Harm Reduction Outreach Worker - Care Bus

Harm Reduction Outreach Workers – Care Bus

Full Time or Casual
November 28, 2024 to March 31, 2025
Thunder Bay Site

One of a network of provincial community health centres, the NorWest Community Health Centres is a community based, non-profit organization funded by Ontario Health, emphasizing access to primary health care and prevention programs and services.

We are currently seeking Full Time or Casual Harm Reduction Outreach Workers who, as a valuable member of the Community Health Centre team, will provide services within the Harm Reduction Outreach Worker scope of practice on the Thunder Bay Care Bus. The Harm Reduction Outreach Worker will be responsible for providing harm reduction supplies and education, making referrals to health, community and social services. There is a strong emphasis on harm reduction, disease prevention, health promotion, education and community partnerships.

This is a contract position from November 28th, 2024 to March 31st, 2025.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Preference will be given to individuals with lived or family experience with mental health, addictions and/or recovery, or individuals working with vulnerable populations. 
• Proven experience with overdose prevention and response, and training in/experience with Naloxone administration. 
• Physical ability to provide support in an overdose situation. 
• Experience and knowledge of drug use, alcohol use, risky behaviours and harm reduction supplies. 
• Volunteer or work experience within a harm reduction framework. 
• Experience utilizing harm reduction principles and strategies. 
• Experience providing peer-to-peer support. 
• Demonstrated ability to de-escalate conflict. 
• Confidence in asserting oneself and maintaining healthy boundaries. 
• Knowledge of community services and resources; strong advocacy skills.  
• Strong communication skills; able to actively and accurately listen. 
• Demonstrated display of sensitivity to others. 
• Open, non-judgmental and willing to learn. 
• Lived experience as (or working with people who reflect) our priority client population: racialized people, Indigenous people, people who engage in sex work, prisoners/ex-prisoners, people with mental health issues, and people who have experienced trauma, people who have experienced homelessness or street involvement would be an asset. 
• Respects and values the diversity of communities and individuals. 
• Availability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Awareness of and sensitivity to health issues particularly within individuals who face barriers to accessing care (under housed, living with mental health challenges or diagnoses, current or past substance use, complex health histories, 2SLGBTQI+, newcomers, non-insured).

How to Apply:

Please visit https://norwestchc.org/team/

The deadline for applicants is Friday, November 15th, 2024 at 4:30 p.m.

This position will remain open until filled.

Please submit your cover letter, resume and three work references with your application. Applications can be submitted online or in person at NorWest CHC. Cover letters can be addressed to:

Debbie Inman, Manager of Human Resources CHRL
NorWest Community Health Centres
525 Simpson Street
Thunder Bay, Ontario P7C 3J6
FAX: (807) 622-7637
www.norwestchc.org

NWCHC’s is an equal opportunity employer. We thank all applicants for their interest but only those selected for an interview will be contacted. We are an equal opportunity employer. Upon request, accommodations due to a disability are available throughout the selection process.