Addiction Support and Outreach Worker
Job Title: Addiction Support and Outreach Worker
Company: John Howard Society, Nanaimo
Location: In Person, Nanaimo Correction Center, Nanaimo, BC
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Work hours: 40 hour per week, between Mon - Fri, 8 am to 6 pm
Salary: $26.15 - $27.74 per hour
Benefits: Employee Engagement Activities, Organization Events, Dental care, Disability insurance, Employee assistance program, Extended health care, Life insurance, Paid time off, RRSP match
Who We Are:
John Howard Society, Nanaimo is a fast paced growing, dynamic and innovative social service organization that strives to create safe, healthy, and inclusive communities for all. Our goal is to help individuals achieve greater independence by providing support with housing, life-skills, education, employment, and community-based services.
At John Howard Society, we come from various backgrounds and share a common goal of wanting to make things better in our community, for our community. We believe in creating a dynamic work environment that adapts to your needs.
Our Vision, Mission, Goals, and Values:
Our Vision: A safe, healthy, and inclusive community for all
Our Mission: We contribute to a safer, stronger and more sustainable communities by supporting people to achieve greater independence
Our Goals:
Service Excellence: Improve the quality of life of the people we service through more relevant, accessible and sustainable services.
Organizational Sustainability: Realize a resilient operational and governance model that supports JHSV to consistently serve the end-to-end client journey.
Capacity: Increase our capacity to work effectively and efficiently as a team.
Our Values:
Our Service Commitments (How we provide services to clients) – Dignity, Advocacy, Empowerment
Team Values (How we work together) – Collaboration, Accountability, Resiliency
What We Offer:
Competitive Benefits: Enjoy paid vacation, sick and personal time, health and dental plans, long-term disability, critical illness and RRSP
Supportive Environment: Our Employee Assistance Program and professional development opportunities are designed to help you succeed both personally and professionally. We invest in our employees' growth through training programs, workshops, and mentorship opportunities.
Engaging Culture: Be part of a friendly team that values your input! With numerous employee engagements, you can make your voice heard and contribute to meaningful change for our clients and our community.
Employee Engagement: We often organize team and social gatherings to strengthen relationships and foster camaraderie to create a supportive network among colleagues.
Impactful Work: Employees at JHS Victoria are driven by a shared mission to make a positive difference in the community. Engaging in meaningful work enhances job satisfaction and connects team members to a greater purpose.
About the Program:
Guthrie Therapeutic Community (GTC) is a specialized four-month residential substance misuse treatment program serving adult males who are in provincial custody at Nanaimo Correctional Centre. This 48-bed therapeutic community, separate from the rest of the correctional center, combines work, treatment, counselling and behavioural modelling to address the root causes of addiction and give residents a chance at a new beginning.
Since 2007, John Howard Society of Victoria has partnered with BC Corrections to deliver this unique program, the first therapeutic community to operate in a Canadian correctional facility. Nanaimo Correctional Centre, located at 3945 Biggs Road, and operated by the province, houses individuals awaiting trial or serving a custodial sentence under two years.
Position Summary:
The Position reports to Manager, Therapeutic Program
We are seeking a compassionate and proactive Addiction Support and Outreach Worker who is dedicated to connecting individuals in need of addiction and recovery support. The Outreach Worker is essential in connecting with individuals in need of addiction and recovery support. This role involves actively engaging in pre-release planning, community support initiatives, and outreach efforts to ensure individuals receive the assistance they require. This is an in-person role with no opportunity to work-from home.
What You'll Be Doing:
Community Engagement and Outreach (40%)
Participate in group activities and support sessions, providing valuable insights and assistance to individuals seeking help for addiction.
Actively engage in pre-release planning to facilitate a smooth transition for individuals returning to the community from treatment facilities.
Conduct outreach efforts to identify individuals in need of addiction and recovery support, offering information, resources, and referrals.
Collaborate with community organizations, treatment providers, and support groups to improve the availability and accessibility of addiction recovery services.
Organize and participate in community events, workshops, and presentations to raise awareness about addiction and recovery resources.
Build and nurture relationships with community members, stakeholders, and service providers to enhance collaboration and support for individuals in recovery.
Stay updated on current trends, best practices, and evidence-based approaches in addiction and recovery support.
Reporting and Documentation (20%)
Maintain accurate records and documentation of outreach activities, including contact information, referrals, and outcomes.
Ensure all case notes and updates are maintained in accordance with the Society and BC Corrections requirements.
Responsible for program analytics in lines with the Society and BC Corrections standards.
Perform other duties and projects as required and not limited to the responsibilities as mentioned.
*The assigned percentage of job responsibilities may vary based on organizational and operational priorities.
What We’re Looking For:
Qualifications:
Relevant education (Criminology, Corrections, Social Work) or experience working with the reintegration of men with addictions and/or mental health issues
Minimum of 2 years of "lived" experience around addiction and recovery is preferred.
Experience working with vulnerable populations, particularly in areas related to: Addiction recovery, Mental health support or Reintegration services for individuals with addictions
Prior involvement in outreach programs, community engagement, or support services would be an asset.
Proficient in verbal and written English at a professional level, with excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
High proficiency in MS Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, SharePoint).
Valid Class 5 Driver’s License and access to a reliable vehicle.
Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check Clearance at the Institute.
Emergency First Aid certification is an asset.
Ability to manage confidential and sensitive information effectively and possess strong integrity.
Skills and Competencies:
Someone with a passion for and interest in working with vulnerable populations
Ability to successfully complete a Criminal Records Check.
Strong knowledge of addiction issues, recovery processes, and related challenges.
Ability to connect with individuals seeking help, using personal experience to foster trust and understanding.
Strong ability to prioritize tasks, manage time effectively, and maintain accurate records.
Who You Are:
Compassionate and Empathetic: Demonstrates genuine care and understanding for individuals facing addiction and recovery challenges, fostering a supportive environment.
Strong Communicator: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, enabling effective engagement with individuals, community members, and stakeholders.
Resourceful and Proactive: Ability to take initiative in outreach efforts, identifying and connecting individuals with the support they need.
Resilient and Adaptable: Maintains a positive and flexible approach in a dynamic environment, responding effectively to changing needs and challenges.
Collaborative Team Player: Values teamwork and works well with diverse groups, building strong relationships with community organizations and service providers.
Organized and Detail-Oriented: Strong organizational skills to manage outreach activities, maintain accurate documentation, and prioritize tasks effectively.
Culturally Competent: Understands and respects diverse backgrounds, ensuring that outreach efforts are inclusive and sensitive to individual needs.
Dedicated to Personal Growth: Committed to ongoing learning about addiction issues and recovery processes, staying updated on best practices.
Ethical and Trustworthy: Upholds high standards of integrity, managing confidential information responsibly and building trust with clients and colleagues.
Creating Safe, Healthy and Inclusive Communities at JHS Victoria:
At John Howard Society of Victoria, we proudly embrace the rich diversity of the communities we serve, and we’re excited to invite applicants from all backgrounds to join our team! We understand that everyone’s journey is different, and we are committed to providing the support needed to ensure equal opportunities for success throughout the hiring process. John Howard Society of Victoria will provide reasonable accommodation upon request. Please email hr@jhsvic.ca if you have a need for any accommodation. We’re here to help!
Ready to Make a Positive Impact?
If you’re passionate about making a positive impact in people’s lives and meet the qualifications for this role, we’d love to hear from you!
Please submit your application through our portal. Submission deadline is August 15, 2025 and we’ll be reviewing applications on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. So don’t wait—apply today and take the next step in your journey with us!