Harm Reduction Worker

Job summary

The Harm Reduction Worker provides oversight for the needle distribution program and educates staff and clients on harm reduction practices. They also assist in maintaining a safe environment by responding to emergencies and managing client records.

Job details

Employment Status CasualHeader We provide housing and a range of support services to adults with low or no income who have few, if any, housing or support options. Because the people we serve have challenges meeting basic needs and goals, we place minimal barriers between them and our services. For more information about Lookout, please visit www.lookoutsociety.caLocation Cowichan Valley Wellness and Recovery CentreDays and Hours of work 7 days a week, day, afternoon/evening and overnight shifts, weekdays, weekends and holidays Shifts are 7.5 hours in length Days of rest shall be consecutive. Schedule may change with two weeks’ notice Probationary/qualifying period will be 488 hours with mid and end point reviewsSalary $29.62 - 31.40 depending upon applicants' length of seniority (as per the Collective Agreement)Job Summary The Harm Reduction Worker (HRW) supports Lookout’s Harm Reduction Program under the direction of the Program Manager. The HRW gives oversight of harm reduction supplies throughout the Society, orienting and supporting staff to carry out their duties within the harm reduction framework. The people we serve may have a variety of challenging and often overlapping problems including serious mental illness, substance abuse (including IV drug use), hygiene issues, treatment (medical, psychiatric, and rehab), and increasingly HIV+/Aids. Harm Reduction Workers provide the necessary support for the needle distribution program including intake and orienting guests, and support for meeting the needs of clients, as well as education on harm reduction methods and distribution of harm reduction supplies. The Harm Reduction Worker deals with the public, other service agencies, and professionals involved in the support of clients. This position requires successful completion of respirator fit testing, as Lookout is COR (Certificate of Recognition) certified and must comply with WorkSafeBC health and safety requirements. To ensure a proper respirator seal during fit testing and use, employees are required to be clean-shaven where the respirator seals against the face.Job Duties Provide oversight, coordination, and education of Lookout’s Harm Reduction program and the Needle Distribution program to support harm reduction practice through the Society Assist staff and managers with implementing harm reduction practices that are approved Provide assistance to clients by identifying and sharing information on a variety of resources Maintain related manual and computerized records Participate as a team member with staff to ensure a safe and caring environment by responding to emergencies and supporting others through methods and information Employees are expected to remain alert and attentive during working hours. Sleeping during shifts is not permitted Responsible for complying with and contributing to all aspects of health and safety program Qualifications & Competence · Related Certificate in social services; or minimum Grade 12 education plus two (2) years of recent related experience; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience · Familiarity with community resources; particularly harm reduction, addiction, mental health, and others · Must have current Occupational First Aid Level 1 Certificate and negative TB Test · Must have Class 5 Driver’s License and Driver’s Abstract · Naloxone Training, Crisis Intervention (CPI), and Trauma Informed Practice Training is an asset · Ability to work independently and in a team setting · Strong ability to manage stress and organize workload · Excellent communication, writing, documentation, and organizational skills · Understands and maintains clientele/worker boundaries · Ability to work with disadvantaged and challenging adults in a diverse environment · Strong physical and mental ability to perform work tasks and operate job related equipment · A minimum of two (2) years sobriety if you have had concerns related to alcohol and/or drug use · Criminal Record Clearance – Vulnerable Sector required Closing Date Applications will be accepted until October 3, 2026 at 5:00 pm

What you’ll do

The Harm Reduction Worker provides oversight for the needle distribution program and educates staff and clients on harm reduction practices. They also assist in maintaining a safe environment by responding to emergencies and managing client records.

Requirements

Candidates must have a related social services certificate or a high school diploma with two years of relevant experience. A valid Class 5 Driver’s License, Occupational First Aid Level 1, and a negative TB test are required.

Listed skills

• Teamwork · Preferred
• First Aid · Preferred
• crisis intervention · Preferred
• Mental Health Support · Preferred
• record keeping · Preferred
• Documentation · Preferred
• Communication · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Harm reduction
• Addiction support
• Mental health support
• Crisis intervention
• First aid
• Documentation
• Communication
• Record keeping
• Trauma informed practice
• Client intake
• Health and safety compliance
• Teamwork
• Support Services
• Organizational Skills
• Valid Driver's License
• First Aid
• Psychiatry
• Mental Health
• Social Work
• Crisis Intervention
• Substance Abuse
• Mental Diseases
• Rehabilitation
• Program Management
• Coordinating
• Trauma Care

Job areas

• Social Services
• Healthcare
• Security & Safety
• Production Worker
• Mental Health Assistant
• Health Care Assistants
• Psychiatric Aides