Safer 713 Team Lead

AVI HEALTH & COMMUNITY SERVICES (AVI) is a multi-disciplinary community-based organisation providing HIV, hepatitis C and harm reduction services out of 5 locations across Vancouver Island. AVI provides services to people living with HIV and hepatitis C and harm reduction clients. We take evidence-based action to prevent infection, provide support, and reduce stigma. We work within a social justice and health promotion framework to ensure equity and access to services for all. At the core of what we do is our ability, and commitment to, creating meaningful connections. Every day, we strive to create meaningful connections between clients and staff, between peers, between staff members, between organizations, between communities, and between funders and impactful programs. For more info see www.avi.org

SAFER is a flexible, community-based, harm reduction program that provides safer, pharmaceutical alternatives to the currently toxic drug supply. SAFER is located on the territories of the L?k????n peoples (Esquimalt and Songhees nations).
DOPES is a drop-in harm reduction program operating out of 713 Johnson St. providing a range of services and supports for people who use substances.
JOB SUMMARY:
This position will work in a flexible, community based, harm reduction program that provides pharmaceutical alternatives to the currently toxic drug supply. This program operates in conjunction with AVI's drop-in (DOPES) harm reduction services providing prescribed alternatives (PA) to registered participants.
Under the direct supervision of the SAFER Manager or designate, the 713 PA Team Lead will work alongside a multidisciplinary team to coordinate access to witnessed pharmaceutical alternatives for people who are using street supply of opioids. The successful candidate will embody a philosophy and practice of collaboration, while working from a relational perspective that upholds values of harm reduction, empathy, social justice, cultural humility, and trauma informed care. The SAFER 713 PA Team Lead will practice harm reduction in their relationships, building trust and providing practical support to staff and participants. The SAFER 713 Prescribed Alternative Team Lead plays an integral role in maintaining a respectful environment. This means there are enough staff on site to be open as much as possible, feedback from staff/participants is heard, and everyone working is 'Ready to Work'. These elements should contribute to Support Workers feeling empowered, safe in their workplace, and part of an effective team.
The successful candidate is an effective communicator, a practical problem solver and someone who embodies collaboration. They work from a relational perspective, is supportive and empathetic, upholds AVI's values of harm reduction, social justice, trauma-informed care and cultural humility with their coworkers and people accessing our services.
KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Runs shift call outs as needed for Support Workers, in compliance with seniority and other BCGEU Collective Agreement requirements.
Inputs Support Worker and System Navigator shift information into the payroll scheduling system.
Supports new Support Workers learning the role and provides training.
Responsible for contributing to and supporting culturally safe practices with humility.
Uses de-escalation skills in support of team members as needed to maintain a respectful and effective work environment.
Coordinates with other leaders on site, including nurse leadership and DOPES team leads, when solving problems of the day to ensure that the full program's needs are being met.
Documents any Critical Incidents that occur in the 713 space that involve any Support Workers and ensure that the Manager and, as needed, Human Resources (for WorkSafe reasons) knows about the details.
Works collaboratively with the 713 PA program and DOPES teams to identify potential participants, provide information regarding access to pharmaceutical alternatives to street drugs, and assist with assessments and intakes.
Welcomes participants into the space, witnesses doses and records times as delegated by nursing team in the most dignified way possible. Assesses for overdose symptoms and responds with team with rescue breathing and naloxone when necessary. Training is provided.
Connects regularly with program participants and offers support through active listening skills and non-judgmental attitude.
Use brief assessment and crisis response to meet basic needs (e.g. applications and follow-up regarding BC housing, income, and identification) and make appropriate referrals to other health and support services.
Identifies and develops safety plans with people who are using substances who are at increased risk of overdose.
Keeps records and participate in 'team charting' to assure comprehensive documentation.
Light janitorial duties; ensuring booths and the washroom are properly sanitized after each use.
Performs other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Demonstrated ability to consistently work scheduled shifts, be on time, and plan ahead with supervisor for requested time off. This role is meant to be consistent and dependable and maintain minimum staffing.
