Special Projects Specialist

Job Title: Special Project Specialist

Department: Overdose Education and Naloxone Distribution Unit (OENDU)

Division: Mental Hygiene (MHy)

Bureau: Alcohol and Drug Use (BADU)

Location: 42-09 28th St, Long Island City, NY 11101

Reports to Title: Special Projects Manager

Direct Reports Title(s): N/A

Schedule & Hours: M-F, 9am –5pm ; 35 hours per week

Workplace Flexibility Modality: Hybrid, 3 days in office (flexible)

Work Environment: Office Environment, occasional travel for meetings and presentations within the NYC boroughs.

Grant End Date: 06/30/2026

Created Date: 04/16/2026

Revised Date:

Salary: $70,000- $80,000 annually

FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt

Who We Are:

The Fund for Public Health in New York City (FPHNYC) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that is dedicated to the advancement of the health and well-being of all New Yorkers. To this end, in partnership with the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), FPHNYC incubates innovative public health initiatives implemented by DOHMH to advance community health throughout the city. It facilitates partnerships, often new and unconventional, between government and the private sector to develop, test, and launch new initiatives. These collaborations speed the execution of demonstration projects, effect expansion of successful pilot programs, and support rapid implementation to meet the public health needs of individuals, families, and communities across New York City.

Our Culture:

We embrace a culture of learning, collaboration, innovation, and well-being, where open communication drives our impact.

About The Role:

The Special Projects Specialist will provide technical assistance and programmatic support to new and ongoing special projects related to opioid overdose prevention and response, naloxone distribution, and community engagement, with the goal of preventing overdose deaths in New York City.

About the Program:

The Bureau of Alcohol and Drug Use (BADU) works to reduce morbidity and mortality related to alcohol and substance use among New Yorkers through contracting and oversight of prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery and support services; policy analysis and development; epidemiology, surveillance, and evaluation; development and dissemination of treatment and management guidelines; harm reduction initiatives; public and provider outreach and education; and community involvement and interagency collaboration.

The Overdose Education and Naloxone Distribution Unit (OENDU) develops and implements initiatives to reduce and prevent opioid overdose deaths in New York City. OENDU provides naloxone, training, and technical assistance to over 311 Opioid Overdose Prevention Programs (OOPPs) across New York City. OOPPs provide community-based overdose prevention, recognition, and response education and distribute naloxone directly to community members. DOHMH has its OOPP and provides in-person and virtual overdose prevention training and naloxone via mail-based distribution. In addition, OENDU provides contract management, fiscal, technical, and programmatic support to at least 28 contracted OOPPs.

Responsibilities:

Under general direction from the Special Projects Manager, with wide latitude for independent initiative and judgment, the Special Projects Specialist will:

• Support the implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and expansion of the Public Health Vending Machine Pilot Initiative, using a research and equity-informed approach.
• Support funded OOPPs by providing technical assistance, and conduct research efforts for the development, implementation, and evaluation of strategies to increase naloxone access in priority settings and neighborhoods.
• Support ongoing research efforts to enhance and expand pharmacy naloxone distribution and engagement
• Provide technical assistance and programmatic support around community engagement across OENDU projects
• Collaborate with other OENDU and BADU staff for ongoing development and enhancement of materials and resources aimed at preventing overdose and expanding strategic naloxone distribution efforts
• Provide support for packing and mailing naloxone kits and training related materials and maintain appropriate records for all kits and material mailed and dispensed
• Participate in OENDU meetings, including facilitation on a rotating basis
• Participate in bureau- and agency-wide activities for advancing racial, gender, and social equity and support efforts to center equity in OENDU’s work
• Represent OENDU in intra-Bureau and Divisional workgroups and meetings and liaise and present to community coalitions
• Occasional travel throughout New York City.
• Other duties as assigned on an as-needed basis to support the overall goals and mission of the department/ organization.
  
  

Requirements:

For Assignment Level I (only physical, biological and environmental sciences and public health): A master's degree from an accredited college or university with a specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological or environmental science or in public health.

To be appointed to Assignment Level II and above, candidates must have:

• A doctorate degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological, environmental or social science and one year of full-time experience in a responsible supervisory, administrative or research capacity in the appropriate field of specialization; or
• A master's degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological, environmental or social science and three years of responsible full-time research experience in the appropriate field of specialization; or
• Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1" or "2" above. However, all candidates must have at least a master's degree in an appropriate field of specialization and at least two years of experience described in "2" above. Two years as a City Research Scientist Level I can be substituted for the experience required in "1" and "2" above.
  
  

Preferred Skills:

• Knowledge of substance use and harm reduction practice and theory, including syringe exchange, overdose prevention and education for HIV and Hepatitis C prevention.
• Be able to work independently, have excellent oral and written communication and organizational skills, and be a flexible team player. The candidate will also be detail-oriented with outstanding organizational skills.
• Sensitive to various ethnic, racial, and cultural backgrounds, gender identities, sexual orientations, and socioeconomic conditions.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Access, Outlook, and Word.
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced, high-volume environment, managing multiple projects and task at once.
  
  

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check

Benefits:

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) policy
• Medical, dental, and life insurance with low or no employee contribution
• A retirement savings plan with generous employer contribution
• Flexible spending medical and commuter benefits plan
• Meaningful work at an organization striving to advance health equity and social justice
  
  

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

FPHNY is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

At-Will Employment Statement:

Employment with FPHNY is at-will, meaning that either the employee or the company may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause, and with or without notice. This job description does not constitute a contract of employment.

Residency Requirement:

You must live in the New York City Tri-state area (NY, NJ, CT) to be considered for a position at FPHNY.