Harm Reduction Peer Outreach Worker

Sagamok Anishnawbek

Other

POSTED: 1 day ago

Maamwesying North Shore Community Health Services

4949

September 06, 2024

Full Time

Harm Reduction Peer Outreach Worker
Location: Sagamok Anishnawbek
8 Month Contract

Who you are? You are highly motivated in sharing your interest in the Health Field enabling you to work in a team environment. Acknowledging the Seven Grandfather Teachings in your work to build relationships. In addition, you have the ability to draw on your own knowledge and life skills to support and maintain efficient operational functions, with a positive outlook.
Who we are? We are a leader in First Nation Health. Our foundation is Indigenous Health in Indigenous Hands. We provide accessible, quality, culturally safe and holistic health care that supports and enhances the wellness of individuals, families, and communities. We work with our 11 First Nation community partners in the provision of primary health care, traditional healing, mental wellness and addictions, home and community support services and health promotion services. We have recently been approved as the first Indigenous lead Ontario Health Team by the Ministry of Health.
The opportunity: The Harm Reduction Peer Outreach Worker will report to the Minobimaadizing Manager and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to develop a harm reduction strategy that supports the community members of our partnered First Nations in maintaining a balanced stated of well-being. This will be achieved by enhancing services for individuals with complex drug and social challenges, minimizing the risks associated with injection and inhaled drug use, including overdoses, lowering the spread of blood-borne infections, and encouraging the use of both traditional and western health services.

Why Work with Us?
- Competitive salary based on experience
- Technology amenities provided (i.e., laptop)
- All travel expenses covered
- High staff satisfaction rated work environment, priority on provider and client experience
- Access to cultural and traditional teachings of the Ojibwe people
- Accommodations for the disabled will be available upon request
- An offer of employment will be conditional upon an acceptable vulnerable sector police records check.

What you need to bring with you:
- First Nations youth, aged 16-30, unemployed or underemployed, and normally residing on reserve or traditional territory
- A clear criminal reference check is a condition of employment
- Must possess a valid driver's license and access to a reliable vehicle
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Developed interpersonal skills and ability to promote teamwork
- Basic First Aid and CPR certification
- Proficient with computers and Microsoft Office (Outlook, Work, PowerPoint, Excel)
- Flexible schedule as required to support program delivery
- \"Lived Experience\" of addictions if possible
- Recovery experience from addictions
- Demonstrated understanding of issues relating to prescription drug abuse, including community context and realities
- Social Determinants of Health, lived Anishnawbek experience, historical trauma as well as a commitment and understanding of the principles and philosophy of traditional wellness approaches
- Demonstrate knowledge and experience in using drug assessments and screening tools
- Must have knowledge of community resources, treatment centres, social service networks and organizations
- Crisis intervention
- Understanding of the culture, people, and mental health priorities of First Nations communities
- Knowledge of working with people who are living with, at risk of or impacted by HIV/HCV; who may be vulnerable and marginalized; and may also be experiencing challenges related to mental health and homelessness
- Knowledge of working with people who may experience unstable/unpredictable behavior due to mental health conditions and/or substance use including crisis, psychosis and various effects of withdrawal and overdose risk
- Safe sharps handling and disposal
- Experience or demonstrated ability to deliver health education and promotion to large groups
- Accuracy and strong attention to detail
- Strong problem-solving, organizational, and time management skills
- Self-starter to work independently with initiative and highly adaptable
- Practice from a harm reduction philosophy
- Advocacy skills
- Strong interpersonal skills to work with diverse client groups
- Strong conflict resolution skills to respond or assist in emergency situations
- Ability to deal with demanding interpersonal situations and respond with good judgement and understanding

What to expect? Given the traditional practices of Indigenous people, from time to time exposure to smoke from the burning of sacred medicines such as tobacco, sweet grass, sage, or cedar may occur.