Part Time Harm Reduction Caseworker (Union Position)

Under the direction of the Harm Reduction and Wellness Manager the Harm Reduction Case Worker (HRCW) will work as a part of a multi-disciplinary team and from a trauma informed, client centered lens in providing and enhancing harm reduction strategy and services that supports the wellbeing of service users who have complex drug and social challenges. The HRWC will be actively involved in providing harm reduction health education, in house programming, referrals to health supports, community treatment and other related services.

ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Service Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain a caseload.
• Complete an intake and assessment on each resident.
• Provide problem solving/referral counseling to Booth Centre Shelter residents.
• Develop a network and make referrals to existing services and resources in the community including those of other Salvation Army departments.
• Provide clients with evening coffee and snack, clean are upon completion.
• Design and implement, in consultation with supervisor, an interview schedule that will provide an evaluation of ‘quality of life’ improvement of successful program participants.
• Provide assistance to front desk personnel as necessary, including responding to client issues and crises.
• Be available to respond to client issues in the dining hall and kitchen during lunch meal.
• Record activities and incidents occurring during the shift in a factual and concise manner using Log Book and/or Incident Book.
• Contact emergency service personnel (ambulance or police) when necessary.
• Maintain confidentiality with regard to clients/staff and Centre’s records.
• Provide harm reduction services to service users to include drop-in programs.
• Provide information and access to services related to harm reduction and prevention
• Assist in the coordination and distribution of naloxone and safer supplies
• Coordinate care, collaborate, and refer to community programs and resources to include withdrawal management, residential treatment and Counselling.
• Trained in Naloxone to provide hands on support in Crisis situation or overdose events.
• Skilled in maintaining professional boundaries, have a positive nonjudgemental and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• Collaborate, establish and maintain professional relationships with community partners and with other agencies with supporting Harm reduction programs.
• Respond in situations with good judgment, effective listening, observation and facilitation skills in a demanding environment.
• Work closely with and carry out tasks assigned to you by your supervisor.

Organizational Responsibilities

• Demonstrate knowledge of The Salvation Army Booth Centre Policy and Procedures Manual.
• Meet with Program Director for supervision as scheduled.
• Model appropriate qualities for this position – i.e., self-motivation, punctuality, and personal hygiene.
• Commit to and sign the agency and clients’ confidentiality form.
• Attend staff meetings of The Salvation Army Booth Centre Hamilton, Staff Training workshops and conferences, as authorized by the Centre.
• Work within mandate and mission of the Salvation Army.
• Represent The Salvation Army Booth Centre in a professional manner.

 Perform other position related duties as required.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• May work with potentially aggressive clients.
• This is a permanent part-time position available. Flexibility in scheduling is required. The work schedule is determined in consultation with your supervisor and may vary according to requirements of responsibility. Applicable shifts include a ½ hour unpaid meal break.

Shifts: 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Saturday/Sunday and statutory holidays when required

• Possess Post Secondary degree/diploma in Social Work, Social Service Work, Addictions, health-related or relevant area of study or experience delivering Harm Reduction Services from a trauma informed recovery lens.
• Standard First Aid and NVCI
• Alternative combinations of education and experience may be considered.

EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE:

• Competent on word processing equipment such as Windows, Microsoft Office etc.
• Experience in Addictions or Harm Reductions Services role an asset
• Knowledge of community resources, treatment centers, social service networks and organizations
• Knowledge or experience working with people experiencing challenges related to mental health, homelessness and addictions

 SKILLS AND CAPABILITIES:

• Excellent oral and written communications skills and effective interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work with socially disadvantaged people who may often harbor resentment and anger.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and implement goals and plans for self and clients.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and under supervision.
• Ability to lift/carry up to forty pounds.
• Ability to undergo applicable screening and background checks successfully that are satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion (i.e., The Salvation Army Abuse Registry) and provide an original copy of a Background Check with vulnerable sector screening.
• Ability and willingness to develop an understanding and support for the mission and purpose of The Salvation Army in Canada and its implications as related to position responsibilities.

The Salvation Army offers accommodation for applicants with disabilities in its recruitment process.  If you are contacted to participate in an interview or screening process, please advise us if you require accommodation.

 We thank all applicants, however, only those candidates to be interviewed will be contacted.

You must advise your managing supervisor of your intentions prior to submitting your application.