Blood Ties is looking for a full-time Harm Reduction Worker at the Supervised Consumption Site (SCS).
Blood Ties operates the Yukon’s first Supervised Consumption Site (SCS) in partnership with Mental Wellness and Substance Use Services.
The SCS provides a safe and confidential space for people to consume their drugs and has one of the only smoking rooms in Canada, which uses state of the art filtration technology to provide a safe environment for clients to smoke substances. Community members can also access wrap-around services at the site, including harm reduction education and support, referrals, snacks, drug-checking services, and harm reduction supplies.
Hours of work will be on a shift rotation, which may shift to meet community needs. Regular hours of work will be four ten-hour shifts with a one-hour unpaid lunch followed by three days off. Weekend work is required.
Responsibilities:
- Build relationships and develop rapport with clients
- Provide education on safe consumption techniques, harm reduction, substance use and sexual health
- Collaborate with other staff members and community partners
- Provide a welcoming, non-judgmental, safe and hygienic environment to clients
- Maintain a quiet and relaxed environment in the supervised consumption site
- Manage client flow to align with policy and procedure of the supervised consumption site
- Respond to clients concerns, greet clients, and conduct intakes
- When necessary, verbally de-escalate situations and utilize conflict management skills
- Ensure work area is kept clean and orderly
- Provide referrals to other services
- Supervise safety of clients consuming drugs and intervene if there is an adverse reaction such as an overdose. Overdose intervention includes but not limited to administering naloxone, administering oxygen, conducting CPR, and using an artificial defibrillator
- Support clients and respond to their needs in the Post-Consumption Room/chill-out space
- Build a sense of ownership and shared responsibility among clients
Required Qualifications:
- Post-secondary education in social work, social sciences, the humanities, or a related field
- Experience working with marginalized populations in health/social services or a related field
- Current Standard First Aid and CPR
- Knowledge of systemic issues such as poverty, racism, and stigma
- An understanding of and commitment to the principles of harm reduction and a non-judgmental approach to substance use
- Experience working with Indigenous people and communities
- Ability to set and maintain professional boundaries in complex situations
- Ability to problem solve and manage competing tasks in a fast-pace environment
- Ability to work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team
- Strong verbal and non-verbal communication skills
- Computer skills, including data management
- A valid driver’s license and a clear drivers abstract
- Willingness to work evenings and weekends (hours of operation are 7 days/week 10:30AM – 9:30PM).
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience working in harm reduction and with people who use substances preferred
- Applied Suicide Intervention Training (ASIST) or other suicide prevention and intervention training
- Naloxone and Overdose Response Training
- NVCI (non-violent crisis intervention) or De-escalation training
- First Nations 101
- Trauma-informed practice training
Preference given to applicants with lived or living experience of substance use and applicants who identify as First Nations, Metis or Inuit/Inuk.
What we offer as an employer:
We have a dynamic work environment with a great team who are passionate about social justice. We care about our community and we care about our team. Some of our perks include a meaningful mission driven work environment, opportunities for training and professional growth, occasional puppy visits, and snacks. Also starting wage at $33.60 per hour, benefits package, 4 weeks paid annual vacation leave, annual wellness funding, and ongoing training opportunities. Learn more about Blood Ties: www.bloodties.ca
If you have any questions, please reach out to Marilyn, the Team Lead at [email protected] or 867-687-4545. We ask that people contact us via email or phone with any questions rather than coming to the office as our programs are very busy.
Applications for this job are being accepted through YuWIN- The Yukon Work Information Network. Competition open until filled.