Syringe Access Worker/Phlebotomist - The Spahr Lgbt Center

The Spahr Center provides cultural and community programs and health programs and direct services in celebration and support of Marin County, California’s LGBTQ+ and HIV communities.

Job Summary:

The Syringe Access Worker / Phlebotomist at The Spahr Center plays a critical role in providing harm reduction services to individuals in our community. This position combines outreach and clinical skills to ensure that individuals have access to clean syringes, education on safer injection practices, and essential health services. The Syringe Access Worker / Phlebotomist helps reduce the transmission of bloodborne diseases and supports individuals in making safer choices.

Key Responsibilities:1. Outreach and Engagement:

•    Conduct street-based outreach to engage with individuals who use drugs and are at risk of bloodborne infections.
•    Establish rapport and build trust with clients to encourage their participation in harm reduction services.
•   Distribute clean syringes, injection and smoking supplies, and harm reduction education materials.

2. Phlebotomy and Health Screening:

•    Perform phlebotomy to collect blood samples from clients for testing, including HIV, hepatitis C, and other relevant tests.
•    Ensure proper labeling and handling of blood samples and maintain accurate records.
•    Administer basic health screenings, such as checking vital signs and assessing for abscesses or other injection-related health issues.

3. Education and Counseling:

•    Provide clients with information on safer injection practices, overdose prevention, and harm reduction strategies.
•    Offer referrals and information on healthcare services, substance use treatment, and social support resources.
•    Conduct one-on-one and group counseling sessions to support clients in making informed decisions about their health and well-being.

4. Documentation and Data Reporting:

•    Maintain detailed and accurate records of outreach activities, service provision, and client interactions.
•    Ensure compliance with data collection and reporting requirements for grant funding and program evaluation.

5. Harm Reduction Supplies Management:

•    Order, organize, and distribute harm reduction supplies, including syringes, condoms, naloxone, and other relevant items.
•    Keep inventory records and manage supply stock to ensure consistent availability for clients.

6. Collaboration and Teamwork:

•    Work collaboratively with other staff members, volunteers, and partner organizations to coordinate services and referrals.
•    Attend regular team meetings to discuss challenges, share best practices, and strategize outreach efforts.
•   Train new student/nurse volunteers on how to interact with clients and take a “hands-off” de-escalating approach when confronted by stressful/anxiety induced situations, while also giving insight to harm reduction practices

Qualifications:

• Certified phlebotomist or relevant healthcare certification.
• Knowledge of harm reduction principles and practices.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Nonjudgmental and compassionate approach to working with marginalized populations.
• Understanding of the specific challenges faced by individuals who use drugs.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, sometimes unpredictable environment.
• Commitment to confidentiality and ethical standards in healthcare.

Salary and Benefits

This is a full-time, non-exempt position paying $28/hr. The Spahr Center offers health, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance and offers an FSA plan, and vacation time. Excellent working environment in central Marin County, California within close proximity to numerous restaurants, parks, and trails. Hybrid or fully remote work is a possibility.

The Spahr Center  is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

To apply for this position, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications and your commitment to harm reduction principles and practices.

Frequently cited statistics show that women, trans, and non-binary people, as well as Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. The Spahr Center encourages you to break that statistic and to apply. No one ever meets 100% of the qualifications. We look forward to your application. The Spahr Center is a ban-the-box organization. If you are a member of an under-represented community, you are encouraged to self-identify in your cover letter. If you are bilingual with English and either Spanish or ASL, please indicate your language skills in your cover letter.

The candidate who best meets the job qualifications and needs of the organization will be selected for the position. The Spahr Center requires all employees to receive full COVID-19 vaccination, including booster dose. The position is open immediately and applications will be considered on a rolling basis. 

The Spahr Center provides cultural and community programs and health programs and direct services in celebration and support of Marin County, California’s LGBTQ+ and HIV communities.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME