Harm Reduction Worker

About this position

Houselink and Mainstay Community Housing (Houselink/Mainstay) is Toronto’s largest non-profit supportive housing provider. Our organization is the result of a recent amalgamation between the former Houselink Community Homes and Mainstay Housing.

As a joined organization, we currently manage nearly 60 residential locations and more than 1,100 units across the City of Toronto, serving individuals with complex mental illness and addictions. We work closely with sector partners to deliver programs and advocate for solutions that will address homelessness.

Our work is rooted in the understanding that housing is a human right and plays a vital role in health and wellbeing. We are proud to lead the affordable housing sector in building strong, inclusive communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Harm Reduction Worker Part-time Permanent

$51,010 annually, prorated based on 17.5 hours weekly

Bargaining Unit Position

We are an essential service and the incumbent will be required to be at the office and in the community. Personal protective equipment and COVID-19 protocols are in place as per Public Health guidelines. HLMS has a mandatory vaccination policy. All applicants selected for an interview will be required to provide proof they are fully vaccinated or have a medical exemption.

The Harm Reduction Worker reports to TMS manager and works proactively and responsively with tenants and staff to provide comprehensive Harm Reduction services within social determinants of health utilizing health promotion, community engagement and community development strategies.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides Harm Reduction service delivery,
• Distributes harm reduction supplies and provides naloxone to tenants
• Engages with service users and program participants, providing harm reduction education, materials and counselling related to safer drug use/safer sex supplies, disposal of used equipment, and reducing risks of overdose and transmission of Hepatitis C and HIV/AIDS
• Counsels and educates tenants regarding overdose prevention and management, including the use and administration of naloxone where appropriate.
• Provides information and referrals to health and social service supports to service users
• Counsels tenants regarding various needs/issues such as but not limited to: mental health,crisis/trauma, sexual abuse/assault, life skills, sexuality, birth control, abortion, pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, grief, HIV/AIDS prevention, syphilis, Hepatitis B/C and suicide prevention.
• Works collaboratively with the client and health care professionals to identify and resolve health issues and facilitate integration of care. Assesses need for and makes referrals to a variety of community resources.
• Responsible for Harm Reduction stocking and ordering, in communication with other staff positions
• Provide Harm Reduction training to staff and tenants
• Maintain clear, accurate records and written documentations in accordance with established procedures and policies

Qualifications

• Experience in the provision of harm reduction in a community/housing setting, working with homeless and marginalized populations including people who inject illicit drugs
• Ability to interact effectively with tenants and staff and work as a team.
• Skilled and experience in crisis response and de-escalation
• Excellent knowledge of community services and resources
• Knowledge of harm reduction, HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis transmission and prevention.
• Knowledge of addictions and harms associated with drug use.
• Knowledge of issues related to sex work.
• Excellent assessment skills.
• Ability to conduct work in a non-judgemental way, using a harm reduction approach.
• Ability to work as a member of a team.

The pay rate is $51,010 annually, prorated based on 17.5 hours weekly. This is a bargaining unit position; the rate is as per the collective agreement. If you are interested and meet the requirements above, please include a cover letter with a current resume, by February 14, 2023 . No phone calls please.

Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. HLMS has an equity hiring policy, is committed providing an inclusive selection process. Applications are encouraged from people with lived experience of mental health challenges and other equity seeking groups. HLMS will provide accommodation, upon request, to ensure a fair and equitable process.