Harm Reduction Worker
Toronto, ON, Canada
Full Time
Housing Services
Experienced
Employment Type: Full- Time (Permanent)
Department: Housing Services
Union: Included (CUPE Local 2497)
Salary: Level 3- $26.42
File #: 24-HS-32
Posting Date: September 10, 2024
Posting Close: September 24, 2024
The Harm Reduction Worker with be required to work Monday to Friday, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Position Summary
Reporting to the Manager, Rooming House Project, the Harm Reduction Worker works proactively and responsively with clients and the staff team to provide support to tenants with persistent alcohol and drug use to maintain their housing and improve their quality of life.
Duties and Responsibilities
Qualifications
Department: Housing Services
Union: Included (CUPE Local 2497)
Salary: Level 3- $26.42
File #: 24-HS-32
Posting Date: September 10, 2024
Posting Close: September 24, 2024
The Harm Reduction Worker with be required to work Monday to Friday, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Position Summary
Reporting to the Manager, Rooming House Project, the Harm Reduction Worker works proactively and responsively with clients and the staff team to provide support to tenants with persistent alcohol and drug use to maintain their housing and improve their quality of life.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Assist clients to develop an individualized plan of action with short- and long-term goals and identify strategies to achieve and maintain housing stability.
- Facilitate referral of clients to specialists, hospitals or community resources as appropriate.
- Collaborate with Housing Support workers and other members of the housing shelter and support teams in coordination of support for clients.
- Build partnerships and collaborate with other harm reduction programs in the designated geographic boundaries of Dixon Hall programs.
- Assess and assist clients to manage episodic and stable chronic health conditions associated with persistent drug and alcohol use.
- Arrange for referrals including any follow-up appointments and documentation for medical specialists for assigned practitioners.
- Participate in case conferences with tenants as needed.
- Provide educational support to clients regarding emerging and persistent challenges related to addiction.
- Provide supportive and lifestyle counselling and crisis management when indicated.
- Assist clients to navigate the mental health and addictions services to support their success in maintaining their housing.
- Arrange and maintain regular and intermittent times for home visits with clients.
- Accompany clients to appointments, medical, legal, or otherwise where necessary.
- Communicate with Housing Support Worker, RHP staff, and managers as required.
- Advocate on behalf of clients.
- Inform clients of their rights and responsibilities.
- Maintain up to date case notes, progress reports and client files.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Relevant post-secondary degree/diploma in social services, or equivalent work experience in the field Harm Reduction/Mental Health Support (required).
- Degree or diploma in social services or equivalent experience (required).
- Minimum of two (2) years related experience in crisis support, substance use issues, mental health and harm reduction and crisis intervention and counseling skills.
- Demonstrable ability in case management with supportive counseling; strong assessment and clinical skills
- Excellent advocacy skills and application of therapeutic strategies
- Strong written and verbal English language communication skills; fluency in additional languages will be considered an asset.
- Knowledge of the Mental Health Act, DSM IV, and psychiatric medications
- Knowledge of best practice guidelines for disorders assessment and treatment
- Knowledge of community agencies and their relevant programs and services
- Self-directed and independent; ability to work effectively as a member of an inter-disciplinary team and in collaboration with other community professionals.
- Ability to exercise good judgment, flexibility, creativity, and sensitivity to changing client situations and needs.
- Demonstrable application of harm reduction principles and strategies
- Intermediate level of computer literacy utilizing MS Office applications
- Experience with case management software an asset.
- Emergency First Aid and CPR certification an asset
- Crisis Prevention and Intervention training/certification an asset
- Must be qualified to work in Canada legally for the employer.
- Able to provide a Vulnerable Sector Screening check with a ‘Clear’ or satisfactory result that meets the operational requirements of the Agency.
- Must have up-to-date vaccinations against COVID-19 with a vaccine that has been approved for use in Canada.
Dixon Hall is dedicated to fostering an inclusive selection process and work environment, guided by their Race Relations and Employment Equity Policies. If selected for an interview, please inform the hiring manager or the People and Culture team of any accommodations you may require during the interview process.
To achieve their goal of inclusivity and diversity, Dixon Hall actively seeks exceptional candidates from varied backgrounds and with lived experiences. Individuals who self-identify as being from marginalized communities, including Indigenous peoples, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and those from the 2SLGBTQIA+ community or who have experienced homelessness, are strongly encouraged to apply.
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