Harm Reduction Worker (2 positions) (The Meeting Place Drop-In)

Overview

The Meeting Place Drop-in is a program of West NH, which offers a welcoming, and accessible community space to street involved and precariously housed adults, many of whom are living with mental health and/or substance use issues.

West NH is actively seeking qualified applications from all Indigenous communities, persons with disabilities, women and persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities/ expressions. Applicants with lived experience as a participant of West NH programs, or related programming from similar organizations, are also strongly encouraged to apply.

West Neighbourhood House will provide accommodation throughout the recruitment & selection process to applicants with disabilities. During any stage of the recruitment process, please indicate the nature of any accommodation(s) you may require. Any information received relating to accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.

The Meeting Place drop-in is looking to hire 2 full-time harm reduction workers.

Harm reduction workers will provide harm reduction services to participants of the Meeting Place drop-in inside and with a 500-meter radius of the drop-in. The project is designed to better meet harm reduction needs and overdose response resulting from the closure of safe consumption sites in the west end of Toronto.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Building rapport and engagement with members/participants.
• Distribute harm reduction supplies including naloxone.
• Lead overdose prevention activities in and around the drop-in.
• Implement/lead education activities around substance use.
• Develop collaborative relationships with broader harm reduction community e.g. the works, TNG, PQWCHC.
• Provide system navigation support specific to connecting PUD with community-based supports (Health and Harm Reduction services).
• Refer to existing drop-in case management services.
• Responsible for data collection and management.
• Responsible for documentation as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• B.S.W. or equivalent education and training related to social services and community development.
• Demonstrated knowledge of harm reduction principles and practices.
• Demonstrated knowledge, understanding and analysis of the history, cultural strengths, and challenges of Indigenous peoples.
• Demonstrated knowledge of anti-oppression principles.
• Minimum 1 year experience in front-line community work.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, organizational and teamwork skills.
• Computer literacy skills and ability to be trained in and regularly utilize data collection software.
• Must have a highly developed comfort working with individuals who may have significant mental health and substance use challenges.
• Must have a good level of conflict resolution skills.
• The ability to handle a fast paced and unpredictable environment.
• Must be comfortable handling aggression.
• Ability to work Saturdays as well as some evenings as needed.
• Must be able to meet the physical demands of the job.

Status: Full-time Contract ending March 31, 2026 (2 positions; CUPE Local 3393 Bargaining Unit Position)
Start Date: ASAP
Hours: 35 hours per week (Tuesdays to Saturdays)
Unit: Adult Community Programs
Immediate Supervisor: Programs Manager
Closing Date: April 24, 2025

Compensation

Rate: $26.95 per hour

How to Apply

Please submit your resume and cover letter clearly indicating “Harm Reduction Worker” by 5:00 p.m. on the closing date to:

• Hiring Committee
  248 Ossington Ave.
  Toronto, ON
  M6J 3A2
  jobs@westnh.org