Ottawa Public Health - Outreach Worker Full-time Job

JOB SUMMARY

The Community Health, Wellness and Chronic Disease Prevention Service Area in Ottawa Public Health is responsible for developing policies and public health interventions that support individuals to achieve optimal health, as well as working with organizations and partners to create supportive social and physical environments and build community capacity.  You will provide front-line services for clients of the Harm Reduction program, including Needle & Syringe Program and Overdose Prevention Services for populations at increased risk (including individuals who use substances and or work in the sex industry).   You are responsible for distributing supplies (such as needles) for safer drug use, teaching about safer drug use and overdose prevention, and referring people to other health and social services.  This includes establishing a supportive environment for clients to access wrap-around services, the provision of practical assistance, crisis support, ongoing assessment of needs, and connection to community supports and services.  

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Completion of 3 year university degree in humanities, social sciences, sociology, human sciences, or a related field

Minimum of 1 year of experience in outreach work

KNOWLEDGE

• Harm reduction approach
• HIV and Hepatitis C etiology and epidemiology
• HIV and Hepatitis C risk reduction strategies and street outreach.
• Addiction and mental health issues and crisis intervention
• Community services and resources
• Must be familiar with all applicable health and safety legislation, have knowledge of any potential or actual danger to health or safety in the work place, and have knowledge of appropriate actions to be taken in order to ensure the health and safety of staff in accordance with applicable legislation and City policies and procedures.

COMPETENCIES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Communicate effectively with multidisciplinary team
• Communicate effectively with high-risk individual/injection drug users and their partners.
• Health counseling and assessment techniques
• Set priorities and manage time effectively
• Work both independently and in a team.
• Identify and seek pertinent continuous education opportunities.
• Work in non-conventional settings.
• Assist in program development
• Appropriately assess and respond to situations based on available information and past experience
• Prepare and write reports/records and maintain same
• De-escalate interpersonal conflicts in an effective manner through crisis intervention techniques
• Demonstrate problem solving ability
• Organize time and workload effectively
• Flexible
• Understanding of the differing beliefs and value systems of others and respectful of all individuals.
• Self-directed
• Comfortable with sexuality topics, such as sexual orientation, sexually transmitted diseases, birth control and pregnancy options. Due to the nature of the work, this job requires flexible working hours that includes evening and weekends.