Harm Reduction Worker - Supervised Consumption Site

Blood Ties is looking for a full-time Harm Reduction Worker at the Supervised Consumption Site (SCS).

Blood Ties operates the Yukon’s first Supervised Consumption Site (SCS) in partnership with Mental Wellness and Substance Use Services.

The SCS provides a safe and confidential space for people to consume their drugs and has one of the only smoking rooms in Canada, which uses state of the art filtration technology to provide a safe environment for clients to smoke substances. Clients can also access wrap-around services at the site, including Harm Reduction education and support, referrals, snacks, drug-checking services, and Harm Reduction supplies.

Hours of work will be on a shift rotation, which may shift to meet community needs. Regular hours of work will be four ten-hour shifts with a one-hour unpaid lunch followed by three days off. Weekend work is required.

Responsibilities:

• Build relationships and develop rapport with clients
• Provide education on safe consumption techniques, Harm Reduction, substance use and sexual health
• Collaborate with other staff members and community partners
• Provide a welcoming, non-judgmental, safe and hygienic environment to clients
• Maintain a quiet and relaxed environment in the Supervised Consumption Site
• Manage client flow to align with policy and procedure of the Supervised Consumption Site
• Respond to clients concerns, greet clients, and conduct intakes
• When necessary, verbally de-escalate situations and utilize conflict management skills
• Ensure work area is kept clean and orderly
• Provide referrals to other services
• Supervise safety of clients consuming drugs and intervene if there is an adverse reaction such as an overdose. Overdose intervention includes but not limited to administering naloxone, administering oxygen, conducting CPR, and using an artificial defibrillator
• Support clients and respond to their needs in the Post-Consumption Room/chill-out space
• Build a sense of ownership and shared responsibility among clients

Required Qualifications:

• Knowledge of systemic issues such as poverty and stigma
• Knowledge of and experience with principles and practice of Harm Reduction
• Good communication skills (verbal and written)
• Ability and confidence to interact effectively with diverse and marginalized populations
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team
• Computer skills, including data management
• Knowledge of systemic issues encountered by Indigenous people when accessing support services
• First Aid and CPR
• Knowledge and/or experience in lay counselling with marginalized populations who have experiences with trauma and/or substance use
• A valid driver’s license and a clear drivers abstract
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends (hours of operation will be expanded in January to 7 days/week 10:30AM - 9:30PM.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Applied Suicide Intervention Training (ASIST)
• Naloxone Training
• NVCI (non-violent crisis intervention)
• First Nations 101
• Basic Life Support

Preference given to applicants with lived or living experience of substance use and applicants who identify as First Nations, Metis or Inuit/Inuk.

What we offer as an employer:

We have a dynamic work environment with a great team who are passionate about social justice. We care about our community and we care about our team. Some of our perks include a meaningful mission driven work environment, opportunities for training and professional growth, occasional puppy visits, and snacks. Also starting wage at $30 per hour, benefits package, 4 weeks paid annual vacation leave, annual wellness funding, and ongoing training opportunities. Learn more about Blood Ties: www.bloodties.ca

Is Whitehorse, Yukon right for you?

Whitehorse is an exciting small city of about 30,000 people and the capital of the Yukon. There is so much to enjoy about Whitehorse including beautiful summers, a vibrant art and music scene, the midnight sun and northern lights, and tons of outdoor activities year round. To top this all off, Whitehorse is connected by the highway network and serviced by three national airlines so the costs of living and traveling out of the territory is relatively low for a city in Northern Canada. Come and see for yourself why Whitehorse is called the ‘Wilderness City.’

If you have any questions, please reach out to Karissa, the Program Manager at programmgr@bloodties.ca.

This position is open until filled.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: From $30.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Company events
• Dental care
• Disability insurance
• Extended health care
• On-site parking
• Paid time off
• Vision care
• Wellness program

Flexible Language Requirement:

• French not required

Schedule:

• 10 hour shift
• Evening shift
• Every Weekend

Supplemental pay types:

• Retention bonus

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Whitehorse, YT Y1A 5P5: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Work Location: In person