Wound Care Provider

ApplyJob TypeFull-timeDescriptionTitle: Wound Care ProviderDepartment: Behavioral HealthReports To: Director, Harm ReductionLocation: 166 Port Richmond Ave / Mobile Health Unit (MHU)Position Status: Full Time FLSA Status: Non-ExemptPay Rate: $50,000 - $53,000 annually, commensurate with qualifications; excellent benefits package including generous paid time off benefits (4 weeks of vacation plus paid holidays, personal, sick time), employer provided basic life insurance and employee assistance programs, tuition reimbursement and fitness reimbursement after 1 year of employment, a retirement plan that includes employer matching, and more!Community Health Action of Staten Island (CHASI) drives dramatic improvements in the health of New Yorkers by feeding people who are hungry, healing families broken apart by violence, and bridging the gaps between people and the compassionate health care they deserve. CHASI provides outreach, education, prevention, and direct support services for populations most affected by health disparities - people with low or no income, low-income people with chronic illnesses, people with criminal justice involvement, people who use drugs, domestic violence survivors, people of color, and the LGBTQ community.POSITION SUMMARY:The Wound Care Provider is part of the Harm Reduction/Behavioral Health Department which offers support for people with a history of substance use from a harm reduction model. The Wound Care Provider conducts training and assistance to drug-using populations to address wounds sustained during drug use.

The Wound Care Provider demonstrates for the participant how to clean and dress their wounds. The Wound Care Provider also engages persons in services, provides individual education to reduce health-related harm from injection and other drug use, conducts sterile syringe exchange, trains on opioid overdose reversal, delivers HIV and hepatitis C (HCV) counseling and testing, and delivers syringes directly to clients. ?The Wound Care Provider works in the community, on CHASI's mobile health units, and in office-based settings to reach long-term and newer substance users.

The Provider partners with clients as they set their own goals for improving their health and well-being and helps them navigate service systems to achieve those goals. ?DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:* Conduct street outreach and community presentations to engage and inform drug using individuals about harm reduction interventions and Wound Care. Provide Wound Care services on the Mobile Health Unit as assigned.* Wound Care Provider will receive supervision from the prescriber at least bi-weekly and on an as needed basis.?* Wound Care Provider will report all cases of assisting clients with existing wounds to the RN on site.* Teaches participants how to dress and clean their own wounds.* Provide clients with Wound Care kits with instructions as to how to apply the items in the kits.* Conduct harm reduction-oriented individual and group education encounters with drug users to reduce the transmission of blood-borne diseases and other infections, reduce dangerous trends in street drugs, and reduce drug overdose.

?* Enroll individuals in State-authorized syringe exchange program and provide exchanges that promote the consistent use of sterile syringes and safe collection of used syringes.?* Distribute Naloxone kits to reverse opioid overdose and provide group and individual training on their correct use of Naloxone.?* Conduct HIV and HCV counseling, testing, partner notification and linkage services in accordance with standards set by NYS Department of Health/AIDS Institute and CHASI. ?Attend training courses and technical assistance meetings to stay current on best practices.* Provide participants with referrals to urgent care centers, clinics, or emergency rooms depending on the severity of the participants wound and its origin.* Link clients to a primary care physician to follow up with their Wound Care.* Accurately and completely document service provision using paper forms and electronic data systems.?* Assist in tracking inventory of harm reduction program supplies.* Complete internal and external training to maintain knowledge and skills related to harm reduction, culturally competent service delivery, and other job-relevant topics.* Actively participate in staff meetings and other agency activities. ?* Encourage a sense of commitment, camaraderie, and accountability among team members by modeling these qualities.* Perform all functions in alignment with CHASI's Mission, Vision, and Core Values.* Other duties as assigned.RequirementsQUALIFICATIONS:* A valid EMT-B card, AEMT-P (paramedic), or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) required* At least 2 years of emergency and/or medical experience required.* Experience working with substance using persons and diverse populations strongly preferred.* Conversant with harm reduction practices, philosophy, and interventions.

?* Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.* Ability to work effectively independently and as part of a team with demonstrated ability to contribute positively in a team-based work environment.* Computer literacy and demonstrated proficiency in the use of office computer applications, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.* Strong oral and written communications skills; ability to manage communications tactfully and professionally with a high attention to detail and accuracy.CHASI?is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to hiring and supporting a diverse staff.?People of color, LGBTQ,?women, and?people with disabilities strongly encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of race, religion, color, national origin, sex,?sexual orientation, gender identity,?age, genetic information, disability or marital status.