Harm Reduction Specialist will be located in Manhattan serving people experiencing homelessness (some with mental illness and/or substance use disorders) in order to assist the individual in the transitioning to permanent housing. Position responsibilities will include liaising with Peer-Delivered Syringe Exchange; Mobile Provider Syringe Exchange; developing, implementing, and facilitating in-house group programming; and providing and tracking opioid overdose prevention training for staff and clients. They will ensure safe sex education and materials are available to all residents. This individual will be expected to partner with appropriate Harm Reduction Service partners in the community that can provide services to the clients in the community.This position has a 35-hour work week.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Create and manage core Harm Reduction based curriculum
Liaise with external Harm Reduction based partners to help coordinate services
Coordinate and facilitate groups with clients
Assist program leadership in creating trainings for staff that ensure Harm Reduction practices are being taught and exercised by staff
Ensure all staff are aware of needle stick prevention methods and agency policy and procedure around responding to needle sticks
Ensure that there are adequate syringe disposal containers on site that are strategically located throughout the program site and will ensure that containers are emptied regularly
Ensure there are always safer-sex resources available to clients that are accessible in common spaces
Liaise with on-site psychiatric and primary care provider, to support treatment planning which includes medications aimed at reducing/eliminating alcohol use
Perform other related duties as assigned
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor’s Degree
Two years of experience working with homeless adults and substance abuse issues preferred
Experience with harm reduction and motivational interviewing techniques strongly preferred
Strongly preferred: Valid NY or NJ driver’s license with a driving record in good standing and maintaining a good driving record (as defined by the organization)
Excellent computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel and the ability to learn new programs
Excellent writing and communication skills
Bilingual Spanish/English is preferred
