Harm Reduction Specialist

REPORTS TO: State Supervisor of Programs

Buddies of New Jersey, Inc. is seeking a dedicated and passionate Harm Reduction Specialist to join our team. This dynamic role is central to our mission of providing compassionate, non-judgmental services to individuals at risk for or living with HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C, and other blood-borne diseases, with a focus on people who use drugs. The Harm Reduction Specialist will provide a wide range of services, including street-level outreach, HIV/STI testing and counseling, prevention education, and the distribution of harm reduction supplies. This position requires a proactive individual who is comfortable working in the community, driving our mobile outreach units, and adapting to a fast-paced, ever-changing environment. The specialist will play a key role in connecting individuals to vital care and support services, embodying a status-neutral approach to prevention and treatment.

- Drive and operate two agency mobile units (a Ford Winnibago and a Ford Transit) to designated grant-funded areas, including the City of Passaic, Clifton, Lodi, Garfield, and Hackensack, to conduct street-level outreach.

- Provide harm reduction supplies (syringes, safer smoking kits, Narcan/Naloxone, condoms, etc.) and education on safer drug use and safer sex practices.

- Conduct syringe sweeps in the community to ensure safe disposal.

- Facilitate syringe access and harm reduction counseling with community members at the mobile unit and in the field.

- Respond to overdoses and other critical incidents in the community as they occur during outreach shifts.

- Conduct HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C, and STI testing and counseling in compliance with strict Department of Health standards.

- Provide evidence-based prevention education, risk reduction interventions, and referrals to individuals living with HIV/AIDS and high-risk negative individuals.

- Assess clients for PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) eligibility, discuss potential side effects, and provide referrals and assistance with insurance enrollment and prior authorizations.

- Distribute condoms and educational materials to target populations.

- Facilitate individual and group workshops and sessions on an on-going and as-needed basis at local social service centers and community events.

- Participate in tabling events to promote harm reduction services and raise community awareness.

- Maintain accurate and complete participant records, tracking all contacts, counseling, testing, referrals, and outreach activities.

- Complete monthly data reporting in the NJ HIVDATA system with precision and timeliness.

- Prepare and submit quarterly state reports in accordance with agency and funder policies.

- Maintain accurate logs for outreach activities, testing supplies, inventory, and incentives.

- Develop and maintain strong, collaborative working relationships with a diverse group of stakeholders, including community members, local service providers, and organizational partners.

- Network with community providers to coordinate service delivery and create a comprehensive referral network for substance use treatment, medical/mental health services, homeless shelters, and other support services.

- Identify locations and networks to provide on-demand overdose prevention and response trainings.

- Attend all required state-mandated training and maintain relevant certifications (e.g., Rapid Testing Training).

- Stay current with trends in harm reduction, HIV/HCV treatment, and prevention by attending conferences and training.

- Participate in monthly cohorts with the In The Works Training Institute or any NJ.

- Attend bi-monthly Harm Reduction meetings to coordinate efforts and share best practices.

- Attend and contribute to agency staff meetings, special events, and other organizational activities.

Must-Haves:

- Lived/Living Experience: Personal experience with drug use or harm reduction is highly valued. The ability to connect with clients through shared experience is critical.

- Driver’s License: A valid driver's license and the ability to drive and navigate agency-owned vehicles, specifically a 30' Ford Winnibago and a Ford Transit.

- Commitment to Harm Reduction: A demonstrated commitment to harm reduction principles, racial justice, health equity, and the dignity and autonomy of people who use drugs.

- Flexibility: Willingness and ability to work non-traditional hours, including evenings and weekends, to meet the needs of the community.

- Outreach Experience: Comfort and experience conducting street-level outreach to individuals in high-risk communities.

- Communication Skills: Proficiency in written and verbal communications to effectively counsel, educate, and document services.

- Teamwork: Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within a team and with diverse populations, including individuals of all gender identities, races, ethnicities, ages, sexual orientations, and drug use patterns.

- Problem-Solving: Sound judgment, initiative, and the ability to think on the spot to resolve problem situations as they arise.

- Bilingual Proficiency: Fluency in Spanish is a strong plus.

- Certifications: HIV/HCV Testing Certification, Recovery Coach Certification (assistance can be provided to obtain).

- Education/Experience: Bachelor’s degree plus one year of experience in HIV/AIDS, public health, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

- Person-Centered: Capable of working with individuals to identify their needs and priorities, supporting them in achieving any positive change as they define it for themselves.

- Confidentiality: Capable of maintaining the highest degree of confidentiality regarding client and organizational information.

- Self-Awareness & Emotional Intelligence: Engages in self-reflection and demonstrates emotional intelligence when interacting with clients and colleagues.

- Motivated: Takes initiative and follows projects through to completion.

- Organized: Capable of prioritizing needs, goals, and objectives and maintaining all required documentation.

We offer an engaging work environment, competitive rates, and excellent benefits, including:

- Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans

- 401(k)

- Vacation, Personal, and Sick Time Off (PTO) & Holiday Time Off

- Basic Life & Accidental Death Insurance

- Annual discretionary professional development fund

Equal Opportunity Employer

Buddies of New Jersey, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer and will consider all qualified applicants without regard to sex, race, creed or religion, color, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, or record of arrest or conviction. We are particularly interested in hiring people who have been directly harmed by the War on Drugs.

Pay: From $50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Mileage reimbursement
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Travel reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $50,000