Lift Community Servicesis working with all levels of government toeliminate poverty in the qathet Regional District and coordinate an end to the toxic drug health emergency. We are seeking an individual who is passionate about supporting from a harm-reduction approach while serving patrons. Our vision is a welcoming, inclusive, and diversity-affirming community that is free of poverty and full of heart. At Lift, we believe a thriving, sustainable community comes from a collaborative, equitable, future-focused approach.

Our programs and services include employment services, supportive housing and homeless outreach, temporary shelter services, literacy programs and outreach, immigrant services,adult and family on-demand support. We also provide community leadership and development in overdose response planning, poverty reduction planning, and other projects that develop a more connected and resilient community. Lift operates many resource centres in our community, including the local Work BC Centre, the Community Resource Centre, the Family Place, and the Dr. Elsie Paul Literacy Centre.

Lift Community Services is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information.

The Position

We are seeking an OPS Coordinator to work within a multidisciplinary team and directly oversee OPS employees including employees with lived and living experience of substance use. This position provides support and assistance to any person entering and using Overdose Prevention Services. This includes providing and maintaining an accepting and flexible environment that meets people where theyre at.

Overview

• Hours:35 hours per week, including some evenings and weekends
• Pay: $29.40/hr to start, on a 5-step wage scale
• Benefits: 3 weeks Vacation to start, 2 weeks Sick pay and 1 week Paid Time Off annually, with competitive extended health benefits and an up to 4% matching RSP plan
• Reports to:Community Health Services Manager
• Start Date:ASAP
• Closing Date: February 28, 2025
• Questions? Contact: Cynthia Leighton at [email protected]
• To Apply: Submit a self-designed resume and cover letter

Diversity

Lift Community Services serves a diverse group of people and we need a staff that reflects that diversity. Applicants who self-identify as being part of the groups which are underrepresented or have additional barriers to the labour market are encouraged to apply.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Supervises OPS staff including employees with lived and living experience of substance use
• Coordinates and oversees new staff orientation
• Supports the organization of day-to-day site operation
• Promotes interdisciplinary collaboration in the identification and resolution of client care issues, treatment concerns, continuity of services, cultural and language barriers, ethical dilemmas, crisis management, and community resource coordination.
• Assist with problem solving, and complex cases as needed.
• Facilitates efficient client flow and access within and between units and service
• Provides non-judgemental and recovery-oriented support using health promotion and harm reduction approaches
• Responsible for the effective and efficient functioning of OPS
• Fosters collaborative working relationships and cultivates an atmosphere of trust and mutual respect.
• Leads and supervises staff and works with local harm reduction services to foster ongoing training, creating an environment that fosters growth, development, knowledge sharing and recognition.
• Ensures adherence to accreditation, regulatory, and safety standards are met always (Health Canada, WorkSafeBC, WCB etc.) per best practices.
• Maintains statistical data and participant lists for reporting
• Fosters partnerships, establishes networks with other service providers serving the targeted population group.
• Liaises with community partners to create opportunities for community involvement- focusing efforts on maintaining order to the exterior areas of service sites, as well as nearby neighbourhoods, and maintaining good neighbour agreements.
• Uses analytical abilities to review current processes, identify areas for improvement, formulate policies and procedures as needed to maintain respectful service provision within a supportive committee environ and adoption by consensus with Peers
• Utilizes evidence-based approaches and best practices for peer employment in overdose prevention services

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelors degree in human services field preferred, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Direct supervisory experience, preferably working with people with lived and living experience of substance use.
• Strong leadership & communication skills; ability to supervise and mentor staff, peers & liaise with other outside agencies (including first responders or law enforcement) or community members as needed.
• Direct working experience in vulnerable and/or marginalized populations.
• Demonstrated non-violent crisis intervention and conflict de-escalation skills.NVCI or Mandt certification is an asset.
• Critical debrief skills are an asset, recognizing need for critical debrief and arranging this service is a must.
• Familiarity with a variety of drug overdose symptoms and appropriate protocols and procedures Naloxone and Overdose Management training is an asset, but specific training will be available for the right candidate.
• Current CPR and First Aid training
• Knowledge of WorkSafe BC / OHS programs & procedures and critical incident reporting.
• Demonstrated experience using Google Suite (Sheets and Docs) and Microsoft Office Suite (Teams, Word, Excel)
• Knowledge of stigma, marginalization, peer work and human rights for people who use substances.

We appreciate all applications, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

As an inclusive employer, we would like to make the recruitment process as accessible as possible. Please contact us to let us know how we can best support you.

We live and work on the homelands and territories of the Tlaamin People. We honour the land, the Tlaamin People, and their treaty and continually seek to strengthen our relationship and responsibilities to them as guests in the territory.