Come work as a Harm Reduction and Peer to Peer Program Worker with Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH)!

Vancouver Coastal Health is looking for a Harm Reduction & Peer to Peer Program Worker to join the Peer Based Program team at Robert and Lily Lee Family Community Health Centre in Vancouver, BC. Apply today to join our team!

About the Harm Reduction Peer Based Program 

This program is a team composed of staff and over 20 peer contractors dedicated to providing harm reduction supplies and services. We work to prevent the spread of sexualy transmitted and blood born infections (STBBIs), overdoses due to drug poisonings from tainted supply and the rapidly increasing new and dangerous analogues to fentanyl and benzodiazepines, and other harms related to sexual health and substance use. The program works with people with lived and living experiences of substance use and/or sex work in our community. Drawing on their personal experience and additional training, peer contractors provide harm reduction and low-barrier, peer-based services. They engage with the community to reduce the stigma these communites face, and also collaborate with other community members and peers to influence program design and implementation. 

As a Harm Reduction and Peer to Peer Program Worker with VCH, you will:

• Work as a member of community based team to provide harm reduction and needle recovery education and services, including support to VCH-direct and contracted peer-based initiatives.
• Facilitate group meetings, individual check-ins and information sessions to active and non-active illicit substance users who frequent Community Health Centres and community areas within Vancouver Community.
• Assist with coordinating, assists with research and other special projects, maintain and compiles statistics, participate in committees, task groups, and/or program initiatives.
• Provide community education on safe needle disposal, engage with communities around issues of stigma and safety for people who use substances and engages in and assists the Supervisor/Manager with on-going team planning, development, evaluation and quality improvement activities.

RECOVERY, STRENGTH, RESPECT, RESILIENCE

Vancouver Coastal Health Mental Health and Addictions Services is committed to collaborating with consumers and families to build on strengths, talents and interests in order to foster a community of hope, growth and self-determination.

Education & Experience

• Diploma in Community Social Services.
• Two (2) years recent related experience working with active drug users, sex workers, marginalized and street involved youth, individuals with HIV/AIDS, HEPC and mental health issues and/or personal experience with addictions issues, sex work or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Knowledge & Abilities

• Team oriented approach to leadership and a commitment to a peer driven process.
• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse populations and to recognize and respond appropriately to the needs of the peers and consumers.
• Ability to communicate effectively/tactfully both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to organize and prioritize.
• Ability to work under the pressure of interruptions and adapt to changes.
• Ability to problem solve and take initiative.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as a member of a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to provide work direction.
• Skilled in conflict resolution, facilitation, and advocacy.
• Ability to compose business correspondence.
• Ability to do mathematical calculations.
• Ability to operate related equipment.
• Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.
• Basic computer literacy to operate computerized client care information system and word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, database, Internet and e-mail software.
• Physical ability to perform the duties of the job. (Light lifting and walking outreach).

The hours of work including days off and work area may be subject to change consistent with operational requirements and the provision of the Collective Agreement and applicable statutes. Successful applicants may be required to complete a Criminal Records Review Check.

As per Ministry of Health policy, all health care workers working in publicly-funded health care facilities are required to report their past receipt of certain vaccines or history of certain infections. Collecting these records will allow for offering of any missing vaccines, and for appropriate actions to be taken in the event of any future exposure to a communicable disease or during outbreaks. For all new hires and appointments to Vancouver Coastal Health, you will be asked to provide this information as part of the onboarding process.

WHY JOIN VANCOUVER COASTAL HEALTH?

VCH is a world class innovator in medical care, research and teaching, delivering service to more than one million BC residents. At VCH, we embrace thinking boldly, taking smart risks, and "going first" when we believe it will lead to the best possible outcomes for patients and their families. We invite you to join us in creating healthy lives in healthy communities by showcasing our passion for care, connection to the communities we serve and our culture of teamwork that makes VCH a great place to work.

• Comprehensive health benefits package, including MSP, extended health and dental and municipal pension plan
• Grow your career with employer-paid training and leadership development opportunities
• Wellness supports, including counselling, critical incident and innovative wellness services are available to employees and their immediate families
• Award-winning recognition programs to honour staff, medical staff and volunteers
• Access to exclusive discount offers and deals for VCH staff

At Vancouver Coastal Health, our vision of healthy lives in healthy communities inspires us and our values and pillars guide us. We support equitable practices, diverse teams and inclusive environments, which are vital to creating welcoming spaces where everyone can bring their whole selves to work and feel supported. We encourage applications from equity-deserving communities, including Indigenous Peoples and members of racialized groups, people with disabilities and people of all gender identities and expressions and sexual orientation.

Vancouver Coastal Health is proud to be recognized as one of Canada's Top 100 Employers in 2024.

Only short-listed applicants will be contacted for this posting.


***Employees of VCH must apply online via the Internal Career Portal on CareerHub, you are currently viewing the External Career Portal. Refer to the https://my.vch.ca/working-here/job-postings site for instructions on how to view internal job postings and how to apply as an employee. Current VCH employees who apply to this posting using this external site will be considered as an external candidate. Seniority will not apply.***

Thank you for your interest in Vancouver Coastal Health.