Casual Support Worker – OPS

Sector: Health care and social assistance

Posting Date: March 24, 2025

Closing Date: Apr 4, 2025

Location: Powell River/qathet Regional District

Schedule: Vary Monday-Sunday; shifts scheduled between 10am - 8pm

Salary Or Wage: $25.05 per hour

Start Date: As soon as possible

Job Type: Casual

List of Requirements

Qualifications

• Diploma or degree in social sciences, community mental health, human services, or an equivalent level of combined education and experience.
  Advanced overdose response training.
• Certificates in CPR, First Aid, and transportation of dangerous goods (if applicable).
• A valid BC driver’s license is preferred.

Experience

• Minimum 1 year experience in the field of mental health and substance use. Harm reduction and overdose response experience is an asset.

Skills and Abilities

• General knowledge about trauma & violence informed care, harm reduction and cultural safety.
• A harm reduction mentality to support participants where they are at with respect and compassion.
• Ability to de-escalate conflict in a non-violent way.
• Ability to handle confidential information.
• An open mind and a willingness to reflect on one’s own triggers and boundaries.
• A willingness to work as a team and communicate effectively.
• A good sense of humor.
• Strong personal support networks and habits of self-care.
• A basic awareness of “street culture”.

Other

• Requires Vulnerable Sector Check and/or Criminal Record Check clearance.

List of Duties

We are seeking casual Support Workers with lived experience to join our growing team at the Powell River Overdose Prevention Site (OPS). As a member of the OPS team, the Support Worker offers harm reduction services, drug checking, referrals to treatment and recovery services, and support and care for people who access the OPS. Above all, the candidate must commit to maintaining a low-barrier, flexible environment that meets people “where they are at” in their patterns of substance use. This is a client-facing role for people who have a passion for harm reduction and working directly with participants. The support worker works in collaboration with the wider team at the Overdose Prevention Site and Lift Community Services including people with lived and living experience with substance use.

• Develop relationships with OPS participants and offer support as needed.
• Attend to medical emergencies including overdoses according to knowledge and training.
• Help sign up and orient new participants to the site.
• Offer education on safer use and harm reduction supplies.
• Control the flow and numbers of participants into and out of the OPS.
• Be attentive to participants who are presenting an interest in information or support, such as social, mental health or addiction services and help facilitate referrals if desired.
• Build a sense of ownership and shared responsibility among participants.
• Ensure cleanliness and maintenance of site, equipment and supplies.
• Complete and maintain records and documentation (manual and computerized).
• Ensure the safety of participants using the OPS.
• Monitor participants’ activity and adherence to Code of Conduct.
• Use verbal de-escalation techniques for aggressive/violent behavior, within guidelines.
• Work collaboratively with clinical and peer colleagues, clients, and community partners.
• Assist OPS Coordinator as required.

How to Apply

To apply for this job please use one of the methods listed below:

Lift's Employment Services posts this position as a free service for the community. Lift does not screen employers or applicants, and assumes no responsibility or liability for the job posting. Any arrangements are between the job seeker and the employer.