Harm Reduction Support Worker- GAPPS Program

Harm Reduction Support Worker- GAPPS Program
1 FTE
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 a 1 FTE Harm Reduction Support Worker, who as a valuable member of "Getting Appropriate Personal and Professional Supports" (GAPPs) Team, will provide services within the Support Worker scope of practice. GAPPS is a partnership between St. Josephs Care Group, Canadian Mental Health Association- Thunder Bay, and NorWest Community Health Centres. The team identifies and responds to the unmet needs of a population of vulnerable persons with complex mental health and substance use needs. The Harm Reduction Support Worker is responsible for providing harm reduction supports and services, providing education and outreach, effectively engaging and collaborating with GAPPs clients, interdisciplinary team members and community partners to make connections to health and allied health care services. 

The position has a competitive salary, the Health Care of Ontario Pension Plan and an excellent group health benefit package.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge of community services and resources, and strong advocacy skills.
• 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 services. 
• Volunteer or work experience within a harm reduction framework.
• Experience utilizing harm reduction principles and strategies.
• Experience working with peers is an asset.
• Demonstrated ability to de-escalate conflictual situations.
• Strong communication skills; able to actively and accurately listen.
• Confidence in asserting oneself and maintaining strong boundaries.
• Open, non-judgmental and willing to learn.
• Understanding and experience working in diverse, lower socio-economic status communities.
• Excellent organizational, oral and written communication skills.
• Awareness of and sensitivity to health issues particularly within populations who face barriers to accessing care (under housed, living with mental health challenges or diagnoses, current or past substance use, complex health histories, 2SLGBTQIA+, newcomers, non-insured).
• A vehicle and a valid driver’s lisence are required.

How to Apply:

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

The deadline for applicants is Friday November 22, 2024 at 4:30PM

Please submit your cover letter, resume and three work reference contacts with your online application. 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. Upon request, accommodations due to a disability are available throughout the selection process.