Harm Reduction Worker -Old Cathedral

Hours of work: 40 Hours weekly with the ability to Flex hours based on client need

Rate of Pay: $30.83 - $36.20(Starting salary will be determined by factors such as relevant experience, qualifications, internal equity, and market conditions)

Reason for Posting: This posting is for an existing vacancy.

Who We Are

At Good Shepherd, we are committed to providing hope and enhancing dignity and self-determination for individuals and families. To learn more about Good Shepherd, visit our website at www.goodshepherdcentres.ca

We are thrilled to announce the expansion of Good Shepherd Centres with the opening of a new floor at the Cathedral dedicated to our Men's Centre. This exciting addition will support 50 beds, providing a safe and welcoming environment for men and gender-diverse individuals impacted by homelessness.

At Good Shepherd, we believe in offering more than just shelter; we strive to provide our clients with the support they need to thrive. Our new centre will feature nourishing nutrition, offering a variety of snacks tailored to diverse dietary needs and customs, along with warm beverages and a nutritious breakfast. The space will be equipped with essential amenities, including washroom and shower facilities, secure storage for personal belongings, and security cameras to ensure safety.

Good Shepherd follows a harm reduction approach in its client services, ensuring our facility is equipped with sharps containers and other harm reduction supplies and resources.

As we embark on this significant expansion, Good Shepherd is seeking a passionate and dedicated individual to join our team as a Harm Reduction Worker for 50 shelter beds at Old Cathedral Highschool-378 Main St E.

How You Will Make an Impact

This role is pivotal in providing crisis and ongoing support to our service users, embodying our mission and values through dignified and respectful service.

The successful candidate will integrate anti-oppression/anti-racism, trauma-informed, and client-centered frameworks in all interactions. Responsibilities include understanding and addressing the emotional and mental health needs of service users, adhering to established operational rules, procedures, policies, and code of conduct, and maintaining the confidentiality of sensitive information.

The Harm Reduction Worker (HRW) will expand and enhance harm reduction services, principles and practices, and will act as the lead in educating/coaching and increasing capacities of all professionals who work in Men's shelter system. The Harm Reduction Worker will provide services across the geographic area in a flexible, timely and consistent manner.

The successful candidate will be actively involved in supporting activities that promote establishing and maintaining healthy lifestyles, with a strong focus on relapse prevention, community engagement, and life skill development. It is essential for the HRW to provide service in a dignified, culturally competent, and respectful manner, reflecting Good Shepherd's ethos and incorporating an integrated anti-racism/anti-oppression framework. This position also involves promoting services based on the principles of trauma-informed recovery and harm reduction.

What You'll Bring to Our Team

• Possess a post-secondary diploma/degree in a relevant area of study and experience in delivering Harm Reduction practices with a trauma informed lens.
• Trained on emergency response protocols for responding to critical incidents such as violence, fire, building evacuation and drug poisoning
• Standard First Aid and CPR-C, with Certificates in Crisis Prevention and Intervention, would be an asset
• Experience with program logs and HIFIS will be used to report risks, threats and critical incidents
• Experience in recognizing the particular risks experienced by transgender and non-binary people, staff will provide support, safety planning and offer specific accommodation as required. This may include enhanced staff support, access to alternate washroom facilities or facilitating transfer to an alternate warming space or shelter location
• Experience with working with clients who use substances to support their safety and well-being
• Trained in the administration of Naloxone Provide hands-on support during overdose events at shelter sites.
• Facilitate harm reduction drop-in groups in each shelter, led by peer workers/individuals with lived/living experience, supported by harm reduction workers.
• Trained in de-escalation techniques and experience with discharges and service restrictions procedures only in situations where client behavior is deemed to compromise the safety of other clients, staff or volunteers. Staff will endeavor to refer to alternative services in the case of discharge and/or service restriction
• Will use discernment at all times as our goal is to make our guests feel safe and welcome; use your words to de-escalate situations and reason by using options and use of organizational, time management, and communication skills, both verbally and in writing.
• Skill in maintaining a professional demeanor and healthy boundaries; positive, non-judgmental attitude toward others and able to remain calm in stressful situations
• Advocate for and accompany clients, including visiting safe injection sites; accessing withdrawal management; primary and emergency healthcare; crisis beds; treatment; etc.
• Maintain strict confidentiality concerning client and staff information and adhering to Good Shepherd's Health and Safety programs is paramount
• This position requires compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act to ensure minimal risk to our clients, staff, others, and the property of Good Shepherd.

What We Offer

• Be a part of a caring TEAM THAT SUPPORTS OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY
• Support for continuing EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
• Staff recognition programs along with access to self-care supports and EMPLOYEE /
• FAMILY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP)
• POSITIVE and ENCOURAGING atmosphere
• Make a difference and provide HOPE
• Extended Health Benefits

Join our team and be part of a group that values hard work, dedication, and the importance of maintaining a positive environment for everyone.

Good Shepherd, a ministry of the Hospitaller Order of St. John of God, is an equal opportunity employer operating within an anti-racist and anti-oppression framework. We strive to establish workplaces that reflect and are enhanced by the rich diversity of the community we serve.

Good Shepherd welcomes and encourages applications from all people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. If you need accommodations, please contact Human Resources at 905-528-5877.