Community Outreach Worker

Tacoma Needle Exchange is looking for a Part Time Community Health Outreach Worker. This is a part time position, non-benefits eligible position. This position requires interaction with the public and is onsite only.

Dave Purchase Project is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to facilitate disease prevention. We are dedicated to the creation, expansion, and continued existence of Harm Reduction Programs for PWUDs as a proven method of stopping the transmission of blood-borne pathogens in the drug using community. We are dedicated to empowering vulnerable populations by providing them with knowledge and resources to enable them to make informed choices regarding their healthcare.

Locally, we operate the Tacoma Needle Exchange (TNE), the first community-supported and legally sanctioned Syringe Service Program (SSP) in the United States. TNE provides access to harm reduction education and resources including, but not limited to, peer care navigation services, wound care, HIV/HCV testing, safe injection supplies, basic hygiene items, safe consumption supplies, and linkages to care. 

Nationally, our efforts are conducted through our North American Syringe Exchange Network (NASEN) Buyers Club team. Buyers Club is a harm reduction clearinghouse that leverages the economic power of SSPs throughout the US, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands to ensure equitable access to high quality, low-cost harm reduction supplies and technical assistance for any program that identifies as harm reduction based. We do this to keep the cost of supplies low and ensure programs are making the most of their budgets. 

Dave Purchase Project operates with the understanding that meeting people “where they are” is the most effective method of reducing the negative consequences associated with drug use. We provide all services in a non-judgmental manner and free of charge. We encourage a collaborative environment where staff work in teams and are expected to be proactive in their work. Staff are expected to actively participate in the improvement of service delivery and the development of programs.

The Position:

Tacoma Needle Exchange is an initiative of The Dave Purchase Project. We are seeking a passionate and proactive Community Health Outreach Worker (CHOW) to join our Syringe Service Program. This position will be instrumental in fostering community engagement and promoting harm reduction strategies aimed at supporting individuals affected by substance use disorders. This is a part time position and requires an induvial who is able to work up to 24 hours a week. 

Position Responsibilities:

• Provide sterile syringes, harm reduction kits, and educational materials. Ensure compliance with program policies while delivering these resources to program participants
• Demonstrate cultural competence when interacting with diverse populations, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility of services to all community members.
• Previous experience in Community Outreach, harm reduction initiatives, or working with individuals impacted by substance use disorders is preferred but not required.
• Knowledge of harm reduction principles, safer injection practices, and community resources related to substance use and healthcare.
• Exceptional communication skills with the ability to establish community rapport and maintain professional boundaries.
• Strong understanding of confidentiality and ethical considerations associated with working in sensitive and stigmatized environments.
• Flexibility to adapt to varying community settings and work non-traditional hours as needed.
• Offer non-judgmental assistance and support to every individual seeking services, ensuring a safe and welcoming environment free from biases or discrimination.
• High school diploma/GED required; additional certification or training in harm reduction or related fields is advantageous.
• Perform outreach activities at our various fixed and mobile locations as scheduled and as needed.
• Ability to effectively work with a team and provide respectful communication.
• Ability to work in small spaces indoors and outdoors during inclement weather.
• Provide educational interventions on harm reduction topics including safe injection, safe sex, overdose prevention and response, treatment modalities including medication treatment for OUD, and infectious disease prevention.
• Distribute naloxone and provide naloxone trainings tailored to a participant’s and communities particular needs.
• Provide low-threshold referrals and connect participants with medical care, SUD treatment including medication treatment, and other social and health services.
• Foster good community relations and build relationships with community partners so that we can maintain effective referrals to trusted partners. This includes attending relevant community meetings and activities.
• Maintain accurate records of outreach activities, participant interactions, and supplies distributed.
• Stock vans for outreach sites, set up at outreach sites, and clean up at the beginning and end of day to ensure the integrity of the sites. Maintain inventory of supplies and materials and report shortages to supervisor.
• Follow standards and procedures for safe handling of biohazard material. Maintain organization of our waste disposal area at the health department.
• Attend weekly team outreach meetings, monthly all-staff meetings, and other required agency events and trainings as scheduled.
• Competitive compensation commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive healthcare benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional development and training in harm reduction practices.
• Fulfilling work contributing to the improvement of community health and well-being.
• Cultivate a warm and inclusive workplace atmosphere that embraces and values each team member.

Preferred Qualifications:

• HS Diploma or above
• Chemical dependency professional certification
• Work or personal experience in the areas of substance use, sex work, and HIV/HCV prevention
• Familiarity with health and human services agencies as well as geography of Pierce County
• Previous experience or interest in harm reduction, syringe exchange, and social justice as it relates to those who use drugs and/or engage in sex work

Required Qualifications:

• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record
• Knowledge of SUD treatment modalities including medication treatment for OUD, or a willingness to learn
• Knowledge of safe injection practices and overdose prevention, or a willingness to learn
• Tuberculosis screening within 30 days of hire
• Annual influenza vaccine
• COVID vaccination
• Willingness to work outdoors in inclement weather
• Commitment to advancing an agenda of equal rights and social justice for marginalized individuals
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Completion of the following trainings upon hire (as they become available):
  
• Mental Health First Aid
• Motivational interviewing
• CPR/First Aid/Blood Borne Pathogens training within 30 days of hire
• HIV/AIDS 7-hour training within 30 days of hire
• Other relevant trainings as assigned by supervisor

Reports to: Program Supervisor - Tacoma Needle Exchange

Status: Part Time, Non-Exempt - 20 hours/wk

Job Types: Part-Time

Salary: $20.00 - $22.00 per hour

Not Benefit Eligible

Schedule: Monday-Saturday (TBD Upon Hire)

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Tacoma, WA 98418: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)