AVI Health & Community Services (AVI)

increases health equity by providing high 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 www.avi.org

Our work takes place in Kwakwaka'wakw, Nuu-chah-nulth, and Coast Salish territorial regions on what is colonially known as Vancouver Island. The rich and beautiful lands and waters of this Island have been home to over 50 First Nations for time immemorial; we respectfully acknowledge their past, present, and future sovereignty.

POSITIVE WELLNESS PROGRAM SUMMARY:

The Positive Wellness Program(PWP) gives care to people living with HIV and HCV in a wide variety of setting including 713 Johnson and in the community.

The Positive Wellness Program Victoria is located on the territories of the Ləkwəŋən peoples (Esquimalt and Songhees nations).

JOB SUMMARY:

The Positive Wellness Program Support Worker is responsible for the provision and delivery of direct services to persons living with HIV and/or HCV. Under the supervision of the program manager staff will use a harm reduction model to give care to a wide variety of service users. The PWP Support Worker will help the nutrition program provide meals to PWP clients at 713 Johnsons and in the community. The PWP Support Worker will assist the PWP Care Lead in providing care and support for PWP individuals.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

- Actively engages with individuals who are living with, or at risk for, HIV/Hepatitis C,



using a collaborative, trauma informed, person-centered approach grounded in harm reduction
- Use brief assessment, crisis response, and short-term counselling skills to help meet immediate, basic needs (eg. applications and follow-up regarding housing, income, identification, etc) and make appropriate referrals to other health and support services
- Advocate on behalf of clients with various Ministries and agencies to ensure clients receive maximum information and support
- Visit clients at their homes and attends appointments with service users in the community.
- Distribute harm reduction supplies and provides education and support regarding safer substance use and safer sex
- Conduct individual or group education sessions, and compiles educational materials to meet clients' needs, as required
- Deliver meals on foot or in a vehicle to clients
- Work with our cook to help prepare, serve and bag meals for clients
- Work in collaboration with partner agencies to provide a continuum of services
- Maintain both paper and electronic confidential client files
- Support reception staff with answering phones and the distribution of harm reduction supplies.
- Perform other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

- University degree in health or social services (Social Work, Psychology, Mental Health Support Worker, etc.),



or equivalent combination of education and work/lived/living experience
- Minimum of two years' relevant work experience
- Valid Class 5 BC Driver's License to drive the agency van an asset.
- Able to respectfully engage and support Indigenous relationships, with a trauma informed and decolonial lens
- Demonstrated ability to establish rapport, provide support and advocate for a diverse range of clientele including individuals who are actively using substances and living with significant health challenges
- Direct service delivery and advocacy experience with community-based and provincial support services and systems (financial aid, housing, healthcare, justice system, etc.)
- Demonstrated skills, experience, and knowledge in the areas of harm reduction/health promotion practices, safer using practices, HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C, poverty issues, mental health concerns and substance use
- Demonstrated knowledge of social justice, health promotion and public health approaches and models of social support and health care
- Experience managing hostile interactions, utilizing non-violent communication and using trauma informed practice
- Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills, and demonstrated commitment to working within a team-oriented team approach
- Ability to receive feedback from supervisors and integrate into goal setting and future practice
- Willingness to help respond to overdoses. Training is provided.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

- Commitment to honor local indigenous communities and a dedication to lessening the ongoing impacts of colonial violence.
- Committed to social justice, equity, anti-racism and decolonization.

📌 PWP Support Worker- Casual Call (Victoria)
🏢 AVI Healthmmunity Services
📍 Victoria