Outreach Harm Reduction Navigator

The Outreach Harm Reduction Navigator is a full-time, on-site role based in Lafayette, LA. This position supports Beacon's behavioral health and harm reduction outreach efforts by executing an intervention strategy aimed at addressing the unmet needs of unhoused, incarcerated, and system-involved people who use drugs (PWUD) in Region IV. Day-to-day responsibilities include conducting outreach in community settings, building trusting relationships, assessing non-clinical needs, and providing education on harm reduction strategies. The Harm Reduction Navigator also serves as an expert in outreach best practices for other peer support specialists and community health workers. This position reports directly to the Peer Support Specialist Coordinator.

Professional Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required. Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (social work, public health, etc.) preferred.
• Lived experience with addiction and fully in recovery for over 2 years preferred
• Experience in community outreach, case management, or social services, particularly working with populations impacted by substance use, homelessness, or justice involvement.
• Peer Support certified or willing to complete Peer Support training within the first 3 months of employment.
• Experience in harm reduction programs or related public health initiatives, including knowledge of substance use disorder treatment, harm reduction strategies, and related services preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain partnerships with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, including demonstrated ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing
• Comfortable working in a busy, loud environment
• Reliable vehicle, travel is required

Job Duties:

Outreach Responsibilities (70% of time)

Build regional and statewide partnerships

• Establish or participate in region-specific Harm Reduction meetings.
• Attend and support the word of allied coalitions in Louisiana.
• Create an environmental scan for services in Region IV.

Increase Access to Harm Reduction Supplies

• Collaborate with pharmacies to enhance access to sterile syringes, naloxone, and other supplies for safe injection among PWUD.
• Work with correctional facilities to prepare for on-site overdoses and make naloxone more accessible to PWUD and their families.
• Provide feedback and information about SSPs and supplies for safer drug use to community partners throughout Region IV.

Organizational Development

• Collaborate with the STD/HIV/Hepatitis Program (SHHP) to develop training materials for social service providers in the region.
• Provide capacity-building support for organizations serving priority populations in the region.
• Build relationships with agencies serving unhoused individuals across the region.

Connect PWUD to Education and Services

• Collaborate with SHHP and other partners to develop region and parish-specific harm reduction resources.
• Conduct outreach events to priority populations of PWUD.
• Link PWUD to resources, including but not limited to MOUD, housing, primary care, and other services addressing social determinants of health (SDOH)

Social Care Navigation Responsibilities (15% of time)

• Conduct initial assessments and brief interventions utilizing standard tools. 
• Facilitate initial interventions or initiation of treatment as directed by the client and family.
• Provide education to clients and family/friends, and promote harm reduction strategies based on the client’s goals, preferences, and life circumstances.
• Diligent effort to maintain a 30-day connection with clients, respond timely to calls, emails, or texts  
• Establish a positive relationship with clients who are struggling with drug usage or co-occurring disorders.
• Use motivational interviewing techniques to communicate with clients respectfully, in a culturally appropriate, and non-judgmental manner
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge on treatment options, community resources, and substance use disorder symptomatology to effectively educate and counsel clients
• Engage with clients with co-occurring mental health disorders to help them access 
• Other duties as assigned

Peer Support Specialist Staff Support Responsibilities (15% of time)

• Serve as a mentor and expert guide to Peer Support Specialists
• Communicate on a regular schedule with staff through phone, video conference, text/email.
• Stay up to date on social care processes and procedures and share information with Peer Support Specialists
• Attend Beacon-wide and service-line-specific meetings and events consistently
• Develop, maintain, and expand relationships with referring partner agencies and personnel. This includes in person visits to community partners.

Beacon-wide Staff Responsibilities

• Complete all work with Beacon’s mission and vision in mind, including assigned tasks or projects outside the scope of regular work responsibilities.
• Work within the core value of Better Together by building and maintaining relationships with Beacon staff members, clients, and community partners.
• Work within the core value of Self-Care by ensuring your own good physical and mental well-being and encouraging it in those around you.
• Work within the core value of Lifelong Learning by engaging in staff professional development and self-directed learning.
• Work within the core value of Belonging by seeking opportunities to build community and a positive working culture at Beacon.
• Work within the core value of Solution Oriented to provide excellent social care for clients, including collaborating to raise funds and find other resources to support Beacon’s mission.

Hours

Monday-Thursday: 7:30-4:15 in-office

Friday: 7:30-12:30 hybrid