Harm Reduction Support Worker

Job summary

The Harm Reduction Support Worker provides mobile outreach, drug checking, and harm reduction education to individuals who use drugs. They collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and community partners to facilitate access to essential health and social services.

Job details

Harm Reduction Support Worker 2 – 1.0 FTE Contract Positions (6 - Month Contract) 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 two (2) full-time contract Harm Reduction Support Workers to support a peer-led approach that strengthens the capacity of individuals who use drugs and share drug-use equipment to reduce risk-taking behaviours. The Harm Reduction Support Worker will provide mobile outreach services, mobile drug checking, drug alerts through the Lifeguard App, harm reduction education, and the distribution of harm reduction supplies. The successful candidate will effectively engage and collaborate with service users, interdisciplinary team members, and community partners to facilitate referrals and access to health, social, and allied health services. Other related duties may be assigned as required in support of program. The position has a competitive salary, and the opportunity to participate in the Health Care of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP). The pay range for this position is $24.756 to $30.945 per hour. Compensation will commensurate with qualifications and relevant experience. We do not use AI to screen resumes. QUALIFICATIONS: Knowledge of community services and resources, with strong advocacy skills. Demonstrated experience in overdose prevention and response, including training and experience in Naloxone administration. Knowledge of and experience in substance use, harm reduction, and homelessness. Lived experience is considered an asset. Experience applying harm reduction principles and strategies in a community setting. Demonstrated ability to de-escalate conflict, manage challenging situations, and communicate effectively. Proven ability to maintain professional boundaries and exercise sound judgment. Open-minded, non-judgmental, and committed to continuous learning. Awareness of and sensitivity to the health and social needs of individuals facing barriers to accessing care, including those who are underhoused, living with mental health challenges, experiencing current or past substance use, managing complex health conditions, identifying as 2SLGBTQIA+, newcomers, and uninsured individuals. Proficiency in the use of computers and common software applications. Access to a reliable vehicle and possession of a valid driver's license are required. How to Apply: Please visit https://norwestchc.org/team/ The deadline for applicants is Tuesday, October 20, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. Please submit your cover letter, resume and three work reference contacts with your online application. Cover letters can be addressed to: Lesly Gunasekara, Manager of Human Resources NorWest Community Health Centres 525 Simpson Street Thunder Bay, Ontario P7C 3J6 FAX: 807-622-7637 www.norwestchc.org NorWest Community Health Centres is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible, and barrier-free workplace. We provide accommodation throughout all stages of the recruitment process in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

What you’ll do

The Harm Reduction Support Worker provides mobile outreach, drug checking, and harm reduction education to individuals who use drugs. They collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and community partners to facilitate access to essential health and social services.

Requirements

Candidates must have experience in overdose prevention, Naloxone administration, and harm reduction strategies. A valid driver's license and access to a reliable vehicle are required for mobile service delivery.

Benefits

• Health Care of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP)

Listed skills

• Health · Preferred
• Teams · Preferred
• Reliable · Preferred
• reliable vehicle · Preferred
• Organization · Preferred
• Process · Preferred
• Recruitment · Preferred
• Software · Preferred
• Time · Preferred
• Training · Preferred
• Attention to detail · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Harm reduction
• Overdose prevention
• Naloxone administration
• Mobile outreach
• Substance use support
• Crisis de-escalation
• Advocacy
• Community engagement
• Health service referrals
• Professional boundaries
• Non-judgmental communication
• Computer proficiency
• Continuous Development
• Lifeguarding
• Open Mindset
• Valid Driver's License
• Mental Health
• Communication
• Community Health
• Disabilities
• Overdose Prevention
• Primary Health Care
• Resume Screening

Job areas

• Social Services
• Healthcare
• Support Worker
• Caregiver / Personal Care Aide
• Companions and Valets
• Personal Care Aides
• Home Health and Personal Care Aides

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