Gilbert Centre·Barrie, Ontario
Provide harm reduction support, education, and supplies to people who use drugs through on-site services and community outreach. Manage conflict, provide supportive counseling, and collaborate with community partners to promote health equity and social justice.
Harm Reduction Worker Community Programs The Opportunity The Harm Reduction Worker, as a part of the Harm Reduction Team at the Gilbert Centre, will provide harm reduction support, information and referrals for people who use drugs (PWUD), and their supports. This will include interacting with service users onsite and during outreach, as well as distributing harm reduction materials in various community-based settings. The Harm Reduction Worker uses anti-oppressive, trauma informed principles to build relationships with individuals who may be experiencing homelessness or precarious housing, using drugs, experiencing mental health challenges, and/or engaged in sex work. Why the Gilbert Centre We are a justice-informed, harm reduction organization that does things differently – and we are proud of that. We walk alongside people rather than leading them. We believe in the dignity and autonomy of everyone who comes through our doors. And we are building something meaningful. Comprehensive benefits through Canada Life, including health, dental, vision, and drug coverage. Generous paid time off: 3 weeks’ vacation, 3 weeks’ sick leave, and 1 week of float time to start. The security and protections of a unionized workplace (CUPE Local 1813.14). A workplace culture rooted in autonomy, hope, courage, and compassion – not just for clients, but for staff. Opportunities for professional development within a collaborative multidisciplinary team. About Us The Gilbert Centre is a registered, not-for-profit charitable organization incorporated in 1995 in response to the HIV epidemic in Simcoe County and Muskoka Region. The mandate of the Centre has since broadened to not only support people at risk of, living with, and affected by HIV and other sexually transmitted and blood borne infections (STBBIs), but to also support and celebrate the lives of the 2S-LGBTQ+ communities in our regions. The Gilbert Centre takes a broad, social determinants approach to our work that is based in social justice, health equity and human rights. We seek to engage individuals, families, organizations, institutions and communities as partners and collaborators in the work we undertake. We operate from a value system of harm reduction, sex positivity, queer and trans inclusion, and work towards greater anti-oppressive practices.
Key Role and Responsibilities Distributes harm reduction supplies on site, through in-reach at other agencies, and during walking outreach.
Provides overdose prevention support/education to community members, including education to participants and community members regarding the use of Naloxone.
Provides safer drug use equipment to community as requested.
Participates in needle sweeps as part of outreach, which includes the collection and discarding of drug use equipment, such as needles and stems.
Supports delivery of low-barrier groups and community development initiatives for PWUD, engage in sex work, and/or are experiencing mental health challenges.
Assesses participant knowledge of best practice for safer drug use and provides education/information regarding alternative drug use techniques to facilitate best possible health outcomes when appropriate.
Works with participants to assess drug use knowledge and provide education and information regarding best practices that fit the participants’ context and lived experience, while promoting autonomy.
Provides education to service providers and other community members regarding harm reduction and overdose prevention, including use and administration of Naloxone.
De-escalates and manages conflict with/among participants at the centre in accordance with established policies and procedures.
Provides supportive counseling, community information, and referrals to participants that best meet their self-determined needs.
Monitors and evaluates program activities with the community and makes recommendations for appropriate changes as needed.
Assists with stocking of harm reduction supplies on site and for outreach activities.
Attends community based collaborative meetings with other agencies and community partners regarding drug use, sex work, poverty, and homelessness.
Participates in professional development opportunities to enhance professional knowledge.
Works to promote health equity and social justice within the scope of the role.
Documents interactions with participants and the community for internal and external reporting.
Run drop-in programming, which includes food prep, cleaning, orienting participants to the space, hallway/bathroom checks, etc.
Collaborates with Gilbert Centre management and staff on projects and activities that strengthen the Centre’s programs and services, including team meetings and organizational events.
Keeps supervisor informed and up to date on relevant issues.
Performs other duties as required and/or as assigned by supervisor.
Contribute to a collaborative, compassionate and equity-focused work culture.
Follows all Health & Safety protocols Skills, Ability and Qualifications Required Ability to respond quickly to emergency, including opioid overdose is required Ability to work independently on a flexible schedule, and collaboratively - within and across teams is required.
Strong interpersonal, decision making, conflict management, critical thinking and organizational skills are required.
Ability to have open and non-judgmental conversation about drug-use is required.
Demonstrated commitment to community development, engagement, and accountability practices is required.
Strong oral and written communication skills are required.
Relevant knowledge and experience of harm reduction principles and strategies, in addition to structural understanding of how systems and policy impact the lived/living experiences of the people we serve is preferred.
Ideal candidates will have one to two years’ experience working in paid or unpaid positions in community-based settings with PWUD.
Previous outreach experience is an asset.
Proficiency in the use of computer technology.
Formal education in a relevant field of study (social science, health promotion, social work, adult education or any related fields) is an asset.
Valid driver’s license and a 3-year driver's abstract OR use of a personal vehicle (mileage to be reimbursed for work related travel).
Willingness to travel throughout Simcoe/Muskoka for work related duties.
French language proficiency is an asset.
Awareness of and sensitivity to the health issues of a diverse community and experience working with disenfranchised populations (including but not limited to PWUD, those employed in sex work, the 2SLGBTQ+ communities, and for people living with HIV and/or HCV).
Commitment to social justice, diversity, equity, and anti-oppression principles.
Working Conditions Walk up 3-5 km per shift in a variety of weather conditions.
Lift up to 20 lbs.
Stand for extended periods.
Frequent wearing of a backpack with up to 20 lbs while providing walking outreach for extended periods.
Frequent computer use The Gilbert Centre is an equal opportunity employer.
We strive to build an inclusive workforce that reflects the rich diversity of the community in which we live.
To this end, we encourage applications from persons with lived experience with drug use, sex work, homelessness, street involvement; those living with HIV/HCV; members of 2SLGBTQ+ communities, Indigenous peoples, members of diverse ethno-cultural communities, and persons with dis/abilities.
Apply through Bamboo HR https://gilbertcentre.bamboohr.com/careers/60 Please include your resume and cover letter.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and we encourage early submissions.
Internal applications will be reviewed in accordance with our collective agreement.
The posting will remain active until filled.
As an equal opportunity employer, we value diversity and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
We encourage applications from people with all lived or living experiences.
Accommodation is available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.
We recognize that the “perfect candidate” doesn’t exist.
If this role excites you and you meet most of the qualifications, we encourage you to apply.
We are committed to building a team that reflects the communities we serve.
Requires the ability to respond to opioid overdoses and a commitment to anti-oppressive principles. Preferred candidates have 1-2 years of experience in community-based settings with people who use drugs and a relevant degree in social sciences or health promotion.
Market context
In Ontario, behavioral-health roles are typically driven by ongoing need in community, outpatient, and support settings serving people with mental health or substance use challenges. These positions can be competitive because employers often look for experience with diverse populations plus a high school diploma or GED, with a bachelor’s in social work or a related field preferred. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then tailor your application to show relevant client-facing experience and readiness to work with varied needs.
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