#23.03 Addictions Support Worker

919 Pandora Ave

*Please See Below for Shift Details*

This posting is open to all qualified applicants.

Our Place Society (OPS) is an organization founded on progressive Christian values and principles. We work as a team to create a nurturing atmosphere of home and family, where all are welcomed. A team approach is critical to living out our mission and values and to directing our work.

Position Overview

Reporting to the Community Centre Manager, the Addictions Support Worker will help provide individuals with substance use issues a path towards recovery. The Addictions Support Worker will help navigate local recovery resources and create case plans for individuals in cooperation with the health authority, government and community organizations. The position is located directly in a dynamic low barrier drop-in centre.

Duties & Responsibilities

Under the direction of the Community Centre Manager:

  • Assist Individuals in applying for Detox and Residential Treatment Services and complete all necessary administration needed for detox and treatment services.
  • Assist Individuals with connecting to Opioid Replacement Therapy’s.
  • Assist with Social Assistance applications and housing applications.
  • Develop plans of action, implementation, and follow up of the individual goals plan.
  • Liaise with addictions services and collaborate with community partners and health authority workers on individual case plans to provide the necessary support and assistance.
  • Have a working knowledge of local recovery meetings and counselling resources.
  • Provide one on one emotional support for individuals through their recovery journey.
  • Meet individuals where they are at in their recovery journey using a harm reduction approach.
  • Suggests and completes referrals to other agencies who may be better suited to serve a particular need.
  • Complete all necessary administration needed for detox and treatment services.
  • Create a safe, welcoming and calming environment for the individuals entering our facility. Stay observant of the environment and provide calming intervention as required to ensure the safety of everyone and policies are being respected.
  • Aid crisis intervention as required. Work alongside and communicate with team members, Manager and Team Lead and work alongside them to deescalate and resolve situations. Call for assistance when appropriate.
  • Report all incidents, observations, and unsafe conditions through the proper channels
  • Ensures program delivery is consistent with Our Place vision.
  • Discusses problem situations and remedies with lead workers and other outreach workers and participates directly in the provision for services to resolve difficult or sensitive issues or problems.
  • Is aware of critical incident report procedures and follows all health and safety policies and procedures
  • Suggests referrals to other agencies who may be better suited to serve a particular need.
  • Maintains open lines of communication between various areas of OPS.
  • Provide one on one support to clients connecting them to varies resources including detox referrals, counselling services, other housing providers.
  • Maintains knowledge of laws and legislation which affect our inner city family; Mental Health, Physical Health, Ministry of Employment and Income Assistance, City bylaws, Human Rights.
  • Participates in ongoing education, including workshops and seminars on Alcohol and Drug Addictions, Mental Illnesses, NVCI, First Aid, AIDS, Harm reduction, treatment supports and other socially contracted diseases.
  • Performs other related duties as required.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

  • Post-secondary education in a related field preferred, i.e. human services, mental health & addictions, counseling, health or education or related experience.
  • Experience working with the homeless is preferred.
  • Experience working with First Nations, Metis or Inuit is preferred.

 

Skills and Abilities

  • Knowledge of current social issues related to homelessness, mental illness and drug addiction is essential.
  • Knowledgeable of community resources, specifically community resources related to recovery process (local treatment centers, withdrawal management services).
  • Good interpersonal skills. Must display tact and diplomacy
  • Ability to interact with people of all ages and cultural backgrounds
  • Ability to problem solve and deal with conflict effectively
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills to deal with a broad range of professionals
  • Demonstrated ability to apply safe work procedures
  • Non-Violent Crisis Intervention training and First Aid Certification
  • Flexible and tolerant attitude to diverse cultures
  • Ability to work independently
  • Ability to communicate effectively with clients and co-workers both verbally and in writing
  • Effective personal boundary setting skills with both clients and co-workers
  • Multi-tasking skills

Working Conditions/Compensation:

Shifts: Full time, Monday to Friday, Days

Compensation: $26.22 – $28.92 per hour.

Benefits: Eligible for 3 weeks of vacation annually and excellent employer paid benefits after successful completion of 3 months of employment.

This position requires union membership and is a temporary position in coverage for a medical leave.

How to Apply

Eligible candidates are invited to submit a covering letter with their resume detailing their related background, experience and qualifications by 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 23, 2023 to careers@ourplacesociety.com or to Our Place Society, Attention Marion Hoadley, HR Director, 919 Pandora Ave, Victoria, B.C. V8V 3P4. Please quote “File #23.03 – Addictions Support Worker” in the subject line.

Please note: All applications must have a cover letter to be considered.

We appreciate your time and interest in the position. However, due to the volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Our Place Society is an equal opportunity employer. We value the diversity of the communities we serve, and are committed to engaging and developing a diverse and inclusive workforce. Our Place Society welcomes applications from First Nation, Inuit, Métis, New Canadian, differently-abled, and LGBTQ2S communities.