with diverse marginalized populations. Experience in public health, addictions, and/or emergency services. Knowledge of STBBI education, prevention, and treatment. Knowledge of mental health and addiction. Knowledge of harm reduction principles and practices. Ability to work independently and supervise others. Strong sense of ethics and ability to handle sensitive or private information with discretion.

Core Competencies:

Ability to respond effectively in emergency situations, including suspected opioid poisoning. Demonstrates accountability, confidentiality, and ethical decision-making. Builds therapeutic relationships and works collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team. Manages conflict constructively and communicates with clarity and empathy. Provides health education and advocates for client access to appropriate services. Applies culturally safe and trauma-informed approaches in all client interactions. Maintains a safe and hygienic environment, adhering to infection prevention and control protocols. Accurately documents clinical observations and interventions to support continuity of care.

Working conditions

This position is casual and hours may vary between Monday and Sunday, with flexibility required. An Averaging Arrangement, as outlined in Alberta's Employment Standards Code, may apply, allowing hours to be averaged over a set period to determine overtime eligibility.

The role involves direct interaction with individuals experiencing substance use, mental health challenges, and other vulnerabilities. Staff must be comfortable working in close proximity to clients and colleagues within a mobile unit environment. This includes engaging with individuals who may be intoxicated and responding to drug poisoning as part of overdose prevention efforts.

Physical demands include a combination of standing, walking, sitting, and driving. Employees must be physically mobile, able to lift and carry objects, and spend extended periods on their feet or perform administrative duties. The mobile nature of the Supervised Consumption Site requires adaptability to working in compact spaces and varying community settings.

Job Type: Casual

Benefits:

Employee assistance program Flexible schedule On-site parking
Ability to commute/relocate:

Grande Prairie, AB T8V 5B6: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Licence/Certification:

PCP (Paramedics) License or LPN (Nursing) License (required)
Work Location: In person