Harm Reduction Educator
Permanent
Location: Brandon, MB
BACKGROUND:
SCO is a growing and dynamic regional First Nation organization that represents 33 Anishinaabe and Dakota Nations and more than 92,000 citizens in what is now southern Manitoba. Established in 1999 by the Chiefs, SCO is mandated as an independent organization to protect, preserve, promote, and enhance First Nation peoples’ inherent rights, languages, customs, and traditions through the application and implementation of the spirit and intent of the Treaty-making process.
OVERVIEW:
Reporting to the Mental Health and Wellness Program Lead, the Harm Reduction Educator provides specialized assistance in the Harm Reduction Program’s implementation, development, and growth. They will provide SCO member Nations and partner agencies with opportunities to implement community led healing and connections, focused on the prevention, treatment, and recovery of problematic substance use, in addition to reducing the burden of infectious disease (HIV/STBBI). This position is located in Brandon, MB.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
· Facilitates education and promotes awareness on harm reduction as a set of practical strategies and ideas aimed at reducing stigma associated with problematic substance use / co-occurring disorders
· Delivers training workshops on problematic substance use, co-occurring disorders, overdose prevention, sexual health, and harm reduction to southern First Nations, both on and off reserve
· Provides content expertise and works with others within the organization to support development of communications materials and campaigns
· Provides support, assistance, and referrals to our relatives who access harm reduction services as appropriate and as needed
· Works in collaboration with SCO community-based members, identify existing referral pathways for problematic substance use
· Facilitates harm reduction activities that advocate a belief in, and respect for, the rights of people who use substances
· Assists in advocating for improved access to services and works to reduce health disparities and associated outcomes for First Nation citizens on and off reserve in the areas of harm reduction
· Collaborates and professionally represents SCO while working with external partners including health system partners
· Builds connections and relationships to establish southern First Nations harm reduction networks with community health teams, schools, wellness service providers, and community members
· Identifies any harm reduction training needs of community health teams, schools, wellness service providers and community members
· Procures and distributes harm reduction supplies such as, but not limited to, nasal Narcan, safer consumption supplies, and safer sex supplies and education materials
EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS:
· Degree in Social Work, Indigenous Studies, Health Sciences, Public Administration or a related field
· Minimum three (3) years of experience in crisis response, harm reduction, or community health/social programs
· Experience delivering or facilitating programs, presentations, and workshops to a wide variety of audiences
· Knowledge of trauma-informed care, harm reduction, concurrent disorders, anti-stigma practices, and Harm Reduction Foundational Principles
· Knowledge of harm reduction resources and community partners providing harm reduction services
· Experience working with Indigenous clients, organizations, or communities
· Understanding of the social determinants of health, systemic inequities, and culturally responsive service delivery
· Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and conflict resolution skills
· Ability to balance strategic oversight with day-to-day operational demands
· Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
· Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including policy writing, and public speaking
· High level of discretion, sound political judgment, and ability to work in a confidential and fast-paced environment
· Familiarity with Anishinaabe and Dakota cultures and languages is an asset
OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
· Current and satisfactory Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Check and current and clear Child and Adult Abuse Registry checks
· Must have a valid class 5 MB driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle as travel will be required
· Flexibility for occasional evening or weekend presentations or engagements
· If the employee is a member of a registered profession, they must be a member in good standing with their regulatory body
WAGE RANGE: $60,000 - $82,000 Annually
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: Friday, June 12th, 2026, at 4:00 PM CST
Please submit a cover letter and resume to:
Human Resources
Southern Chiefs’ Organization
202-600 Empress Street
Winnipeg, MB R3G 0L5
Fax: (204) 946-1871 | [email protected]
Preference will be given to qualified First Nations candidates. Please self-identify in your cover letter.
Proof of education will be required at the point of hire where an incumbent has graduated from a relevant program.
Please note that SCO does not offer hybrid/remote work options unless specifically stated.
Testing may form part of the selection process.
An eligibility list may be created for similar positions and will remain in effect for up to six months.
We thank all who apply and advise that only those selected will be contacted for further consideration.
Pay: $60,000.00-$82,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company events
- Dental care
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- RRSP match
- Vision care
Application question(s):
- I declare I am a First Nations/Status Indian/Treaty-Indian because of my tribal affiliation with the following First Nation and/or Band:
- I declare I am non-status Indigenous, Metis, and/or Inuk because I am a member of, or am affiliated with the following:
Education:
- Bachelor's Degree (preferred)
Experience:
- harm reduction or community health : 3 years (preferred)
- workshop facilitation: 1 year (preferred)
Work Location: In person
