Jenn Smith

I oversee the drug checking program at Blood Ties Four Directions, which includes programming at the Supervised Consumption Site, Outreach Van, Needle and Pipe Program, and festivals.

Part of my duties include:

• ordering and stocking our harm reduction inventory
• training other organizations and new employees in harm reduction education/overdose response
• maintaining the drug checking equipment
• making reports using the data collected through the drug checking program.
• providing support and supervision to my drug checking technician colleagues.
• coordinating drug checking programming at festivals

I was an auxiliary on call employee for the Sexualized Assault Response Team through the Yukon Government; the program has since been transferred to an NGO.

Duties included:

• phone support or diversion to appropriate services
• hospital accompaniments
• supporting clients through RCMP reporting accompaniments
• being ready to respond to a call within 30 minutes while on shift

I was the Team Lead at the Supervised Consumption Site, operated by Blood Ties Four Directions. Duties included:

• Supervised the safe operation of the site; this included responding to conflict, overdoses, and support needs from clients.
• Managed schedules, found coverage for short shifts.
• Became familiar with the correct policy and procedure protocols required for site operation.
• Trained new team members and oversaw the orientation process.

During 2022, OTC shifted into a supportive housing model and I became a case manager. I worked with residents on my case load to meet their goals and to maintain their housing.

Prior to this, I worked frontline at the emergeny shelter. This role included duties such as resident engagement, support, de-escalation, conflict resolution, and providing diversion support to the broader community in the drop in space.