University degree or certificate in health or social services (Social Work, Psychology, Mental Health and Addictions Support Worker, etc.), or equivalent combination of education and experience.
A minimum of one years' demonstrated leadership experience and 3 years relevant work experience working with people who are criminalized for their drug use.
Able to respectfully engage and support Indigenous relationships, with a trauma informed and decolonial lens.
Strong and proven computer, organizational and phone skills.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills required to work effectively as a trusted problem solver, co-worker, with program participants, community, and other service providers.
Demonstrated understanding and practice of a trauma-informed approach with co-workers and participants.
Direct service delivery experience in the community social services sector with a demonstrated working knowledge of community-based programs and related provincial and community support services systems.
Possesses interest and high comfort level in approaching and initiating conversation with others, utilizing consent and respect throughout interactions.
Demonstrated ability to uphold confidentiality and clear personal boundaries, and ability to mentor and support others to do the same.
Working knowledge in the areas of harm reduction, safer drug use, OAT, safer sex, sex work, HIV, Hepatitis C, mental health, etc.
Working knowledge of BC Housing applications, Birth certificates, and Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction services.
An asset to the position: First Aid training and overdose response training, including Naloxone Training.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Demonstrated understanding of the importance of confidentiality and discretion, especially in a health care setting.
Demonstrated ability to navigate issues of power while building trustful relationships with coworkers.
Strong computer, email and phone skills.
Strong problem-solver, able to find effective and equitable solutions to daily challenges during shifts.
Ability to work in settings that can be high energy and stressful with self-awareness, discretion and concern for the efficient and safe running of the program in a small space.
Ability to keep a 'cool head' when tense situations arise.
Experience managing hostile interactions and utilizing non-violent communication skills.
Ability to apply sound judgement: stay grounded and use creativity, flexibility and assertiveness when working through complex and urgent situations.
Ability to apply conflict resolution strategies and provide support to others to do the same.
Understanding of anti-oppressive practices.
Understanding of the impacts of systemic violence and oppression on program participants and staff members.
Ability to organize and prioritize daily tasks.
Ability to establish and maintain respectful rapport with participants who face systemic violence and trauma.
Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.
POSITION DETAILS:
Pay: $33.99/hour to start with stepped increases based on your seniority with AVI. (Pay for this role is based on the BCGEU pay grid 38)
Hours and Schedule: 37.5 hours/ week. Monday to Friday 1:00pm-9:00pm
Afternoon Shift Premium for Some Shifts: Afternoon Shift Premium of an additional $0.25/hour applies to any shifts that have at least 50% of their time scheduled between 4 pm and midnight. As such, some of the shifts of this ad qualify for an additional $0.25/hour premium.
Location: 713 Johnson Street 3rd floor
Union: AVI is a union environment under the Collective Agreement: HEABC & Health Services & Support Community Subsector Association 2022-2025 and this role is a BCGEU union position.
Benefits: This position will be eligible for extended health, life and AD&D coverage after 488 hours with AVI. AVI pays for the entire cost of the plan on behalf of its staff.
Pension: If you are already a member of the Municipal Pension Plan (MPP), you can continue with them at AVI immediately. If not, after 488 hours, you will be eligible to join the Municipal Pension Plan. At this time, AVI contributes an additional 9.31% towards your pension account.
Other Perks: This position gets 6.4% vacation (equivalent to 3 weeks), receives a paid day off for every Stat Holiday and Easter Monday and accrues a Sick Bank of 6.9%. Sick and Vacation Days are both available to be used after your first 488 hours at AVI.
Hours of Work, Days Off and Work Area may be subject to change.
TO APPLY:
To apply, please click on Apply To Position and attach your resume and cover letter (optional). This posting is open until September 30, 2024, 5pm.
AVI is committed to equity and diversity and we strongly encourage applications from, but not limited to, folks who identify as Indigenous Persons, persons of colour, racialized, persons living with a disability, persons who use/d drugs, persons with experience of sex work, persons who live with HIV and/or hepatitis C, and persons representing diverse genders and sexualities.
As AVI is a union environment, internal staff will be prioritized in the hiring process.
Accommodation is available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.
We would like to thank all those that apply but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

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