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.

PROGRAM WORKER(s)

Division: Community and Justice
Work Status: Casually scheduled (3 to 15 hours per week)
Location: Durham Region

About the Role:

The John Howard Society is a multi-service organization. Services at JHS Durham are funded through a variety of federal, provincial, and municipal governments. The On Point Program Worker works with program facilitators and other program workers to seek out, pick up, and safely dispose of publicly discarded substance use equipment and paraphernalia within identified areas of the community.

Candidates for this position will bring lived experience of substance use, housing instability and mental health challenges to the role. The position requires an individual who can positively demonstrate high-quality customer service and clear communication with community members with diverse backgrounds and experience.

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:

Program Support

• 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 staff meetings and program improvement
• Be willing to 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
• 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, 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

Community Liaison

• Representing the program and agency professionally in the community
• Attend training, events and meetings as requested/required

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

• This program REQUIRES personal or first-hand lived experience with housing instability substance use, and/or mental health challenges
• Knowledge and 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 trainings
• 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, 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.

• COVID-19 protocols are in place, PPE is provided
• COVID 19 Vaccination Policy: The John Howard Society of Durham Region believes that immunization against COVID-19 is an individual and societal responsibility and that we must do everything possible to protect our clients, families, employees, students, volunteers, and contractors against the spread of COVID-19.

Status: Part Time/Contract

Duration: Continuous
Location: Durham Region (Oshawa & Bowmanville)

Reports to: Coordinator of Harm Reduction Services

Travel: Yes, as required (mileage reimbursement)

Salary: $18.36 per hour

Benefits: No

Union: Yes

Hours: Minimum 3 hours a week and not scheduled more than five days and/or 15 hours per week, based on approved schedule, primarily daytime shifts, however, may be scheduled for evenings from time to time, Monday to Sunday.

Start Date: As Soon As Possible

About Us

The John Howard Society of Durham Region (JHSD): We are a non-profit, social service agency dedicated to serving all individuals, families, youth and adults in programs in areas such as Community Justice, Employment and Training and Housing/ Residential Services.

We thank you for your interest in obtaining employment with the John Howard Society of Durham Region. We are committed to creating a diverse environment and providing equal employment opportunity for all applicants. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. John Howard Society of Durham is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status.

Recognizing the intrinsic worth and dignity of every human being, the John Howard Society is committed to uphold the principles set out in the Human Rights Code of Ontario and the Canadian Human Rights Act. This commitment is expressed in the following undertaking:

(1) The Society shall provide services within its mandate to every individual without discrimination, regardless of race, ethnicity, citizenship, national ancestry, colour, creed, language, religion, marital status, family status, gender, sex, sexual orientation, age, abilities, economic status, political affiliation or criminal record.

(2) The Society shall maintain such personnel policies and practices as are consistent with the tenets of the Human Rights Codes of Ontario, the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).

(3) The Society, through its employees, shall deal with representatives of the community in a responsive manner, with courtesy, respect, and without prejudice and discrimination.