Harm Reduction Worker

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Health Director, the Harm Reduction Worker is an experienced and motivated individual committed to providing client-centered, strength-based, culturally-grounded and recovery-oriented care and trauma-informed practice to support individuals experiencing crises and reduce the harms experienced by people with mental health and addictions challenges and other marginalized individuals (2SLGBTQQIA, human trafficking).

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Preferred qualifications are a bachelor's degree in Mental Health Counselling, Counselling Psychology, or Clinical Social Work, registration and good standing with an Alberta or recognized governing professional body and a minimum of 2 years of career experience providing counselling services.

• Alternatively, a certificate in Social Services or equivalent from a two-year program and related experience or at least four years of experience in community mental health and addictions..

• Must be sober for a minimum of 2 years, if relevant.

• Current First Aid and CPR certification and maintain such.

• Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Training.

• A valid provincial class 5 driver's license is desirable.

• Current Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST).

• Have Naloxone training or willingness to learn.

• Willingness to participate in on-the-job on-going training and take outside training.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Develop a de-colonizing, Indigenous harm reduction strategy guided by trauma informed practices incorporating the local knowledge, culture and traditions.

• Increase awareness on opioid use disorder, risks of opioid use, and opioid agonist therapy.

• Provide training on safer substance use and distribute Naloxone kits.

• Develop and facilitate culturally relevant presentations, workshops and events.

• Foster connections with other healthcare professionals, social workers, community support workers, and counselors in the community to provide effective and holistic-wrap-around services to ensure the best possible service delivery for clients blending Western, Traditional and trauma-informed care approaches, including land-based activities and cultural interventions (ceremonies).

• Support community-based paraprofessionals and clinical professionals providing direct crisis response and community-level mental wellness services.

• Establish partnerships with community-based agencies and service providers (RCMP, etc.)

• Complete safety plans, danger assessments and other necessary assessments to help maintain client safety and guide client management.

• Maintain accurate statistical information and submit monthly program reports.

• Abide by the Oath of Confidentiality.

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Work Conditions

• Interacts with community organizations and health and human service professionals/paraprofessionals

• Manual dexterity is required to use a desktop computer and peripherals.

• Visual skills require reading and reviewing documents both in paper and electronic format.

• Extended periods of sitting.

• Interaction with individuals experiencing addictions, mental health issues, homelessness, suicidal and intravenous drug users.

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Location

• Paul First Nation (close to Duffield, Alberta) in Treaty 6 Territory.

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To Apply

Please submit your resume and cover letter online (in one document!) to Deanne.rain@paulfirstnation.com. In the cover letter, outline which position you think is right for you and why. While we thank all candidates who apply, only those deemed qualified by the hiring manager will be contacted.