At a Glance
- Tasks: Support harm reduction programs and assist clients with essential resources.
- Company: Lookout Housing and Health Society, dedicated to empowering diverse communities.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible hours, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on inclusivity and community support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Certificate in social services or relevant experience; strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 32000 £ per year.
Employment Status: Part time Temporary until incumbent returns.
We provide housing and a range of support services to adults with low or no income who have few, if any, housing or support options. Because the people we serve have challenges meeting basic needs and goals, we place minimal barriers between them and our services. For more information about Lookout, please visit www.lookoutsociety.ca.
Location: Safe Point, Surrey, 5 minute walk from Gateway Skytrain Station.
Days and Hours of work: Thursday through Saturday. Shift times will be 15:45 – 01:15. Hours: Shifts are 7.5 hours in length. Days of rest shall be consecutive. Schedule may change with two weeks’ notice. Probationary/qualifying period will be 488 hours with mid and end point reviews.
Salary: $29.62 - 31.40 depending upon applicants' length of seniority (as per the Collective Agreement).
Job Summary: The Harm Reduction Worker (HRW) supports Lookout’s Harm Reduction Program under the direction of the Program Manager. The HRW gives oversight of harm reduction supplies throughout the Society, orienting and supporting staff to carry out their duties within the harm reduction framework. The people we serve may have a variety of challenging and often overlapping problems including serious mental illness, substance abuse (including IV drug use), hygiene issues, treatment (medical, psychiatric, and rehab), and increasingly HIV+/Aids. Harm Reduction Workers provide the necessary support for the needle distribution program including intake and orienting guests, and support for meeting the needs of clients, as well as education on harm reduction methods and distribution of harm reduction supplies. The Harm Reduction Worker deals with the public, other service agencies, and professionals involved in the support of clients.
Job Duties:
- Provide oversight, coordination, and education of Lookout’s Harm Reduction program and the Needle Distribution program to support harm reduction practice through the Society.
- Assist staff and managers with implementing harm reduction practices that are approved.
- Provide assistance to clients by identifying and sharing information on a variety of resources.
- Maintain related manual and computerized records.
- Participate as a team member with staff to ensure a safe and caring environment by responding to emergencies and supporting others through methods and information.
- Employees are expected to remain alert and attentive during working hours. Sleeping during shifts is not permitted.
- Responsible for complying with and contributing to all aspects of health and safety program.
Qualifications & Competence:
- Related Certificate in social services; or minimum Grade 12 education plus two (2) years of recent related experience; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
- Familiarity with community resources; particularly harm reduction, addiction, mental health, and others.
- Must have current Occupational First Aid Level 1 Certificate and negative TB Test.
- Must have Class 5 Driver’s License and Driver’s Abstract.
- Naloxone Training, Crisis Intervention (CPI), and Trauma Informed Practice Training is an asset.
- Ability to work independently and in a team setting.
- Strong ability to manage stress and organise workload.
- Excellent communication, writing, documentation, and organisational skills.
- Understands and maintains clientele/worker boundaries.
- Ability to work with disadvantaged and challenging adults in a diverse environment.
- Strong physical and mental ability to perform work tasks and operate job related equipment.
- A minimum of two (2) years sobriety if you have had concerns related to alcohol and/or drug use.
- Criminal Record Clearance – Vulnerable Sector required.
Closing Date: Applications will be accepted until May 26, 2026 at 5:00pm. “All employees, including laid off and displaced employees, are entitled to apply on the vacancy and be considered pursuant to the provisions of Article 12.9.” Internal applicants must apply through "Career Opportunities" on SAP. External applicants will be reviewed after Internal. ALL QUALIFIED APPLICANTS WELCOME TO APPLY. THOSE SHORT-LISTED WILL BE CONTACTED.
Lookout Housing and Health Society is committed to empowering people from different races, gender, age, religion, identities and unique experiences. We welcome everyone from diverse backgrounds and encourage them to apply in order to foster an inclusive environment.
Harm Reduction Worker in Surrey employer: Lookout Society
Lookout Housing and Health Society is an exceptional employer dedicated to providing meaningful support to adults facing housing challenges. With a strong commitment to inclusivity and employee growth, we offer a collaborative work culture where staff are empowered to make a real difference in the lives of those we serve. Located in the Baird Blackstone Building, our team enjoys a supportive environment with opportunities for professional development and a focus on health and safety.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Harm Reduction Worker in Surrey
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Lookout Society.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Lookout Society!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Lookout Society, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Lookout Society or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Harm Reduction Worker in Surrey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Lookout Society:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Lookout Society! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lookout Society
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
