What are the responsibilities and job description for the Harm Reduction Specialist position at Commonspace?
Harm Reduction Specialist
Commonspace creates shared spaces of care, justice, and recovery in all its forms.
Job Title: Harm Reduction Specialist
FLSA Status: Full Time
Department: Community Programs
Effective Date: May 1, 2025
Reports to: Community Programs Coordinator
Position Overview
The Harm Reduction Specialist supports the daily operations of Commonspace’s Syringe Service Program (SSP) and provides low-barrier, non-judgmental services to the SSP’s participants. This position plays a key role in reducing overdose risk, preventing the transmission of infectious diseases, and connecting participants to healthcare, recovery, and social services. The Harm Reduction Specialist builds trusting relationships with program participants and promotes dignity, autonomy, and safer use practices through education, resource distribution, and advocacy.
Key Responsibilities
Direct Service & Participant Support
- Provide welcoming, respectful, and non-judgmental engagement with Syringe Service Program participants.
- Conduct syringe exchange and distribute safer use supplies (e.g., sterile syringes, naloxone, fentanyl test strips, wound care supplies).
- Provide overdose prevention education and train participants and community members on naloxone use.
- Offer harm reduction education related to safer injection, smoking, and drug use practices.
- Provide basic wound care support and referrals to medical services when needed.
- Maintain participant confidentiality and uphold trauma-informed care principles.
Outreach & Community Engagement
- Conduct outreach in the community to engage people who may benefit from harm reduction services.
- Build relationships with individuals who use drugs and people experiencing homelessness.
- Distribute harm reduction supplies during outreach activities.
- Share information about available health, housing, and treatment resources.
Case Navigation & Referrals
- Provide referrals to healthcare, substance use treatment, medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD), mental health services, housing supports, and social services.
- Support participants in navigating systems and accessing resources when requested.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of local service providers and community resources in the Portland area.
Program Operations
- Assist with inventory management and preparation of harm reduction kits and supplies.
- Accurately track program services and supply distribution in program databases.
- Support program evaluation and data collection requirements.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe service environment.
Collaboration
- Work collaboratively with other Commonspace staff, volunteers, and community partners.
- Participate in team meetings, trainings, and program development activities.
- Contribute to efforts that reduce stigma surrounding substance use and harm reduction.
Required Qualifications
- Commitment to harm reduction philosophy and participant-centered care.
- Experience working with people who use drugs, people experiencing homelessness, or other marginalized populations.
- Ability to build trusting relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
- Comfort working in low-barrier, non-traditional service settings.
- Ability to lift and transport supplies (up to ~30 lbs) and participate in community outreach.
Preferred Qualifications
- Lived or living experience with substance use, recovery, or harm reduction.
- Experience working in a syringe service program or public health program.
- Knowledge of overdose prevention strategies and naloxone administration.
- Experience providing community outreach or street outreach.
- Familiarity with local health and social service systems in Maine.
- Certification in CPR/First Aid (or willingness to obtain).
Work Environment
- Work takes place in a community-based harm reduction setting and through outreach in the community.
- May involve evening or occasional weekend hours depending on program needs.
- Position may require exposure to challenging environments; training and safety protocols will be provided.
Pay: $23.00 - $24.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 403(b)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $23 - $24