Outreach Worker (Harm Reduction Program) (Grant Funded)

Job Summary

Directly supervised by the Behavioral Health Prevention Programs/Harm Reduction Supervisor, the Syringe Services Program (SSP) staff members will provide sterile syringes, and other harm reduction supplies, written and verbal education, and referral information for the SSP participants at the Program site. The goal of this program is to increase harm reduction and syringe service programming in Cherokee Nation.

Job Duties

Become familiar with the various equipment used for safer injection and the value participants place on the various supplies offered by the program.Â

Become familiar with the Cherokee Nation Harm Reduction Program policies and procedures documents.Â

Actively solicit feedback on what works, what doesn't work and any needs the program's current supply offerings do not meet.Â

Provide education regarding the safest use of sharps, sharps containers, and disposal procedures, if needed, and provide sharps containers in the size and abundance needed by participants.Â

Promote safe disposal, including collection and disposal of used syringes.Â

Encourage participants to return all used syringes at the next visit to the program or community kiosks as applicable, whether or not they were originally supplied by the Program or not.Â

Assist with the development and delivery of educational programs that are relevant to the program.Â

Establish mobile or community outreach services in Cherokee communities.Â

Communicate regularly with Cherokee community partners and attend coalition meetings and events.Â

Assist with advertising and promotion of the program during community-based outreach.Â

Provide information on and referral to the Care Coordinator for additional health services offered by Cherokee Nation, including behavioral health, prenatal care, HIV, HCV, and STI testing.Â

Assist in the coordination of care for all participants who come in for SSP services.Â

Follow universal safety precautions at all times to prevent syringe-related injuries and blood-borne pathogen exposure.

Participate in ongoing training as needed.Â

Demonstrate ability to work effectively and respectfully with individuals of diverse races, socioeconomic statuses, housing statuses, variations in hygiene, ages, sexual orientations, and people who inject drugs.

Supervisory Responsibilities

No supervisory responsibility.

Qualifications

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENT

High school diploma or general education degree (GED) and one (1) year of specialized training or education.

Experience Requirement

No additional experience required.

Computer Skills

To perform this job successfully, an individual should know word processing software.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Must possess a valid driver's license with a driving history verified through a motor vehicle report that meets the requirements for Cherokee Nation underwriting rating. A driver's license is required, as certain jobs require the operation of the Mobile Harm Reduction Van.Â

Other Qualifications

The employee must not be and will not be under sanction by the United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (OIG) or by the General Services Administration (GSA) or listed on the OIG's Cumulative Sanction Report, or the GSA's List of Excluded Providers, or listed on the OIG's List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE).Â

Lived experience with substance misuse and/or abuse, injection drug use experience preferred.Â

Candidates must be willing to learn all aspects of HIV/STI/Hepatitis C testing, overdose response, and syringe service program delivery. In addition, candidates must possess the following characteristics:Â

Team player attitude

• Willing to participate in a team environment. Must be willing to work in a cooperative model to achieve the common goals of the agency and participants.Â
  
  

Ability to work independently

• The candidate must be self-motivated and have a willingness to work and travel independently.Â
  
  

Strong interpersonal skills.

The candidate must have the ability to work in a collaborative office setting with a team-based approach.Â

Able to connect with one on one and group settings

• Must be willing to receive constructive feedback and engage in a learning environment while on the job.Â
  
  

Self-awareness

• Willingness and ability to be aware of personal and professional boundaries at all times.Â
  
  

Basic technology proficiency

• Ability to use computer and technology to communicate, enter basic data, maintain schedules, equipment, and supply logs, and navigate internet research.Â
  
  

Harm Reduction Commitment

• A commitment to the principle and practice of harm reduction is essential to this position.
  
  

Must meet and maintain periodic background investigation and adjudication for child care.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Â

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance.Â

The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

some evenings may be required

• This is a grant funded position and employment is contingent upon funding availability.