Harm Reduction Outreach Specialist

Position Description

The Harm Reduction Outreach Specialist is responsible for conducting targeted outreach efforts that engage people who use drugs, social service organizations, and service providers in informational/educational sessions about harm reduction. 

The Harm Reduction Outreach Specialist conducts outreach efforts in parks throughout the Bronx and Harlem in an effort to educate the general public and individuals who use drugs about the use of kiosks in the park and about safer syringe disposal. The Harm Reduction Outreach Specialist will all refer and successfully connect people who use drugs to safer use supplies, drop-in services, and additional harm reduction services, including substance use treatment and additional medical care.

The hours for this position are Wednesday through Sunday; schedule will include 3 days per week with regular office hours (8 AM-4 PM or 9 AM - 5 PM) and 2 days per week working a later shift with our evening outreach hours (11 AM-7 PM or 12-8 PM).

Essential Job Functions

The following duties are mandatory requirements of the job:

• Conduct targeted outreach efforts in the Bronx and Harlem that engage people who use drugs to assist in increasing access to safer syringe disposal and facilitate access to harm reduction supplies and services.
• Conduct outreach with other social service organizations and service providers in informational/educational sessions aimed at increasing knowledge of available harm reduction services and to increase access to safer syringe disposal. 
• Provide information to people who use drugs on harm reduction services and substance treatment options available. 
• Conduct intakes and develop relationships with individuals who use drugs. Conduct substance use screenings and assessments and make referrals to STI/HIV/HCV screenings as necessary.
• Conduct overdose prevention trainings members of the community, including the dispensing of naloxone.
• Ensure the maintenance of appropriate, accurate, and clear documentation of all outreach, education, and referral activities.
• Completion of regular reporting and data entry to ensure compliance with city and state funder requirements. 
• Facilitate community education sessions with other CBOs, Precincts, Community Boards, and other identified community partners. 
• Distribute harm reduction materials including safer use supplies, safer sex kits, educational literature, and brochures.
• Maintain a strong knowledge of substance use, including treatment information and developments that affect clients’ access to care.
• Maintain a strong knowledge of HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C, including treatment information and developments that affect clients’ access to care. 
• Work in collaboration with team members to ensure that monthly deliverables are met.

Other Responsibilities

The following duties are to be performed as assigned by the supervisor:

• Attend data driven and clinical supervision, as well as departmental, divisional and staff meetings.
• Ensure files are up to date and accurate; conduct periodic community surveys to ensure the program is following community trends.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education and Certification 

This position requires a high school diploma, college degree preferred, and two years’ experience in harm reduction, specifically with active injection and other drug users. CASAC certification a plus. Education can be substituted for work experience. Bilingual English/Spanish a plus. Valid New York State driver’s license required. 

Special Skills and Knowledge

• Basic to broad knowledge base about work with people who use drugs; substance use knowledge and knowledge of and respect for the harm reduction model and its principals are essential.
• Knowledge of health disparities and social factors that lead to increased HIV/AIDS risk and exposure among people who use drugs and others in our community.
• Knowledgeable about HIV infection, transmission, and treatment; knowledgeable in local, state, and federal laws regarding HIV and other relevant issues of providing health care, especially the right to privacy and confidentiality
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Able to provide culturally competent services and demonstrate respect for the community to be served by our program.