Island Health Hiring for Harm Reduction and Positive Wellness Worker at Port Hardy, BC Full Time

Job Description:
In accordance with the Vision, Purpose, and Values, and strategic direction of the Vancouver Island Health Authority (Island Health) patient and staff safety is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone; as such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.

Reporting to the team leader or designate, the Harm Reduction and Positive Outreach Worker provides supports the delivery of harm reduction services including providing onsite and mobile harm reduction supplies, supporting access to primary health care, mental health and substance, public health and other appropriate services for clients who live with HIV/AIDS, HCV or who have high risk in relation to the same. Works collaboratively with Island Health, primary care providers and community partners to deliver care to persons who often experience social and economic marginalization including population of individuals with substance use/addiction issues with or without a mental illness that have experienced significant challenges related to poverty and homelessness as well as limited access or engagement in with the traditional system of care. This position requires knowledge of and active use of practice approaches including: harm reduction, trauma informed practice, Indigenous cultural safety and stages of change.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Education, Training And Experience

Post-secondary certification in addiction counselling or equivalent plus two years’ recent related experience. Working knowledge of chemical dependency. Basic knowledge of community resources. Or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Certification in First Aid and CPR (level C). Valid Class 5 BC Driver’s License. Participation in Provincial Violence Training within first three months of employment. Foodsafe Certification required for Supportive Housing and Housing and Residential positions.

A diploma in community social services will be considered in combination of working experience with this population

Transportation arrangements must meet the operational requirements of the Vancouver Island Health Authority in accordance with the service assignment and may require the use of a personal vehicle.

A minimum of two years recent related experience working with persons with substance use and/or mental health including teaching life skills, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Skills And Abilities

Demonstrated understanding of health promotion, harm reduction philosophy and practice, and empowerment models of social and health care.

Demonstrated skills in individual advocacy.

Working knowledge of the issues surrounding addiction, mental illness and communicable diseases.

Understanding and knowledge of the social and physical impact of living with HIV/AIDS.

Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing

Ability to deal with seriously addicted and mentally ill clients and their families;

Ability to observe and recognize behavioural and/or health status changes in clients;

Ability to facilitate supportive and educational groups;

Ability to teach life skills

Ability to role model healthy lifestyle choices;

Ability to set and maintain boundaries;

Ability to work independently and in collaboration with others

Good organizational and time management skills

Demonstrated conflict resolution and crisis intervention skills

Ability to demonstrate an appropriate level of initiative and independence.

Ability to work cooperatively as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Ability to promote positive change and independence.

Physical and emotion ability to carry out the duties of the position.

Ability to operate related equipment and software programs such as word processing and spreadsheet applications.

Travel is a requirement of this position and transportation arrangements must meet the operational requirements of the Vancouver Island Health Authority.

Job Requirements:
https://jd.viha.ca/JD3959.pdf