SFNS Economic Toolkit (SET)
Chippewas of the Thames First Nation is accepting applications for the position of:
Cultural Harm Reduction Outreach Worker
POSTING DATE: October 26, 2023
CLOSING DATE: November 16, 2023, at 4:00 p.m., late applications will not be accepted.
SUMMARY:
The Cultural Harm Reduction Outreach Worker provides outreach services and networks with individuals at their homes and on the street in order to increase the use of harm reduction materials, skills and strategies among injection drug users thereby reducing the associated risk of transmission of HIV, HCV and other blood borne illnesses. The Cultural Harm Reduction Outreach Worker is responsible for incorporating First Nation Cultural components such as the First Nations Mental Wellness Continuum Framework Healing model (emotional, spiritual, physical and mental wellness) into all programming and work with individuals. The Cultural Outreach Worker will incorporate Ojibway Language and Culture into all components of service delivery.
Program Delivery:
• Provide harm reduction materials/supplies to IDU population through consistent delivery/pickup services;
• Handle and transport large quantities of used syringes and properly dispose of bio-hazardous materials within COTTFN’s policies and procedures;
• Provide educational materials on harm reduction, HIV, HCV, and other blood borne illnesses;
• Provide support for IDU population with regards to health promotion, community resources, etc.;
• Refers clients to traditional healers, ceremonies and medicines.
• Train staff/volunteers on syringe exchange protocol;
• Maintain positive relationships with community partner agencies regarding syringe exchange program;
• Deliver HIV/AIDS Basics presentations to a variety of audiences as required;
• This position requires lifting things such as tables, chairs, fire wood, and boxes of supplies to various locations; when in the office long hours are spent on the computer, using office equipment and attending meetings;
Program Development:
• Respond to calls, prioritize and schedule delivery services requested by clients;
• Develop and deliver prevention and harm reduction presentations/messages to target populations;
• Monitor statistical information on outreach contacts to identify current issues and develop strategies to address these issues;
• Provide information sessions and educational programming to community members on an ongoing basis.
This will require that you are able to plan 90 days in advance for future programming;
Community Development:
• Support individuals affected by/at risk of drug use, sex trade and homelessness;
• Provide information and referrals regarding support services to clients;
• Liaise with appropriate community resources on behalf of clients;
• Advocate for clients as necessary;
• Promote the use of Harm Reduction Services in the Health Centre;
• Promote cultural resources available locally and regionally;
Ongoing Professional Development:
• Vulnerable Sector Police Record Check (Level III) every year, or as requested by the employer;
• CPR/First Aid recertification;
• Other trainings that are assets to support position;
o ASIST Training, Safe Talk, Mental Health First Aid Training;
• Cultural Diversity training;
• Debriefing and Critical Incidence Stress Management Training;
• Additional training as deemed appropriate;
Administration:
• Ensure statistical data entry is up to date and accurate;
• Provide activity reports as required by Cultural Outreach Coordinator;
• Develop and implement outreach program work plans, goals, objectives;
• Identify and recommend updates needed to policy and procedures as required;
• Promote the outreach activities to appropriate sources;
The above list of responsibilities and duties is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required of the position. The incumbent may perform other related duties as required to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.
Qualifications:
• Education in the Addictions or Human Services field;
• Three (3) years’ experience working in Human Services, preferably in the field of Harm Reduction and addiction;
• Proven work-experience with mental illness, including categories as determined with the DSM-IV, psychodynamic theory and trauma counseling;
• Experience working with marginalized populations;
• Experience with crisis intervention;
• Possess a valid drivers’ license, insurance and reliable vehicle;
• Vulnerable Sector Police Record Check (Level III) and maintain clean record for the duration of employment;
• First Aid/CPR;
• Must have complete up to date immunization records, including 3 full doses of COVID-19 Vaccine.
Knowledge
• Demonstrated knowledge, understanding and respect for First Nations’ way of life;
• Working knowledge and proven experience of counseling techniques including, system theory, relational therapy, the bio-psycho-social model, existing theory on addiction and treatment;
• In-depth understanding of Harm Reduction, HIV/AIDS, mental health, addiction, sexual health and related barriers that First Nations communities may face;
• Understanding of Social Assistance programs (ODSP, OW, RGI, Housing);
• Understanding of Harm Reduction principles;
• Safe disposal biohazard materials including used syringes and/or biohazard containers;
Skills
• Excellent communication skills (verbal, written, and presentation);
• Highly developed interpersonal skills;
• Time management and organizational skills;
• Attention to detail;
• Conflict resolution;
• Proficient in computer use; Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access, Zoom, Microsoft Teams and possess the ability to learn new programs as required.
Abilities:
• Proven ability to develop and strengthen community partnerships;
• Ability to effectively problem solve using critical thinking in difficult and sensitive situations;
• Strong active listening abilities;
• Ability to work well both independently and in a team environment;
• Ability to effectively build respectful and collaborative relationships;
• Able to maintain professionalism at all times;
• Ability to maintain strictest of confidentiality and adhere to privacy legislation;
• Must be able to occasionally work irregular hours, evenings and weekends when required in a variety of social and physical settings;
• Able to travel and attend offsite meetings as required;
Attributes:
• Accountable;
• Perceptive;
• Perseverance;
• Cooperative;
• Patient;
• Teachable;
Working Conditions:
The office space for the position is located in the Chippewa of the Thames Health Department and requires regular travel to Chippewas of the Thames, Munsee-Delaware First Nation, Oneida of the Thames. The position requires flexibility to work evening, weekends, long and irregular hours and on-call as required.
Physical Effort:
The position necessitates lifting and carrying equipment and supplies to various locations. The incumbent will occasionally work long and irregular hours which will be physically demanding. When in office, time is spent using computer, office equipment and attending meetings.
Mental Effort:
The position is inherently mentally demanding as it requires working with people affected by addictions and drug users. The position requires dealing with emergencies and stressful situations at any time. It is required that the incumbent manage competing priorities.
*The successful candidate will be required to provide a clear Vulnerable Sector Check (Level) 3) as a condition of employment
*Must have complete up to date immunization records, including 3 full doses of COVID-19 Vaccine.
*Hiring of Indigenous people will be given preference, please identify. *
Please submit a current cover letter and resume, in confidence, to:
Kate Arnold,
Human Resources Manager
COTTFN
320 Chippewa Road
Muncey, Ontario N0L 1Y0
[email protected]
NOTE: We thank all candidates for applying; however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.