Program Worker

The John Howard Society of Durham Region has an exciting opportunity for you. If you have a passion to support people and the community with resources related to harm reduction, an appreciation for the not-for-profit sector and would like to work for the John Howard Society of Durham Region, we encourage you to apply.

Job Title Program Worker - On Point

Department Harm Reduction/Adult Services

Location Oshawa and surrounding Durham Region

Posting Start Date April 12, 2024

Posting End Date April 30, 2024

Employment Group CUPE 2936.13, Casual position

Salary Grid Rate $19.22 per hour

Standard Weekly Hours of Work

Casually scheduled shifts; Minimum 3 hours a week and not scheduled more than five days and/or 15 hours per week, based on approved schedule, primarily daytime weekday shifts, however, may be scheduled for evenings or a weekend with notice.

Shift Work Required 8am to 4pm

Work Environment Combination of in office, community and outdoors

Additional Benefits Accident/Injury

John Howard Society of Durham Region Mission Statement:

To reduce the impact of crime and its causes by providing a spectrum of effective prevention and intervention programs.

About the Role:

The John Howard Society is a multi-service organization. The On Point Program Worker works as part of the Harm Reduction team, the program facilitator and other program workers to seek out, pick up, and safely dispose of publicly discarded substance use equipment and paraphernalia within public areas, green spaces and other identified areas within Durham Region. Workers work with the Program Facilitator to further develop individual and team goals.

Candidates for this position will bring lived experience of substance use, housing instability and/or mental health challenges to the role. The position requires an individual who can work safely, work and walk outside in all weather (except extreme weather), and respects the diversity of everyone's journey and experiences. Because these roles are part of a program, candidates need to be aware that certain aspects of their program involvement are gathered and provided to the funder in a way that protects their privacy.

This program REQUIRES that you have LIVED EXPERIENCE with housing instability substance use, and/or mental health challenges. Lived experience means have first-hand experience.

You'll be working on things like:

Professionalism

• Interact professionally with the public and individuals experiencing homelessness, mental illness, and addiction challenges

• Work cooperatively with others and represent oneself and the program professionally in the community
• Communicate ongoing and clearly with facilitator and team, attend and contribute to program meetings and program improvement
• Be willing to demonstrate your own growth within the program provide personal information that is reported anonymously to the program and program funder as per program outcome measures relating to housing, education, and employment

Administrative

• Document quantity and location of equipment found and other statistical information as necessary
• Keep accurate records and submit them appropriately, including keeping up to date and accurate time sheets.
• Maintain backpack supplies and other program supplies and equipment and report when they are missing or not in good working order.
• Contribute to the planning of pick-up routes.
• Attend and participate in job training opportunities, goal setting.

Client/Customer Service

• Be friendly and helpful in public interactions

• Maintain a sensitive, non-judgmental framework through public interactions

• Clearly communicate program goals to the public when appropriate
• Provide sharps containers and disposal information to people who use substances

If you have the following…we want to hear from you!

• This program REQUIRES direct/personal/first-hand lived experience relating to housing instability, substance use, and/or mental health
• Some understanding of harm reduction philosophies and practices.
• Strong ability to work and build trust with marginalized individuals including those who are street involved, actively using substances, and who struggle with mental health issues.

• Ability to follow safety guidelines and instructions, including work in compliance with the Ontario Health & Safety Acts and Regulations
• Responsible to use personal protective equipment and clothing as directed by the employer
• Ability to attend and participate in program meetings and training's
• Non-judgmental, good people skills
• Must have Hepatitis B vaccinations
• Ability to understand and carry out instructions in written, verbal, or diagram form.

Working Conditions

• Exposure to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc
• Interacts with agency staff, visitors, community partners, and the general public
• Ongoing physical activity including walking and bending over in various outdoor places and spaces
• Be able to work safely, in rugged terrain and in all weather conditions where safe to do so conditions (exceptions: severe heat, severe cold, lightning - alternative programming or training will be provided on those days)
• Able to lift items as heavy as 25 lbs. and carry a backpack
• Use grabbers and other personal safety equipment effectively
• Responsible to report workplace hazards and dangers, responsible to work in a manner as required by the employer and use the prescribed safety equipment, responsible to report workplace injuries or illness
• Flexible hours as required.