Worker – Harm Reduction

Internal/External Posting
This posting is to fill a current vacancy
Reference Number: WORKE001543 If applying by email, indicate the reference number in the subject line

Job Type: Full Time Permanent
Location: Sioux Lookout, Ontario
Rate of Pay: Annual $43,304 – $58,166 / Hourly $23.974 – $31.959
Hours of Work: 35 hours per week
Application Deadline: May 4, 2026 @8:30a.m. CST

Position Summary
The objective of the Worker – Harm Reduction is to support communities in the prevention of infectious diseases by supporting Needle Distribution Services provided through the Harm Reduction program. Harm reduction is an important initiative in order to respond to the high prevalence of substance use and associated harms in remote First Nations communities, including sexually transmitted and blood borne infections.

Accountability
The Worker – Harm Reduction will be directly accountable to the Supervisor – Harm Reduction.

Qualifications
•Persons of First Nations ancestry will be given preference (OHRC, Part II, Special Employment)
• Ability to communicate in one of the First Nations dialects of the Sioux Lookout region is an asset.
•Grade 12 diploma, general equivalency diploma (GED), or a combination of education/experience as deemed acceptable by SLFNHA.
•Minimum 3 months previous experience in harm reduction and/or public health, or a combination of education/experience as deemed acceptable by SLFNHA.
•Understanding of the unique determinants of health for First Nations in northwestern Ontario, and the health landscape in which they seek services.
•Active interest in harm reduction and its core principles and purpose.
•Excellent planning, organization, time management, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
•Professional integrity and the ability to maintain confidentiality.
•Experience working both independently and in a team-oriented, collaborative environment.
•Ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment.
•Ability to develop and maintain respectful/cooperative relationships with First Nations people, communities, services, stakeholders, and health care providers to promote an integrated, seamless delivery of service.
•Excellent written, verbal, and computer skills.
•Ability to complete reports and documentation.
•Experience and training in cultural competency with First Nations.
•Ability to travel to remote First Nations communities.
•Valid class G driver’s license or willingness to obtain is an asset.
•Ability to perform the requirements of the role on a regular basis

Roles & Responsibilities
1.Ensure that Needle Distribution Service kits are packaged and available for distribution.
2.Maintain an inventory management system, and ensure the supervisor is notified when new orders are needed in a timely manner.
3.Receive and process harm reduction kit orders, and coordinate the packaging and shipping of kits to First Nations communities in an efficient manner.
4.Collect and maintain data records on the distribution of kits (i.e. number of kits going to each community)
5.Ensure mechanisms are in place for communities to provide feedback on harm reduction services.
6.Increase community awareness about the availability of needle distribution and other harm reduction services.
7.Provide health promotion/education to regional partners, community members, and people who use substances on the function of the kit contents, harm reduction, safe disposal, and risks associated with unsafe drug use.
8.Support the development of awareness campaigns and materials around harm reduction.
9.Travel to remote First Nations communities for community events and initiatives as required.
10.Other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions
•Repetitive work tasks (packing kits)
•Lifting of up to fifteen (15) pounds
•Prolonged sitting
•Travel as required
•Preapproved overtime as required

About Working with Us
The Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority (SLFNHA) serves 33 First Nation communities in the Sioux Lookout region in Ontario, Canada. Mandated by the leadership in these communities, our organization is dedicated to strengthening First Nations by contributing in unique ways to a strong health system for the Anishinabe.

We value respect, relationships, culture, equality and fairness. Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority focuses on hiring Indigenous employees whenever possible.

We offer competitive and comprehensive employment benefits to Full-Time employees:
•Health and dental benefits
•Competitive time off plans that increase with years of service
•Pension plan & comprehensive insurance coverage
•Fitness reimbursement program
•Professional development opportunities
•Relocation assistance

Apply Now!

Careers

Candidates are encouraged to self-identify on their application. Self-identification is voluntary and the information is used to assist SLFNHA in hiring Indigenous people from the region whenever possible and to support candidates in their application. If you require accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us at:

Human Resource Department
Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority
P.O. Box 1300, 61 Queen Street
Sioux Lookout, ON P8T 1B8
Phone: (807) 737-1802
Fax: (807) 737-2969
Email: Human.Resources@slfnha.com

No resumes received after application deadline will be accepted.
SLFNHA wishes to thank all applicants in advance. However, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

For additional information regarding the Health Authority, please visit our website at www.slfnha.com

SLFNHA is a proud supporter of Mikinakoos Children’s Fund. To find out more, visit www.mikinakoos.com