Harm Reduction Specialist

Min USD $60,000.00/Yr. Max USD $65,000.00/Yr.

About the role

The Harm Reduction Specialist provides engagement and support services, particularly to program participants around drug and alcohol use, sexual health, and self-harm, using a harm reduction model. The emphasis is on meeting individuals “where they are at” and providing non-judgmental, non-coercive services and resources to individuals engaging in risky behaviors. The Harm Reduction Specialist also provides consultation, training, and support to program staff in their work with program participants engaging in risky behaviors, promoting the agency’s commitment to harm reduction.

Core Principles

• Program participants’ right to self-determination.
• Respectful communication.
• Services that support recovery and healing consistent with and nurturing each participant’s cultural background, experience, identity, and values.
• Clear professional boundaries to support the limits and possibilities of services.

Responsibilities

• Using the model of harm reduction, assess tenants' needs for services, including outreach, counseling, education, and referral, and plan services accordingly.
• Develop and support strategies to meet the needs of individuals using drugs/alcohol, people living with HIV/AIDS, individuals involved in sex work/survival sex, people with diabetes, and individuals at risk for violence.
• Attend and participate in Harm Reduction Committee meetings.
• Contribute to agency-wide projects of the Harm Reduction Committee to support the infusion of harm reduction throughout the agency.
• Provide training and education on the harm reduction model, including HIV prevention strategies, for staff and program participants.
• Provide service coordination to assigned program participants.
• Provide recovery-oriented support services and outreach to assigned program participants, as defined by program and contractual requirements.
• Develop and assist in implementing person-centered service plans determined by the goals of program participants, including reviewing service plans, identifying progress, and revising plans as needed.
• Produce and maintain thorough, accurate, and timely documentation, including charts and records of interactions with program participants, services provided, and contacts with other agencies and service providers.
• Advocate for quality care from external service providers and educate providers on special issues.
• Assist program participants in maintaining an apartment free from unsanitary conditions and safety hazards using individualized strategies such as teaching, feedback, and demonstration.
• Maintain a resource list and provide referrals for treatment for psychiatric disabilities, substance use, and health problems, as directed by program participants.
• Assist program participants in identifying vocational and educational goals and opportunities, including assessment, support, and follow-up, in coordination with the Education and Employment Coordinator.
• Assist program participants with conflict resolution, as necessary.
• Provide outreach to program participants who are not engaged or indicating their goals, and incorporate outreach into their service plans.
• Provide crisis intervention, as necessary.
• Provide support and training on skills-building, including assertiveness, self-advocacy, socialization, and other related issues.
• Maintain quality service by establishing and reinforcing program/agency standards in all interactions with program participants.
• Create or maintain a special project each year with an emphasis on harm reduction.
• Attend and participate in supervision, meetings, and training sessions, as required and scheduled.
• Provide holiday, evening, and weekend coverage, as necessary.
• Provide coverage for non-assigned program participants, as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Understanding, appreciation, and commitment to the philosophy and mission of Services for the UnderServed (S:US), with particular expertise in harm reduction and recovery-oriented services.
• Minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent (GED) – Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• At least two years of experience working within a harm reduction model.
• Thorough understanding of harm reduction.
• Ability to transfer knowledge and skills in areas such as engagement, harm reduction, motivational interviewing, and conflict mediation.
• Must be fingerprinted and cleared by the New York State Justice Center.
• Skill in articulating program goals.
• Skilled in conflict mediation/negotiation and have an assertive approach to problem-solving.
• Demonstrated leadership skills and ability to work as part of a team.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to utilize various computer programs, specifically Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Creative and flexible.
• Show initiative and be responsible for follow-through.
• Ability to maintain confidential information.
• Bilingual Spanish-speaking preferred.
• Ability to speak other relevant languages, dependent upon specific needs of program participants.

Preferred Qualifications & Skills

• Associate/Bachelor’s degree.
• CASAC or CASAC-T certification.
• Bilingual Spanish-speaking preferred.
• Ability to speak other relevant languages, dependent upon specific needs of program participants.

Benefits

From health and wellness resources to generous PTO, professional development, and more, S:US invests in you. Explore benefits including:

• Health and wellness resources.
• Generous paid time off (PTO).
• Professional development opportunities.

Pay

Min USD $60,000.00/Yr. Max USD $65,000.00/Yr.

Schedule

• Holiday, evening, and weekend coverage may be required.