Casual Part-Time Support Workers

AVI HEALTH & COMMUNITY SERVICES (AVI) is a multi-disciplinary community-based organization providing HIV, hepatitis C and harm reduction services out of 5 locations across Vancouver Island. We take evidence-based action to prevent infection, provide support, and reduce stigma. We work within a social justice and health promotion framework to ensure equity and access to services for all. Every day, we strive to create meaningful connections between clients and staff, between peers, between staff members, between organizations, between communities, and between funders and impactful programs. The Nanaimo Enhanced Harm Reduction initiative is a flexible, community-based, safe supply model with health care provider oversight. Its goal is to save and affirm the lives of people who use drugs by providing safer, pharmaceutical alternatives to the currently toxic supply.
The EHR Peer Support Worker applies their lived/living experience of illicit drug use to build and maintains relationships with people who use drugs, specifically with those individuals who are supported by the EHR Program. They will practice harm reduction in their relationships to build trust and provide community peer support. They will work as part of the EHR team, which includes nurses and physicians, to increase accessibility to pharmaceutical alternatives to toxic drugs and to respectful, non-judgemental health care. The EHR Peer Support Worker will be integral to building stronger community connections with people who face ongoing health and social barriers such as poverty, homelessness, and criminalization.
Provides clinical and outreach support in a variety of settings including in clinic space, parks, encampments, shelters, supported housing and drop-in centres, for example.
Distributes naloxone kits and provides information and training in overdose prevention and response.
Provide witnessed consumption support and supervision. Training is provided.
Works collaboratively with the EHR team to identify potential EHR participants, provide information regarding access to pharmaceutical alternatives to street drugs, and assist with assessments and intakes.
Participates in service user care by administering and reporting on drug screens, system navigation, external referrals, and other services.
Provides harm reduction information and support for systems navigation and referrals for other health and social services.
Connects regularly with EHR participants and offers peer support through active listening skills and non-judgmental attitude.
Works with the EHR team to develop and execute care plans based on participants needs.
Liaise between EHR participants and EHR nurses and physicians to support participants to be heard and assist with keeping communication open and accessible.
Attends morning team huddles, scheduled team meetings and individual supervision meetings.
Facilitates the transportation of service users to and from the clinic and other care settings.
Facilitates the transportation of biohazardous products for laboratory testing for clinical purposes.
Have a minimum of two years’ experience working within harm reduction outreach settings
Have lived/living experience with illicit drug use and related health and social barriers such as poverty, homelessness and/or other physical or mental health issues. Have personal experience accessing harm reduction services for safer drug use support and/or accessed other services designed to meet the needs of people who use substances.
Have a current knowledge of the local street scene and cultural norms related to street life and can relate as a peer with participants of the EHR Initiative.
Direct service delivery experience in the community social services sector with a demonstrated working knowledge of community-based programs and related provincial and community support services systems.
Experience with overdose response, including administration of naloxone, is an asset.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills required to work effectively with co-workers, clients, community, and other service providers
Working knowledge in the areas of harm reduction, safer drug use, OAT, safer sex, sex work, HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C, mental health, etc.
Valid driver’s license and personal vehicle use (preferred).
Leadership abilities supporting independent work as well as ability to work collaboratively with others.
Hours and Schedule: Casual basis with potential shifts falling Shifts falling between Monday-Sunday from 9:30am-5:30pm
Location: AVI Health Centre, Nanaimo
HEABC & Health Services & Support Community Subsector Association 2022-2025 and this role is a BCGEU union position.
Pension: If you are already a member of the Municipal Pension Plan (MPP), you can continue with them at AVI immediately. At this time, AVI contributes an additional 9.31% towards your pension account. If you are not already a member of the Municipal Pension Plan, part time staff may become eligible after 2 years with AVI.
Other Perks: This position gets paid an extra 5% in lieu of vacation 5% in lieu of stats, meaning your hourly rate is actually 10% higher than listed.
AVI is committed to equity and diversity and we strongly encourage applications from, but not limited to, folks who identify as Indigenous Persons, persons of colour, racialized, persons living with a disability, persons who use/d drugs, persons with experience of sex work, persons who live with HIV and/or hepatitis C, and persons representing diverse genders and sexualities.
It is beneficial to identify in the cover letter if you are Indigenous and/or have lived/living expertise relevant to the position.
Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.