Authenticity and honesty: Given the illegal nature of drug use and the subsequent stigma and negative consequences often associated with it, many drug users have developed an ability to read people and their intentions very well as a protective measure. SAP workers who genuine, honest, and are up front with their intentions will be more effective in building trust with participants. Good communication: Effective and clear communication skills are crucial for SAP staff. It is important to be able to articulate expectations, concerns and observations. Furthermore, good communication can minimize conflict and misunderstanding with staff, participants, community members and external entities (such as law enforcement). Listening skills and empathy: Inherent to good communication is the ability to listen. Sometimes the most valuable service an SAP can provide is as a place for people who have too often been ignored and discounted to tell their stories, voice their concerns, and be heard and validated. Emotional stability: Given the stressful and sometimes overwhelming nature of working in an SAP, staff who are well-grounded emotionally will best be able to handle the work environment. Of course, everyone has periods of ups and downs; however, people who are very easily upset, fragile, or emotionally volatile may not be best suited to work in an SAP. Assess the coping skills and support systems of potential staff members in the hiring process. Professional and reflective use of self and thoughtful boundaries: Staff should be provided with additional training to understand and set thoughtful boundaries. However, it is helpful to look for staff who may already have a good grasp of these concepts. While each individual will bring their own unique set of experiences and needs to work in an SAP, it is a valuable skill to be able to decipher when and how to insert these experiences and needs into professional work. The following specialized knowledge can also be valuable for potential SAP workers: • Harm reduction • HIV and/or HCV • Counseling and/or crisis intervention • Office and administrative skills • Professional skills such as social work, psychiatry, sociology, or medical training
SU P ERVI S I O N IN A HA RM RE DUCT ION WORKPLACE Thoughtful and attentive supervision is especially important at an SAP given the complex dynamics between the intensity of the work, potential for drug use and recovery issues among staff, high turnover common in social service jobs and burnout associated with direct service and social justice work. Beyond ensuring that all staff receives proper training and support, supervision in a harm reduction workplace requires special attention to the holistic care of staff. Working in an SAP can entail experiencing a type of vicarious trauma, through the witnessing of suffering, poverty, violence, addiction and desperation among an already marginalized group; simultaneously, there is opportunity for camaraderie, celebration and personal development. Supervision and workplace structure in general must be attentive to the complexities that exist when working at an SAP. For people working in an SAP, the line between the personal and the professional may sometimes be unclear. This requires a special finesse and the capacity of supervisors to understand when it may be necessary and appropriate to discuss factors affecting staff outside of the workplace. Supervisors in an SAP should communicate clear expectations to staff. They should meet regularly with staff to acknowledge accomplishments, recognize challenges, and discuss overall job performance. In addition, supervision meetings should provide an outlet for staff to discuss any struggles or issues related to drug use or support they may -54-
