Toxic Drug Outreach Support Worker

Overview

THE ORGANIZATION:

Our mission is to establish a dynamic non-profit organization that enriches the quality of life in Secwépemcúl̓ecw. Le7 te Melámen Health Society (LtMHS) is passionately committed to enhancing the well-being of the Secwépemc Nation and its 16 communities through a culturally focused approach, ensuring the safety and well-being of Indigenous families.

THE OPPORTUNITY:

Le7 te Melamen Health Society (LtMHS) is seeking a Toxic Drug Outreach Support (TDOS) Worker to provide advocacy and support services to urban and away-from-home populations within the Kamloops area. The TDOS Worker will assist individuals in accessing culturally appropriate services and integrated care across primary, acute, and community services. This position reports to the LtMHS Nation Health Manager and is responsible for providing trauma-informed and culturally sensitive support services.

The TDOS Worker will provide frontline peer support, advocacy, and navigation assistance to individuals accessing mental health, harm reduction, and addiction services. This role will also support intensive case management activities, peer outreach services, and referrals to detox, treatment, and Opioid Agonist Therapy (OAT) programs.

The TDOS Worker is expected to operate with the highest level of confidentiality and will collaborate with various community employees, service providers, and stakeholders, including:

• First Nations Health Authority (FNHA)
• Interior Health (IH)
• Rural and urban RCMP detachments
• Committees and working groups
• Other stakeholders and service providers

Specific Accountabilities/Deliverables:

• Engage directly with clients via telephone, virtual platforms, and on-site visits, providing a variety of physical, emotional, and social supports, advocacy, life skills assistance, and support in accessing resources for individuals with complex, severe, and persistent mental illnesses and/or addiction-related issues.
• Observe and monitor clients’ progress, symptoms, and behavioral changes, reporting significant observations while working collaboratively to develop and manage individual case plans.
• Meet, transport, and attend client appointments (medical, housing, professional, etc.) as required, while also visiting or connecting with clients transitioning from hospital care to ensure a smooth reintegration into the community.
• Provide crisis intervention when clients are in distress and ensure ongoing follow-up by connecting them with SHC programs and various agencies to complete necessary tasks.• Attend regular meetings to discuss client concerns and wellness plans, provide timely reports, and advocate for clients when appropriate.
• Participate in educational presentations to the public and other stakeholders while also contributing to improving system performance by identifying and addressing gaps, overlaps, and redundancies.

Relevant Knowledge and Abilities:

• Ability to work in a highly stressful, ever-changing, and often demanding environment.
• Must have excellent boundaries and sound self-care practices.
• Robust understanding of harm reduction, safe supply, and stigma, with the ability to introduce and implement these practices in community settings.
• Demonstrated ability in crisis de-escalation and working with individuals living with addictions and/or mental illnesses.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and in cooperation with others, including navigating and building effective relationships within communities.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with demonstrated ability to facilitate groups.
• Must be a creative worker and resourceful advocate.
• Fluency with the spectrum of on- and off- reserve community support and programs.
• Demonstrated practice in evidence-based, client-centered, and harm reduction models.
• Must be willing to work with clients who may be challenging and experiencing mental health and addiction challenges.

Requirements and Qualifications:

• Diploma or degree in Social Work, Health, Human Services, Social Sciences, or Public Policy preferred. Candidates with extensive, relevant experience will also be considered.
• Minimum three years of experience in case management, community outreach, mental health, addictions, and/or housing programming in a front-line capacity.
• Experience working with Indigenous communities, demonstrating cultural sensitivity.
• Completion of trauma-informed practice and cultural awareness training.
• Proficiency in using databases, email, virtual platforms, spreadsheets, and Microsoft Office.
• Current Level 1 First Aid certification.
• Valid driver’s license with a clean abstract and access to a reliable vehicle.
• Completion of a Criminal Record Check, subject to review by the company.

Total Rewards:

• Hourly Wage of $38 – $42, based on skill set and experience.

APPLYING:

In accordance with the LtMHS Human Resource Policy Handbook, the priority will be to hire qualified persons of Secwepemc ancestry. Pursuant to section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code, preference may be given to applicants of Indigenous ancestry.

If you are interested in an occupation like this with a great organization, please submit your resume, cover letter, and references, by email to [email protected] by April 11, 2025 (referencing LtMHS TDOS in the email subject line). The LtMHS thanks all applicants for their interest, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.