Harm Reduction Worker

• On-the-job training and professional development opportunities
• Childcare discounts
• Opportunities to get involved in our community
• A competitive total rewards package

• Maintains a hygienic, organized, comfortable and respectful environment in the Safer Use Space;
• Greets and engages participants, orients participants to the service and space and completes brief intake and review of service user agreements;
• This position will work collaboratively with other interdisciplinary team members, inclusive of Carole Anne’s Place Coordinator’s and other staff of YWCA Hamilton, health care providers from Hamilton Social Medicine Response Team (HAMSMART), peer workers and other health and social service providers;
• Collects and documents all information relevant to the Urgent Public Health Needs Site (UPHNS) agreement with Health Canada and YWCA Hamilton – and participates in an ongoing evaluation and review of the space;
• Supervises consumption and responds appropriately in the event of a drug poisoning crisis;
• Offers gender-specific harm reduction supports and aims to improve the quality of life and health of all program participants;
• Works within general rules, procedures and standards, referring issues or problems to supervisor;
• Maintains high level of confidentiality when working with sensitive and personal client, employee and contract information;
• Provides reports and updates to Program Management when required;
• Understands emerging trends, leading practices, industry professional standards;
• Provides recommendations to strengthen existing policies and/or processes;

• Nurtures and forms meaningful internal and external working relationships and partnerships;
• Supports YWCA Hamilton mission, vision and values;
• Other duties as required.

• Relief works 0-14 hours per week, Part Time works 15-29 hours per week and Full Time Works 37.5 hours per week; Works overnight shift with a possibility of additional daytime, afternoon and evening hours as required;
• Regularly works in emotional charged situations requiring resolution;
• Work environment may be hostile or violent at times.

• Knowledge and understanding of the complexities of drug use, homelessness, violence and mental health for the population accessing Carole Anne’s Place – through a combination of lived experience, work experience and/or education and training;
• Ability to bring an intersectional feminist, trauma-informed and anti-racist/anti-oppressive approach to supporting women, trans, 2-spirit and non-binary people who use drugs and experience homelessness;
• Ability to intervene in overdose and drug poisoning crisis situations and willing to learn how to respond in a drug induced crisis situation - through administering oxygen, Naloxone, CPR and working with Emergency Responders;
• Understanding of what it means to support program participants through a low-barrier and non-judgmental approach;
• Demonstrated capacity for accurate documentation, collaboration with an interdisciplinary team and strong oral, written and listening skills;
• Willingness to learn and be adaptable as the pilot program develops and evolves;
• Demonstrated ability to problem-solve in a fast-paced, sometimes stressful environment;
• Knowledge of community services, resources, and strong advocacy skills is considered an asset;
• Must have a current Vulnerable Sector Police Check or willingness to obtain at own cost;
• Must have current Standard First Aid and CPR certificate or willingness to obtain at own cost;
• Ability to work overnight shifts on weekdays and/or weekends;
• Bilingual English/French or other languages an asset.

YWCA Hamilton