Technical Assistance Specialist

Job Title: Technical Assistance Specialist

Department: Overdose Education and Naloxone Distribution Unit (OENDU)

Division: Mental Hygiene (MHy)

Bureau: Bureau of Alcohol and Drug Use (BADU)

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

Reports to Title: Technical Assistance 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 within the NYC boroughs.

Grant End Date: 06/30/2026

Created Date: 1/27/26

Revised Date: 3/3/26

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 Technical Assistance Specialist will provide technical assistance and programmatic guidance to current and potential opioid overdose prevention programs (OOPPs) on implementing successful overdose prevention and naloxone distribution programming, with the goal of preventing overdose deaths in New York City.

About The Program

The Bureau of Alcohol and Drug (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) within BADU develops and implements initiatives to reduce and prevent opioid overdose deaths in New York City. The Unit provides naloxone, training, and technical assistance to approximately 350 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.

Responsibilities

Under general direction from the Overdose Prevention Technical Assistance Manager, with wide latitude for independent initiative and judgment, the Technical Assistance (TA) Specialist will:

• Provide technical assistance and programmatic guidance to registered opioid overdose prevention programs (OOPPs) on program implementation, naloxone distribution, data collection, and reporting
• Maintain records of technical assistance, OOPP dispensing strategies, and other relevant program updates in Naloxone Access Database
• Collaborate with other OENDU and BADU staff to recruit organizations working with target populations to become OOPPs, using overdose data to inform recruitment strategy
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with OOPP personnel
• Design and maintain protocols and other technical assistance documents for OOPPs to improve workflow, including the development, data collection, and analysis of a yearly survey
• Collaborate with Overdose Prevention Training Team to plan, schedule, and deliver Training of Dispensers for OOPPs and/or Training of Responders for community members as needed
• Contribute to the development of new materials and resources aimed at preventing overdose and improving OOPP efficiency
• Assemble naloxone kits to be dispensed in trainings and maintain records for all kits dispensed
• Provide support for packing and mailing of 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
• Other duties or tasks may be assigned on an as-needed basis
  
  

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:

• The TA Specialist will have knowledge of substance use and harm reduction practice and theory, including syringe exchange, opioid overdose prevention, and/or education for HIV and Hepatitis C prevention.
• The successful candidate will be sensitive to various ethnic, racial, and cultural backgrounds, gender identities, sexual orientations, and socioeconomic conditions.
• Be able to work independently, have excellent oral and written communication and organizational skills, and be flexible team player.
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced, high-volume environment, managing multiple projects and tasks at once.
  
  

Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Access, Word, PowerPoint and virtual platforms such as Zoom Webinar, and Microsoft Teams.

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check

Benefits/ Additional Information:

• 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.

To Apply

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