AVI Health & Community Services (AVI) increases health equity by providing highly responsive, harm reduction -based HIV, hepatitis C, substance use, sexual health, mental health, and other community health services, and is informed by the voices of people with living experience. We envision a community where people can experience optimal health and wellness, and be free from stigma, marginalization, and criminalization. For more information see

The Drop-in & Overdose Preventions Services (DOPES) Team is responsible for operating both a harm reduction informed drop-in space and overdose prevention services that seek to address gaps in services for community members marginalized from equitable care. In addition to providing low-barrier, harm reduction supports and services, the DOPES team supports the daily operations of other AVI Teams, including the Positive Wellness Program and SAFER. From a social justice and health promotion framework, the DOPES Team will provide minimum staffing for a protected, accessible drop-in space for community members who use substances, and/or who are marginalized from social care services. They ensure access to harm reduction supports as well as overdose prevention, witnessed consumption and peer-based services that center the needs and agency of service user.

JOB SUMMARY:

The DOPES Support Worker will provide a range of low barrier, harm reduction supports and peer-based services for persons/communities marginalized from equitable social and health care services. Service and supports provided may include harm reduction education, crisis intervention, supply distribution and overdose prevention/response.



Confidence in overdose response and in-reach or place-based harm reduction programming are essential to this position. This position will also provide accurate information regarding the transmission and prevention of HIV, HCV, and other blood-borne illnesses, as well as evidence-based educational and harm reduction intervention to individuals and priority populations to increase knowledge of overdose prevention and response strategies as well as safer substance use.

This position relies heavily on the abilities of the worker to connect and develop relationships of trust and rapport with service users. A thorough understanding of the principles and practices of harm reduction, the impact of colonialism and system inequities on individual and population health, and the operationalization of trauma and violence practices are essential. This position requires a high level of self-awareness, empathy, ability to provide non-judgmental support with exceptional understanding of personal and community boundaries.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

- Provides a variety of harm reduction-based supports to individuals including distribution and recovery of harm reduction supplies.
- Provides on the spot training in overdose response and education on substances and safer use practices.
- Uses brief assessment, active listening, and crisis response skills to help meet immediate,



basic needs and make appropriate referrals for people who use substances and those who have survived overdose(s) to other health and support services within the community.
- Monitor and support people who are using substances. Assess overdose symptoms and respond with rescue breathing, oxygen, naloxone, and CPR when necessary.
- Engage service users in a collaborative, person-centered approach grounded in harm reduction
- Maintain the safety of all program spaces by following protocols related to violence prevention and critical incidents (such as overdose prevention and response), including the ability to use communication devices.
- Identify and develop safety plans with people who are using substances who are at increased risk of overdose.
- Maintains both paper and electronic client files and logs. Fills out critical incident and overdose report forms as needed.
- Provide training and support to build capacity for peer lead initiatives
- Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum of 2 years experience that includes the following:

- Direct service delivery within harm reduction settings.
- Responding to overdose and adverse reactions to substances, including naloxone and oxygen administration.
- Working within a team environment to support coworkers with differing skill sets and abilities.
- Establishing rapport with a diverse range of clientele including individuals who are actively using substances and living with significant health challenges.

Education and Training:

- Diploma in health or social service field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- First Aid training with CPR-C.
- Training or experience in a non-violent and anti

📌 DOPES Support Worker- ROI- Saturdays (Victoria)
🏢 AVI Healthmmunity Services
📍 Victoria