Lower Mainland Purpose Society for Youth and Families (Purpose Society)
Mobile Outreach Worker, Health Van Operator
Work Site: 40 Begbie Street, New Westminster
Salary: $27.00 / hour
Hours: 5:00 pm – 12:00 am, Casual / On-Call
Who We Are
Purpose Society is a community-based multi-service organization dedicated to delivering comprehensive programs for children, youth, and families. We focus on enhancing well-being, strengthening family functioning, and promoting personal responsibility through a client-centered approach. Our services are provided in a safe, respectful environment that values diversity and community connection.
Purpose Society is funded by the Fraser Health Authority to provide mobile harm reduction and supportive social services to the New Westminster, Burnaby, Tri-Cities and Maple Ridge areas. Services focus on supporting people who use substances and who are at risk of overdose.
The Opportunity
We are seeking a passionate and committed Mobile Outreach Worker, Health Van Operator to join our innovative team and make a meaningful difference in our community.
In this role, you will
Drive a Health Van and distribute harm reduction supplies in various communities in the Lower Mainland. The Mobile Outreach Worker must be comfortable working with marginalized and street-involved individuals who are actively using substances, experiencing mental health issues, working in the sex trade, are homeless, and/or live in tents/camps.
What You’ll Do
- Work closely with the Program Coordinator to implement opioid overdose prevention and response strategies, especially involving mobile outreach services
- Work to support and engage our network of Peer Workers in the community
- Distribute Naloxone kits, food, blankets, hygiene items and new supplies for safer injection, inhalation, sex and snorting
- Provide education and facilitate trainings on safer substance use and other harm reduction practices
- Keeping the Health Van tidy and stocked with supplies
- Safely recover used syringes from the various communities and satellite sites
- Build and maintain trusting relationships with clients who access services
- Fulfil Harm Reduction Supply Requisitions from various satellite sites
- Collect drug samples from registered sites for Spectrometry Drug Checking
- On rare occasions, transport individuals to health appointments or substance use treatment facilities
- Maintain necessary statistics, and ensure that all required documentation is accurate
- Provide resources and referral information to services such as violence prevention organizations, shelter and housing, substance use services and health care
- Overdose response
What We Are Looking For
- Valid BC Class 5 driver’s license, the skill required to drive large utility van
- Clean driver’s abstract and a criminal records check
- Two-year diploma in a relevant field, such as social work, community health, mental health and addictions studies or equivalent. Extensive experience may be considered in lieu of formal training
- Experience working with marginalized people who are actively using substances, have mental health challenges, work in the sex trade, are homeless, and/or live in tents/camps
- The ability to maintain a non-judgmental and non-stigmatizing approach is required
- The ability to function effectively in difficult and/or crisis situations is required
- Strong communication skills are required
- Strong understanding of harm reduction principles, STDs, substance misuse, mental health and social determinants of health
- Must be able to work independently and as part of a team
- Established ability to maintain healthy boundaries is necessary
- Knowledge of local resources is an asset
- Capacity to lift up to 15 pounds and carry boxes upstairs
- Readiness to respond to an overdose
Why Work With Us
Join our mission-driven organization and help create positive change in people’s lives. By working with us, you’ll be part of a dedicated team that:
- Provides essential services to vulnerable populations
- Fosters personal growth and healthy decision-making
- Contributes to community well-being in the Lower Mainland
Your work will directly support our programs, which are made possible through sufficient government support. If you are passionate about making a difference and want to be part of a dynamic, values-driven team, the Lower Mainland Purpose Society for Youth and Families is the place for you.
Required:
- 3 Professional references from supervisors
- Criminal record check
- Valid First Aid Certificate (OFA1 or equivalent)
How to Apply
Interested candidates should contact the Program Coordinator, Jasmine Kaur
Email: [email protected]
