Full-time – Permanent (35 hours per week)
$23.06 – $27.13 per hour
Position Summary
As part of a multi-disciplinary team, the Harm Reduction Outreach Worker (HRW) assists with the
promotion and delivery of harm reduction programs, services, and activities. Nurturing a welcoming
environment and atmosphere at KCHC’s Weller location, Harm Reduction Outreach Worker works with
complex clients facing barriers to care. Engaging in harm reduction outreach and promotion activities, the
Outreach/Harm Reduction Worker finds solutions that assist clients with their day to day living, in a
trauma-informed manner, and with recognition of the social determinants of health. This position is rooted
in a health promotion and harm reduction framework and applies a social prescribing lens. The primary
focus is to engage hard-to-reach populations to improve their access to health and community services,
particularly harm reduction supports.
Collaborating with community services and other Outreach Workers within KCHC and through community
partnerships, the Harm Reduction Outreach Worker promotes health and wellness for people who use
substances through supportive conversations, education (recognition of best practice recommendations),
health promotion, and system navigation focused on improving access to harm reduction supplies and
holistic healthcare.
Basic Education and Experience Requirements
- College Diploma in social services, health promotion or a related field with an outreach focus.
- Minimum of 2 years of experience working in a community setting with direct client encounters with
marginalized persons and or harm reduction initiatives. - Knowledge of health promotion initiatives, social determinants of health, drug use trends in
community (i.e., injection and inhalation drug use), as well as community services and resources - Knowledge and understanding of the local health and social service sector, government programs
and current legislation that may affect clients - Current First Aid and Naloxone training.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work well within an interdisciplinary team
- Sound problem solving, conflict resolution, and decision-making skills
- Strong organizational skills and above average attention to detail
- Ability to treat all individuals with respect and interact in a tactful and supportive manner while
maintaining professional boundaries - Demonstrated ability to work under pressure, to anticipate potential problems/conflicts and take
appropriate actions and to meet deadlines - Knowledge of issues affecting marginalized communities and the community resources that provide
services and support to marginalized persons - Experience working with staff and service users who come from diverse racial, gender, ethnic, and
cultural backgrounds and who may have lived experienced of homelessness, living in poverty, mental
health, social isolation, and substance use. - Strong understanding of and commitment to harm reduction, trauma-informed, and anti-oppression
practices. - Knowledge of strengths and challenges of street involved community and drug involved populations
- Demonstrated commitment to continuous learning and quality improvement
- Strong oral and written communication skills (French language or proficiency in another language an
asset)
Other Requirements
- Must be able to work in a variety of social and physical settings
- Reliable attendance, ability to meet the physical demands of the position
- Ability to work some evening and/or weekend shifts
- Current and satisfactory Criminal and Vulnerable Persons Check
- Up to date immunizations
- Valid driver’s license, valid insurance, and access to a vehicle
Application Instructions
- Please include a cover letter clearly outlining how your skills and experiences correspond with the
specific job qualifications along with your resume. - Save all documents as a single PDF file using your own name (Last, First).
- Email to [email protected] citing reference “2024-37-KCHC” in the subject line.
- Applications must be submitted to Human Resources by Thursday July 25, 2024.