ABOUT THE DRUG CHECKING SERVICE

These services will be designed and delivered to engage with community and enhance community safety. This initiative, compromising two fixed sites as well as mobile festival testing aims to have honest conversations with People who Use Drugs about ways to stay safe.

ABOUT QUIVAA & THE ROLE

QuIVAA is a peer-based organisation which has been fighting for the health and human rights of people who use drugs in Queensland for over 30 years. QuIVAA is a statewide, not for profit, and non-government health and advocacy organisation which provides a variety of services to illicit drug users throughout Queensland.

QuIVAA's role within the drug checking project is to provide an Alcohol & Other Drug (AOD) Peer Worker to help co-design the service, provide consultation and frontline harm reduction education and support to clients accessing the service. This project is working in collaboration with two other organisations QuIHN & The Loop Australia.

INCLUSIVITY STATEMENT

QuIVAA is committed to creating a safe and inclusive space. We actively encourage People Who Use(d) drugs to apply for this position. We strongly encourage applications from individuals who also are connected to the following communities or identify as Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, CALD (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse), migrants, sex workers, LGBTQ+, PLHIV, PLHCV, and people with disabilities.

primary purpose OF the ROLE

This is an identified position for people with Lived-Living Experience (LLE) of drug use, to:

• Provide guidance from the perspective of People Who Use Drugs (PWUD) to the Project Reference Group.
• Participate in the Co-design and the development of the new drug checking service.
• Provide concierge services and brief harm reduction interventions to clients accessing the drug checking service.
• Understand and work with the types of community members who would access this service.
• Understand the unique needs and types of substances used by festival goers and night life community.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct co-design activities including running focus groups, developing and administering surveys to help PWUD effectively communicate their perspectives.
• Represent QuIVAA and the perspective of PWUD on the Project Reference Group.
• Provide peer guidance and expertise on service implementation to the Project Reference Group.
• Provide concierge services to client and assist in managing waiting room.
• Ensure confidentiality of information.
• Conduct opportunistic brief harm reduction interventions with clients.
• Respond to routine enquiries from the community.
• Assist building community awareness and knowledge of the service.

ABOUT YOU

• Appropriate qualifications/ relevant skills/ work experience/ personal experience with substance use, demonstrating a genuine understanding of Lived-Living experiences.
• Proven capability in providing guidance based on LLE, advocating for/or informing change.
• Openness to collaborating with diverse stakeholders, other organisations, and healthcare professionals.
• Dedication to a harm reduction approach, including a comprehensive understanding of health and welfare issues impacting individuals who use drugs.
• Outstanding communication skills across various channels.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills.
• Competent knowledge of substances and harm reduction messaging.
• Understand and work with the types of community members who would access this service.
• Understand the unique needs and types of substances used by festival goers and night life community.
• Ability to demonstrate empathy, sensitivity, and cultural awareness whilst maintaining client and service confidentiality at all times.
• Effective teamwork abilities, coupled with the capability to work autonomously and manage tasks efficiently.
• Flexibility and willingness to work independently, contributing to the organisation's evolving needs.

Employment

• Fixed Term Position – 12 months
• Working hours – 10 hours per week - Part Time

Remuneration

Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010 - Level 5.1.

Further information can be found by contacting Emma - [email protected] using the subject line: Peer Worker - AOD enquiry via EthicalJobs.