Union: BCGEU Collective Agreement: Communities Sub sector Job Family: Client Services

Classification: Program Coordinator 2 Grid: 38 Benchmark: 82902

SCOPE AND LEVEL DEFINITION

Under the direction of the Programs Manager or designation and as a member of the CMHA Mid-island (CMHA MI) leadership team the Harm Reduction Coordinator is the point of contact for CMHA MI staff in Harm Reduction related programming and activities. This role has a primary function to oversee the staff and day-to-day operations of the Overdose Prevention site and its programming following the principles of psychosocial rehabilitation including housing first and harm reduction. This includes assisting in the development and implementation of program services by identifying and responding to program needs within organizational guidelines. This includes supervision of staff to support the daily operations while participating in and adhering to organizational policies and procedures, ensuring and maintaining safety in the workplace, advocating for peer involvement and instructing and motivating staff during changes in programming. Administrative work includes statistical reports, inventory management and document control. Clear and timely communication is integral within the leadership team as well as community partners and service teams in order to encourage continual growth implementation of harm reduction principles within the community served by CMHA MI with a focus on collaboration and trusting relationships.

The successful candidate must have schedule flexibility, be motivated to work collaboratively with internal and external teams and leadership and invested in the success and growth of the organization. Strong leadership, communication, organizational understanding, technology and program planning skills are essential.

TYPICAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Harm Reduction

- In accordance with established procedures, acts as a consistent point of contact for harm reduction related information and education at CMHA Mi

- Engages positively with people who use illicit substances and other stigmatized populations using a harm reduction approach

- Builds rapport, provides support and advocates for a diverse range of clients including individuals who are actively using substances and living with significant health challenges

- Where required, advises service users of their rights and obligations related to organizational policies and health and safety while ensuring rights of privacy and confidentiality are maintained

- Works collaboratively with the leadership team to evaluate harm reduction programming in meeting the needs of the individuals and the community by observing and responding to individual feedback, inquiries, and complaints related to delivery of support services.

- Keep up to date on new methods to provide services; develop new techniques and meet previously unmet needs by investigating and taking required action in consultation with the Programs Manager

Community Involvement

- Point of contact for community partners regarding harm reduction education, supplies, services etc.

- Acts as liaison with community agencies, promotes and encourages community involvement and education in the program

- Plans and organizes various events with other community partners

- Attends meetings with community partners

Administrative Tasks

- Collects and maintains statistical data related to program use





- Communicating, updating and informing individuals/community agencies regarding services changes to services and/or programs

- Review and update program policies as needed

Staff Supervision

- Assign work and provide direction to staff in the Harm Reduction program(s)

- Assign and schedule work to program staff to ensure that services provided are in accordance with operational policy

- Support staff to maintain safety, confidentiality and follow organizational mandates in relation to engagements with clients, community partners and coworkers

- Consistently participate in and encourage a psychologically safe work environment

- Provide input to the Programs Manager regarding feedback evaluation and training requirements

- Orient new staff and share experience with other members of the team

- Conduct quarterly team meetings

- Assist in recruitment and selection of staff by reviewing applications, providing input into development of interview questions, participating in interview panels and any other recruitment duties required

- Assist in providing education experiences to students

Peer Workers Supervision

- Assign work and provide direction to peer workers in the OPS

- Assign and schedule work to peer workers to ensure that services provided are in accordance with operational policy

- Work collaboratively with Shift Lead(s) for peer scheduling, training and work goal needs and supports

- Assist in recruitment and selection of per workers by performing duties such as reviewing applications, completing screening and orientation

- Review, approve and submit peer time sheets for processing

Location Specific

- Ensure all staff follow cleaning and safety procedures outlined in the OPS manual

- Connect with facilities as needed

- Maintain location inventory of supplies by contacting outside suppliers, ordering and obtaining supplies.

- Connect with the Programs Manager regarding supply acquisition, maintenance or repairs as needed

Leadership

- Consistently engages with CMHA MI leadership including attending meetings, completing projects

- Maintains professional relationships including identifying and maintaining organizationally mandated confidentiality policies

- Participates in rotating on-call schedule

QUALIFICATIONS

Typical Education, Training and Experience

- Minimum 5 years related experience working with populations impacted by homelessness, substance use and mental health challenges and/or barriers to stable housing

- Minimum 2 years related experience in a leadership/managerial role

- Demonstrated experiencing with and advocating for persons with lived and living experience

- Degree in social services, social work or related field

- Indigenous Cultural Sensitivity certificate

- First Aid with CPR Certification

- Naloxone Training

- Criminal Record Clearance working within the vulnerable sector

- Valid Drivers licence

- Must have the physical, mental and emotional competencies and psychological stamina to perform the duties of the position





An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience

or other Qualifications determined to be reasonable and relevant to the level of work

Typical Skills and Abilities

- Knowledge of current social issues related to homelessness, mental health and substance use including substance use and harm reduction in vulnerable populations

- Strong ethical and personal boundaries and understanding of their relationship to safety

- Knowledge of community resources including applicable harm reduction and health resources

- Strong leadership abilities and interpersonal communication skills including the ability to display tact and diplomacy

- Ability to work independently and in cooperation with others

- Robust professional initiative to analyze and solve problems creatively

- Knowledge of psychosocial rehabilitation principles

- Demonstrated ability to develop effective relationships with individuals, coworkers and community partners

- Demonstrated knowledge of community resources and appropriate use of same

- Ability to interact with people of all ages, identities and cultural backgrounds

- Ability to deal effectively with individuals, family members and community contacts

- Ability to problem solve and deal with conflict effectively

- Excellent written and oral communication skills to deal with a broad range of professionals

- Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position including kneeling, and holding up to 50+ pounds

- Ability to operate and working knowledge of overdose response and drug testing related equipment

- Ability to organize and prioritize in high stress situations

- Ability to observe and recognize changes in clients

- Ability to work cooperatively as part of a multidisciplinary team

- Demonstrated ability to type and utilize word processing, spreadsheet, database ond office communication software.

This job description is intended to cover a comprehensive list of activities, duties, and responsibilities required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time determined by the changing needs and continuing growth of the organization

At CMHA Mid-Island we believe that a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace drives innovation, creativity, and success. We are committed to building a team that reflects a broad range of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. We welcome and encourage applications from individuals of all races, ethnicities, religions, genders, sexual orientations, gender identities, ages, abilities, and national origins. If you require accommodations at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know so we can support your needs.

We appreciate the time and effort all candidates take to apply for opportunities with us. While we review every application carefully, due to the volume of submissions we receive, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Please note that while AI tools may be utilized to assist with certain aspects of our recruitment process, every application is reviewed and evaluated by a human member of our hiring team. Thank you for your interest in joining CMHA Mid-Island.

Please note that this posting is for a union role and is posted internally. The employer is obligated to fill the position as outlined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

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📌 Harm Reduction Coordinator (Nanaimo)
🏢 Canadian Mental Health Association Mid-Island
📍 Nanaimo