Naloxone Informatics Specialist, Bureau of Alcohol and Drug Use

About the Role

The Naloxone Informatics Specialist will support the Overdose Prevention Unit by ensuring the submission of accurate and timely naloxone distribution data, with the goal of preventing overdose deaths in New York City.

The Bureau of Alcohol and Drug Use Prevention, Care, and Treatment (BADUPCT) works to close gaps and reduce morbidity and mortality related to alcohol and substance use among New Yorkers through interventions, prevention strategies, policy development, epidemiology, harm reduction initiatives, and community collaboration. The Overdose Education and Naloxone Distribution Unit (OENDU) develops and evaluates initiatives to reduce opioid overdose deaths, providing naloxone, training, and technical assistance to over 350 Opioid Overdose Prevention Programs (OOPPs) across NYC.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with colleagues in OENDU and the Bureau of Alcohol and Drug Use (BADU) to gather and analyze data related to naloxone dispensing and distribution in NYC.
• Use Microsoft Access and/or R Studio to clean and maintain data related to naloxone dispensing and distribution initiatives.
• Generate PowerBI dashboards and data tables to support the ongoing evaluation of naloxone dispensing and distribution initiatives.
• Solicit monthly naloxone distribution reports from over 190 Opioid Overdose Prevention Programs (OOPPs); follow up with OOPPs who do not submit timely reports and provide technical assistance as needed.
• Train newly registered OOPPs to submit individual-level dispensing data through the Naloxone Dispensing Form (NDF); support OOPPs as they integrate form submission into their workflows; monitor form submission and provide support to increase response rates.
• Manage timely entry of monthly distribution reports into the database; reconcile naloxone fulfillment with monthly data; prepare report materials for data processing.
• Develop and refine surveys, RedCap forms, and other dispensing data collection forms as needed.
• Collaborate with NYS Department of Health AIDS Institute, the Overdose Prevention Coordinator, the Naloxone Inventory Coordinator, and other BADUPCT staff to maintain registration and contact information for all OOPPs.
• Provide timely response to requests for naloxone fulfillment and dispensing data, naloxone reversals, and other relevant information.
• Refine systems for tracking naloxone dispensing data as needed.
• Support the Naloxone Inventory Coordinator in the packaging of naloxone kits.
• Participate in Overdose Prevention Unit meetings, including facilitation on a rotating basis; provide administrative support such as scheduling meetings and developing agendas.
• Participate in agency-wide activities for advancing racial, gender, and social equity.
• Perform other duties or tasks as assigned.

Preferred Skills

• Knowledge of substance use issues and harm reduction practice and theory, including syringe exchange, overdose prevention, and education for HIV and Hepatitis C prevention.
• Experience with quantitative data, including the ability to read, interpret, and synthesize epidemiologic and other scientific literature.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Exceptional interpersonal, research, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Detail-oriented with outstanding organizational skills.
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Proficiency in Excel, Access, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Experience querying or managing data using code, such as SQL, SAS, or R.

Qualifications

For Assignment Level I (physical, biological, environmental sciences, and public health):

• A master's degree from an accredited college or university with a specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological, or environmental science or in public health.

For Assignment Level II and above, candidates must have one of the following:

• A doctorate degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological, environmental, or social science and one year of full-time experience in a responsible supervisory, administrative, or research capacity in the appropriate field of specialization; or
• A master's degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological, environmental, or social science and three years of responsible full-time research experience in the appropriate field of specialization; or
• Education and/or experience equivalent to the above. However, all candidates must have at least a master's degree in an appropriate field of specialization and at least two years of experience as described in the second option.

Two years as a City Research Scientist Level I can substitute for the experience required in the above qualifications.

Benefits

• Loan Forgiveness: Eligibility for federal/state loan forgiveness and repayment assistance programs.
• Health Insurance: Premium-free health insurance plan saving employees over $10K annually (2024 assessment).
• Additional health, fitness, and financial benefits based on the position’s associated union/benefit fund.
• Public sector defined benefit pension plan with steady monthly payments in retirement.
• Tax-deferred savings program.
• Robust Worksite Wellness Program offering resources and opportunities to maintain health.
• Work From Home Policy: Potential to work up to two days per week from home, depending on the position.
• Job Security: Enhanced job security compared to private sector employment.

New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. City employees in certain titles with two continuous years of service may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County.