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. 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.

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. SAFER program is a flexible, community-based, harm reduction program that provides safer, pharmaceutical alternatives to the currently toxic drug supply. Under the direct supervision of the Clinic Care Manager, or designate, the SAFER Support Worker applies their lived/living experience of criminalized drug use to build and maintain relationships with SAFER participants.

They will practice harm reduction in their relationships to build trust and provide peer support. The SAFER Support Worker will be integral to helping to establish and maintain a positive, respectful environment at the SAFER program space and to act as a SAFER ambassador in the community. This position is Minimum Baseline Staffing for a busy Secure Supply Clinic.

The importance of being able to commit to the days and times of assigned shifts is imperative for the success of the program. Work collaboratively with the SAFER team to identify potential participants, provide information regarding access to pharmaceutical alternatives to street drugs, and assist with assessments and intakes. # Distribute safer drug use supplies, safer sex supplies and naloxone kits,



and provide information and training about their use. # Monitor and support people who are using substances. Training is provided. # Provide harm reduction information and referrals for other health and social services. # Connect regularly with SAFER participants and offer peer support through active listening skills and non-judgmental attitude. # Liaise between participants, systems navigators, nurses and physicians to support participants to be heard and assist with keeping communication open and accessible. # In conjunction with other SAFER staff, identify and develop safety plans with people who are using substances who are at increased risk of overdose. # Contribute to a positive, respectful environment at the SAFER program space and act as a SAFER ambassador in the community. # Attending regularly scheduled team meetings and individual supervision meetings. # Have lived/living experience with criminalized drug use and related health and social barriers. (Experience working with safer supply programs an asset) Education, training and life learned First aid training Have a current knowledge of the local drug trends and can relate as a peer with SAFER participants.

Ability to communicate clearly and with respect, both verbally and in writing. Ability to respectfully engage and support Indigenous relationships,



with a trauma informed and decolonial lens Ability to establish and maintain rapport with participants and observe for changes in health and well-being. Ability to work outdoors during all types weather in all seasons.

Hours and Schedule: Casual shifts falling between Sunday- Saturday 9:30am to 9:00pm (Maximum of 7.5 hours per day) Location: AVI Victoria (hiring for two Victoria locations) and in the community as needed HEABC & Health Services & Support Community Subsector Association 2025-2028 and this role is a BCGEU union position.

Pension: If you are already a member of the Municipal Pension Plan (MPP), you can continue with them at AVI immediately. At this time, AVI contributes an additional 9.31% towards your pension account. If you are not already a member of the Municipal Pension Plan, part time staff may become eligible after 2 years with AVI.

Other Perks: This position gets paid an extra 5% in lieu of vacation 5% in lieu of stats, meaning your hourly rate is actually 10% higher than listed. 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. It is beneficial to identify in the cover letter if you are Indigenous and/or have lived/living expertise relevant to the position.

Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

📌 Casual Part-Time Support Workers (Victoria)
🏢 Avi-health-community-services-9eb7555be744
📍 Victoria