AVI Health and Community Services

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, the Westshore, 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. Our Health Centre is located on the Snuneymuxw territories.

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 living with HIV and/or HCV. The Positive Wellness Support Worker will report to the AVI Clinic Manager.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Advocates on behalf of clients with various Ministries and agencies to ensure clients receive maximum information and support.
  4. Provides advocacy to clients by working with them on issues such as housing, medical, legal and other support agencies.
  5. Provides intake and assessment, brief counseling, crisis counseling, harm reduction counseling, advocacy, and referral.
  6. Works closely with AVI Clinic, Education, and Outreach teams to develop programming and services to meet client needs.
  7. Conducts individual or group information sessions, and develops educational materials to meet clients’ needs, as required.
  8. Engages and participates in the community (including First Nations) to educate, support, and reach folks at risk and in need of services.
  9. Provides support for clients getting to and from medical appointments.
  10. 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.
  11. Works in collaboration with partner agencies to provide a continuum of services.
  12. Maintains both paper and electronic confidential client files.
  13. Performs other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • University degree in health or social services (Social Work, Psychology, Mental Health Support Worker, etc.), or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Minimum of two years’ relevant work experience and will demonstrate the following minimum requirements
  • Demonstrated skills, experience, and knowledge in the areas of harm reduction/health promotion practices, safer using practices, HIV, HCV, 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 non-violent communication, and diffusing 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 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.

POSITION DETAILS:

  • Pay: $31.56/hour to start with stepped increases based on your seniority with AVI. (Pay for this role is based on the BCGEU pay grid 34)
  • Hours and Schedule: 30 hours/week, Monday through Thursday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
  • Location: AVI Nanaimo Office and work in the community a needed
  • Union: AVI is a union environment under the Collective Agreement: HEABC & Health Services & Support Community Subsector Association 2022-2025 and this role is a BCGEU union position.
  • Position Type: Part Time, Temporary ending upon return of incumbent
  • Benefits: This position will be eligible for extended health, life and AD&D coverage after 488 hours with AVI. AVI pays for the entire cost of the plan on behalf of its staff.
  • Pension: If you are already a member of the Municipal Pension Plan (MPP), you can continue with them at AVI immediately. At this time, AVI contributes an additional 9.31% towards your pension account. If you are not already a member of the Municipal Pension Plan, part time staff may become eligible after 2 years with AVI.
  • Other Perks: This position gets 6.4% vacation (equivalent to 3 weeks), receives Stat In Lieu payments of 5% on each paycheque and has a Sick Bank of 6.9%. Sick and Vacation are both accessible after your first 488 hours at AVI.
  • Hours of Work, Days Off and Work Area may be subject to change.

TO APPLY:

To apply, please click on 'TO APPLY' send your resume and cover letter (optional) by 5 pm on May 4, 2025

AVI is committed to equity and diversity and we strongly encourage applications from, but not limited to, folks who identify as Indigenous Persons, persons of colour, racialized, persons living with a disability, persons who use/d drugs, persons with experience of sex work, persons who live with HIV and/or hepatitis C, and persons representing diverse genders and sexualities.

It is beneficial to identify in the cover letter if you are Indigenous and/or have lived/living expertise relevant to the position. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

As AVI is a union environment, internal staff will be prioritized in the hiring process.

We would like to thank all those that apply but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

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