AVI Health & Community Services (AVI) is a multi-disciplinary community-based organization, providing HIV, hepatitis C and substance use harm reduction services out of four locations across Vancouver Island. We work within a social justice and health promotion framework – ensuring equity and access to services for all – and from a harm reduction perspective, understanding that clients are the best sources of knowledge regarding the services and supports they need. AVI provides comprehensive, accessible and effective education, prevention, care, treatment and support services to residents of Vancouver Island with offices in Victoria, Nanaimo, the Comox Valley and Campbell River. For more info see: www.avi.org
AVI-Nanaimo Community Health Centre Located on the unceded traditional territory of the Snuneymuxw First Nation, we provide Primary Care, HIV, Substance Use, STBBI, PrEP, PEP, and HCV medical services, as well as outreach, supports, and social programming for our clients. We also provide education services for the communities we support and for health and social services students and professionals that work with the same communities.
Join our supportive, dedicated and client-centered team in promoting the health, dignity and well-being of all people affected by HIV, HCV and substance use by delivering sex-positive and harm reduction-based education, prevention and/or support services.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Positive Wellness Support Worker is responsible for client specific case management and the provision and delivery of direct services to persons at risk for or living with HIV and/or HCV. The Positive Wellness Support Worker will report to the AVI Clinic Manager.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• University degree in health or social services (Social Work, Psychology, etc.), or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of two years’ relevant work experience
• Demonstrated skills, experience, and knowledge in the areas of harm reduction/health promotion practices, safer using practices, HIV, HCV, sex positivity, poverty issues, mental health concerns and substance use.
• Valid Class 5 BC Driver’s License, reliable vehicle, and the ability to transport passengers.
• Demonstrated ability to establish rapport, provide support and advocate for a diverse range of clientele including individuals who are actively using substances and living with significant health challenges.
• Direct service delivery and advocacy experience with community-based and provincial support services and systems (financial aid, housing, healthcare, justice system, etc.).
• Understanding of the impact on individual health and well-being, as well as the considerations for service delivery related to systemic barriers associated with poverty, mental health, substance use, trauma, racism, ongoing colonialism, heterosexism, and gender discrimination.
• Demonstrated knowledge of social justice, health promotion and public health approaches and models of social support and health care.
• Experience managing challenging behavior, utilizing nonviolent communication, and de-escalation techniques.
• Ability to problem solve with creativity, flexibility, assertiveness and a cool head in dealing with complex issues.
• Excellent written, verbal communication, and interpersonal skills and demonstrated commitment to working within a collaborative team approach.
• Demonstrated time management and personal organization skills to effectively support a high volume of client work.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.
• Ability to work independently and in cooperation with others.
• Ability to operate related tools and equipment.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to observe and recognize changes in clients’ physical and mental health.
• Advocacy skills.
• Leadership experience.
• Ability to work under pressure and in crisis situations.

• Actively engages with individuals who are living with, or at risk for, HIV and/or HCV, using a collaborative, person-centered approach grounded in harm reduction.
• Uses brief assessment, active listening and crisis response skills to help meet immediate, basic needs and make appropriate referrals to other health and support services.
• Advocates on behalf of clients with various Ministries and agencies to ensure clients receive maximum information and support.
• Provides advocacy to clients by working with them on issues such as housing, medical, legal and other support agencies.
• Provides intake and assessment, brief counseling, crisis counseling, harm reduction counseling, advocacy, and referral.
• Works closely with AVI Clinic, Education, and Outreach teams to develop programming and services to meet client needs.
• Conducts individual or group information sessions, and develops educational materials to meet clients’ needs, as required.
• Engages and participates in the community (including First Nations) to educate, support, and reach folks at risk and in need of services.
• Provides support for clients getting to and from medical appointments.
• Provides information to other service providers, such as government and community-based agencies, medical and educational settings on HIV/AIDS and its effect on the provision of services.
• Works in collaboration with partner agencies to provide a continuum of services.
• Maintains both paper and electronic confidential client files.
• Performs other duties as assigned.