Overnight Harm Reduction Worker

Nellie’s is a place of respite and rejuvenation for women* and their children navigating a variety of challenges. Through community outreach, skill-building programs, and space for the unhoused to find shelter, clients are empowered to take steps to change their lives. We welcome people who seek guidance as they reclaim their strength and tap into their resilience to find a new path for their life. The individuals who come through the shelter or access our community outreach programs come to us with unique experiences and needs. Nellie’s mandate to help ALL women and their children, regardless of circumstances is what makes the organization’s work essential.

*Nellie’s affirms the inclusion of trans women and non-binary people in our vision of who we serve and support.

The Harm Reduction Worker provides direct support, advocacy, and harm reduction services to women and children accessing Nellie’s emergency shelter. This role combines all core responsibilities of a Shelter Worker with a strong focus on harm reduction, crisis intervention, and trauma-informed support. The successful candidate will support residents to reduce risk, access health and social services, and navigate complex systems, while promoting dignity, safety, and empowerment.

Nellie’s is committed to the development of an agency that reflects the women it serves. This position is open to all women*. Woman* signifies anyone who self-identifies as female, femme and/or woman. This includes transwomen, cisgender women, non- binary people who identify as femme or female presenting. Applications from equity seeking groups are strongly encouraged.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Direct Support and Harm Reduction Services

• Provide harm reduction education and referrals to clinical and community services.
• Deliver crisis intervention and suicide prevention support, including risk assessment, safety planning, and connecting residents with emergency or specialized mental health services as needed.
• Distribute and maintain harm reduction supplies, including safer drug use and safer sex materials, Naloxone kits, and sharps disposal.
• Provide overdose prevention education and administer Naloxone when required.
• Support residents in crisis through trauma-informed de-escalation, suicide prevention, and harm reduction strategies to ensure safety for residents and staff.
• Conduct intakes, complete required documentation, and ensure residents are connected with internal and external supports.
• Provide information and referrals related to mental health, sexual health, overdose prevention, HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B and C, and other relevant health and social issues.
• Connect residents with appropriate agencies and support networks to meet their individual needs.
• Offer practical support including transportation, clothing, food, and accompaniment to appointments as needed.
• Collaborate with health care professionals, case management staff, and community partners to identify and address health concerns and service barriers.
• Support residents’ safety and well-being through regular wellness checks, room inspections, safety protocols, and emergency procedures.
• Assist in the facilitation of programming, groups, and workshops related to harm reduction, wellness, life skills, and community engagement.
• Work with Case Management workers to develop individualized care plans and identify resources for residents who are actively using substances or experiencing suicidal ideation.

Shelter Administration

• Maintain accurate and timely case notes, resident files, and service statistics in the database.
• Complete shift duties and shelter tasks to support daily operations.
• Ensure the shelter environment is clean, organized, and welcoming.
• Support the collection and reporting of data related to harm reduction initiatives and service usage.

Advocacy, Community Education & Outreach

• Advocate for residents within systems such as housing, health care, legal, and social services.
• Liaise and build relationships with external agencies to strengthen collaborative service delivery.
• Participate in agency and community committees relevant to harm reduction and shelter support.

Organizational Responsibilities

• Model Nellie’s organizational values and commitment to feminist, anti-oppressive, and trauma-informed practices.
• Comply with all legislation relevant to the work including: Occupational Health and Safety Act, Ontario Human Rights Code, AODA, PHIPA, Housing Services Act, and others.
• Actively contribute to a positive, accountable, and solution-focused team culture.
• Participate in regular supervision, staff meetings, and training sessions.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in Social Work, Social Service, or related field, or a combination of education and relevant experience.
• 2+ years of experience working with women and/or marginalized communities impacted by violence, homelessness, poverty, substance use, and trauma.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in harm reduction approaches, overdose prevention, and Naloxone administration.
• Experience providing suicide prevention support, including crisis intervention, risk assessment, and safety planning.
• Experience providing crisis intervention, conflict mediation, and trauma-informed support.
• Knowledge of issues related to substance use, HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis transmission, sex work, mental health, and gender-based violence.
• Excellent communication, assessment, and documentation skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team and with community partners.
• Ability to work flexible shifts including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• CPI or other crisis prevention/intervention training is an asset.
• Valid First Aid/CPR and Naloxone training required (or willingness to obtain).

Duration of Contract: 6-months

Hours: 35 hrs/week – Wednesday to Sunday 11pm to 6am

Salary: $59,100 annually

Only those candidates who will be interviewed will be contacted. The successful candidate will be required to obtain a Police Records Check for the vulnerable sector.

This position is within the bargaining unit and as such the terms and conditions of employment are in accordance with the Collective Agreement.