Sistering is a multi-service agency which offers practical and emotional support to women and trans people facing a variety of challenging life circumstances, including poverty, homelessness, social isolation, mental health and trauma histories.
Our Vision
Sistering envisions a world where all women and trans people, in all our diversity, are valued; a world where we are safe and supported, treated with dignity, and given the respect we deserve. When opportunities are just and equitable, we can live life on our own terms.
Our Mission
Our goal is to create a safe, non-judgmental space for women and trans people who are socially isolated, poor, homeless or precariously housed. Guided by principles of Anti-Oppression and Anti-Racism, Sistering works to change the social conditions that endanger women and trans
Sistering’s programs include a low-barrier 24/7 Drop In, Housing and Case Support, Harm Reduction, Peer Outreach, On the Path to Employment and Spun Studio social enterprise, and individual and systemic advocacy.
How We Do It
Sistering operates on a trauma-informed and relationship-based model and our harm reduction philosophy is a core element of all the work we do: we are here to respond to participants’ needs, where they are at, in the moment, to support participants to learn how to reduce harm and/or increase safety. In addition, we recognize that their lives have meaning and value.
The Harm Reduction Coordinator plays a key leadership role in expanding harm reduction services in Sistering’s Drop-In program. This position is funded in response to the closure of a nearby supervised consumption site and aims to increase onsite overdose prevention.
The Coordinator will oversee harm reduction activities, support peer workers, and strengthen connections with community stakeholders. This role is instrumental in improving participant safety, health access, and overall wellbeing.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Program Delivery
- Distribute harm reduction supplies (e.g., safer use kits, naloxone) and educate on overdose prevention and safer use practices
- Facilitate one-on-one and group sessions on harm reduction, wellness, and safety planning
- Conduct street outreach and wellness checks in and around Sistering Drop-In
- Respond to crises using trauma-informed and person-centered approaches, including overdose intervention
- Support participants in accessing shelter, health services, detox/treatment programs, and wraparound care
- Collaborate with Peer Workers to facilitate kit-making sessions, workshops, and drop-in-based programs
System Navigation & Community Engagement
- Support participants in navigating community-based health and harm reduction services
- Maintain relationships with local stakeholders, including Maggie’s, Butterfly, The 519, Inner City Health Associates, and others
- Strengthen referral pathways through collaboration with health providers and community organizations
Program Coordination & Administration
- Maintain accurate and confidential client records, daily logs, and reports
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Track and report data including:
- Daily harm reduction-related engagements
- Overdose response interventions
- Supplies and naloxone kits distributed
- Client education on safe use and overdose response
- Participate in team meetings, TPH-led harm reduction partner meetings, and peer program development
- Monitor inventory and organize timely reordering of supplies
- Adhere to agency safety protocols and confidentiality policies
Other Duties as Assigned
- Post-secondary education in Social Work, Public Health, Community Services, or equivalent lived/work experience
- Minimum of 1 year of leadership, supervisory, or frontline experience in a shelter, harm reduction, or community health setting
- Demonstrated knowledge of harm reduction, substance use, mental health, and homelessness
- Experience working with marginalized women and gender-diverse people, including 2SLGBTQ+, Indigenous, and racialized individuals
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and crisis de-escalation skills
- Comfortable working in high-pressure, non-traditional, or street-based environments
- CPR/First Aid and Naloxone training (or willingness to obtain)
- Proficiency in additional languages is an asset
- $60,000 annually
- Non-unionized Role
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Comprehensive Benefits Package including:
- Group health and dental benefits
- Defined benefit pension plan
- Generous time-off policies (vacation days, sick time, and personal days)
This position works in the office and community. Sistering is a 24/7 operation, fast paced, intense environment. There may be the risk of exposure to potentially unpredictable behaviours and situations. Sistering is a pet friendly facility and as such, employees can expect to be in the proximity of animals.
Sistering is an Equal Opportunity Employer; we welcome and encourage applications from black, racialized persons/visible minorities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities. Those who require special accommodation through the interview process will be provided with the appropriate support.
This role is an open vacancy, and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply. Applicants will be informed of the outcome following an interview as per Ontario employment regulations.
