Harm Reduction Specialist

Job Summary:Work as a member of the Harm Reduction team to provide comprehensive risk reduction services to program participants to improve the health of people who use drugs. Conduct syringe exchange activitiesalong with providing additional support to services under the Harm Reduction program includingconducting HIV/Hepatitis C counseling, testing and referral and opioid overdose prevention training. Harm Reduction Specialist will work to motivate and ensure engagement in program, education, prevention and support services.

Major Activities:

• Incorporate best practices regarding confidentiality into all job duties and communications in accordance with Article 27-F, HIPAA, Alliance for Positive Health policies and procedures and other applicable regulations. Observe and abide by the HIV Confidentiality Law.
• Collect, maintain, and report up to date client health indicator, contact, and history data. Utilize indicator data to address barriers and improve individual health outcomes. Implement strategies to communicate client health information among internal and external interdisciplinary teams.
• Incorporate the Transtheoretical Model of Behavior Change and Motivational Interviewing, as applicable, into all aspects of programming.
• Conduct syringe exchange activities and syringe retrieval in designated community settings according to agency policies and procedures. Follow safe handling guidelines established by the Alliance for Positive Health, NYS DOH, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
• Travel to designated syringe exchange venues within catchment area(s)
• Maintain accurate records in accordance with New York state regulations and agency protocols. Maintain documentation and statistics on activities to comply with reporting requirements.
• Develop and implement strategies to engage hard-to-reach IDU populations including enhanced outreach. Network with community service providers serving IDUs to increase accessibility of syringes and maintain and implement effective referral mechanisms.
• As applicable conduct confidential HIV/Hepatitis C counseling, testing, and referral as applicable according to NYS DOH guidelines.
  Incorporate comprehensive pre and post-test counseling, individual level risk reduction counseling, and/or other assigned interventions into test counseling sessions.
  • Provide referrals to care, support, and partner services as required by NYSDOH for all positive/reactive results, including follow up to referrals.
  • Incorporate referrals, regardless of test results, to meet identified needs.
  • Monitor 24-hour hotline as applicable.
• As applicable, develop individualized treatment and adherence plans that include community linkages for services, such as primary care, housing, entitlements, substance treatment, mental health, employment, and care coordination.
• As applicable, facilitate presentations on various topics with community members and targeted populations. This includes Harm and Risk Reduction, HIV and Hepatitis C and cultural humility.
• As applicable, facilitate opioid overdose prevention training to clients and the general community as applicable.
• As applicable, conduct activities to support the MATTERS network, including coordination with organizations to link individuals being discharged within the region, facilitate stakeholder meetings, and leading the expansion efforts.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Associates Degree in counseling, human services or social work with experience working with targeted populations.

Must have a valid, unrestricted driver’s license and have a vehicle to travel to designated appointment sites within a multi-county region.

Employment Classification:Fulltime, 37.5 hours per week (flexibility required, able to work late nights and weekends as needed to meet program needs); Non-exempt.$19.50-$21/hour dependent on qualifications and experience.

Added Perks for our employees:

• 403(b) with employer contributions
• FreeemployeeDental insurance
• Health insurance
• Vision
• Flexible Spending Account
• Employee assistance program
• Free Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Paid HOLIDAYS
• Tuition reimbursement
• Hybrid remote work environment (after successfully completing introductory period)
• Diverse and accepting atmosphere

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.