OnPoint Worker at John Howard Society Of Durham – Oshawa, Ontario
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About This Position
JOB TITLE | On Point Program Participant/Worker |
DEPARTMENT | Harm Reduction Services |
BARGAINING UNIT | CUPE 2936.13 |
SALARY GRADE | Class 10 Level 1 |
EFFECTIVE DATE | May 1, 2023 |
| POSTING DATE | April 3, 2026 |
| CLOSING DATE | April 30, 2026 |
| BENEFITS | Accident Insurance |
| VACANCY | Casual positions to add to existing compliment |
| START DATE | As soon as possible |
The On Point Program Worker is part of the Harm Reduction team working directly with the Program Facilitator and other program workers to seek out, pick up, and safely dispose of publicly discarded substance use equipment and paraphernalia within public areas, green spaces and other identified areas within Durham Region. The Participant/Worker utilizes their lived experience with substance use, housing instability and/or mental health challenges to contribute to the program’s goals and participate in opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The position requires an individual who can work safely, work and walk outside in all weather (except extreme weather), and respects the diversity of everyone's journey and experiences. The Participant/Worker must be willing to provide some personal information that is reported anonymously to the funder as related to program outcome measures.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Professionalism
- Interact professionally with the public and individuals experiencing homelessness, mental illness, and substance use challenges
- Work cooperatively with others and represent oneself and the program professionally in the community
- Communicate in an ongoing and clear way with the facilitator and team
- Attend and contribute to program meetings and trainings
- Be willing to demonstrate your own growth within the program, provide personal information that is reported anonymously to the program and program funder as per program outcome measures relating to housing, education, and employment
Administrative
- Document quantity and location of equipment found and other statistical information as necessary
- Keep accurate records and submit them appropriately, including keeping up to date and accurate time sheets.
- Maintain backpack supplies and other program supplies and equipment and report when they are missing or not in good working order.
- Contribute to the planning of pick-up routes.
- Attend and participate in job training opportunities, goal setting.
Client/Customer Service
- Be friendly and helpful in public interactions
- Maintain a sensitive, non-judgmental framework through public interactions
- Clearly communicate program goals to the public when appropriate
- Provide sharps containers and disposal information to people who use substances
Education & Certifications:
- Must have Hepatitis B vaccinations
Experience:
- This program REQUIRES direct/personal/first-hand lived experience relating to housing instability, substance use, and/or mental health.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Some understanding of harm reduction principals and practices.
- Ability to seek, accept, and apply feedback to learn and/or improve skills.
- Ability to work well with others, good people skills, good sense of personal and professional boundaries.
- Ability to keep track of items found and document appropriately.
- Able to work and build trust with marginalized individuals including those who are street involved, actively using substances, and who struggle with mental health issues to encourage and promote safe disposal and use.
- Ability to follow safety guidelines and instructions, including work in compliance with the Ontario Health & Safety Acts and Regulations.
- Understands the importance of safety and is responsible to use personal protective equipment and clothing as directed by the employer.
- Ability to attend and participate in program meetings and trainings.
- Ability to understand and carry out instructions in written, verbal, or diagram form.
- Exposure to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc
- Interacts with agency staff, visitors, community partners, and the general public
- Ongoing physical activity including walking and bending over in various outdoor places and spaces
- Be able to work safely, in rugged terrain and in all weather conditions where safe to do so conditions (exceptions: severe heat, severe cold, lightning – alternative programming or training will be provided on those days)
- Able to lift items as heavy as 25 lbs. and carry a backpack
- Use grabbers and other personal safety equipment and tools effectively
- Responsible to report workplace hazards and dangers, responsible to work in a manner as required by the employer and use the prescribed safety equipment, responsible to report workplace injuries or illness
- Flexible hours as required.