Harm Reduction Specialist

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Position Overview

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.  In addition, the Harm Reduction Specialist provides consultation, training, and support to program staff in their work with program participants engaging in risky behaviors.  The intention is that the Harm Reduction Specialist will be a leader in promoting Community Access’ commitment to providing services using a harm reduction model. 

The job responsibilities of all staff extend to understanding and incorporating certain principles into their work and into their relationships with program participants.  These principles are:

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

• ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Using the model of harm reduction, assess tenants' needs for services, including outreach, counseling, education, referral, etc., at program site and plan services accordingly.
• Develop and support strategies to meet the needs of individuals in need of support, including individuals using drugs/alcohol, people living with HIV/AIDS, individuals involved in sex work/survival sex, people with diabetes, individuals at risk for violence, etc.
• Attend and participate in Harm Reduction Committee meetings, as scheduled
• 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 goals of program participants, including reviewing service plans with program participants, identifying progress and revising plans as needed.
• Produce and maintain thorough, accurate and timely documentation, including charts and documentation in service records of interactions with program participants, services provided, important information and/or events, and contacts with other agencies and service providers, as required by agency policies, and relevant contracts and regulatory agencies.
• Assist program participants by advocating for quality care from external service providers, including educating providers on special issues, etc. 
• Assist program participants in maintaining apartments free from unsanitary conditions and safety hazards, utilizing individualized strategies, e.g. teaching, feedback, demonstration and other forms of hands-on interventions, as needed.
• Maintain a resources 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 Education and Employment Coordinator.
• Assist program participants with conflict resolution, as necessary.
• Provide outreach to program participants who are not indicating their goals or who are not engaged, to offer services to them, and to incorporate outreach in 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.
• Coordinate work orders with operations staff regarding apartment repairs and/or program participant requests.
• Attend and participate in supervision, meetings and training sessions, as required and as scheduled.
• Provide holiday, evening and weekend coverage, as necessary.
• Provide coverage for non-assigned program participants, as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Show initiative and be responsible for follow through.
• Ability to maintain confidential information, as related to position.
• Bilingual Spanish-speaking, preferred.  Ability to speak other relevant languages, dependent upon specific needs of program participants.
• By signing below, I understand and accept the responsibilities of the position, as entailed and for which I have accepted employment.

Qualifications

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Have an understanding, appreciation, and commitment to the philosophy and mission of Services for the Underserved (S:US), with 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, but not limited to engagement, harm reduction, motivational interviewing, conflict mediation
• Must be fingerprinted and cleared by the New York State Justice Center. 
• Skill in articulating program goals. 
• Be 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.
• Be creative and flexible.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

·         Associate/Bachelor’s degree

·         CASAC or CASAC-T

• At least two years of experience working within a harm reduction model.
• Ability to utilize various computer programs, specifically Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Be creative and flexible.
• Show initiative and be responsible for follow through
• Bilingual Spanish-speaking, preferred.  Ability to speak other relevant languages, dependent upon specific needs of program participants.

Company Overview

S:US IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Join a team of employees who cares about the wellbeing of others.  We believe in fostering a culture built on our core values:  respect, integrity, support, maximizing individual potential and continuous quality improvement. 

S:US is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. S:US is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities, including allowance of the use of services animals. To request reasonable accommodation or if you believe such a request was improperly handled or denied, contact the Director of Benefits & Compensation at MyMedicalLeave@sus.org.

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