Harm Reduction Specialist

Who we are:

Prevention is Key is a non-profit organization providing Prevention, Recovery and Harm Reduction services in the seven northern counties in New Jersey. We have been doing this work for more than 35 years and have a proven track record for success. We operate on a multiple pathways approach to recovery, indicating that participants are in charge of identifying their recovery pathway ranging from complete abstinence based to harm reduction forms of recovery.

General Summary:

Prevention is Key operates two harm reduction centers (HRC) located in Rockaway, NJ and mobile throughout upper Passaic County; as well as, the Morris County Respite Center. The HRC’s are a full-service syringe access program. The Harm Reduction Specialist (HRS) is an essential member of the team and will provide support to all programs. The HRS must have a working knowledge of the principles of harm reduction, as well as that of the drug and alcohol treatment system, with a demonstrated commitment to the communities that we serve. Under the supervision of the Harm Reduction Manager, the harm reduction specialist with perform duties relating to the development and implementation of Syringe Access Programs in Passaic and Morris Counties and perform assigned duties relating to the implementation and evaluation of outreach services.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

The Harm Reduction Specialist will support mobile outreach activities and service delivery through several responsibilities:

· Facilitating mobile needs-based syringe distribution and harm reduction counseling.

· Drive mobile vehicles to specific locations in Passaic and Morris counties as scheduled.

· Ensure mobile vehicles are properly stocked with supplies for outreach activities.

· Restocking and maintaining harm reduction vending machines throughout Morris County

· Conduct outreach to people who use drugs in high-risk communities. These communities include women and men who inject drugs and those who engage in substance use.

The Harm Reduction Specialist will support on-site needs-based syringe distribution services through several responsibilities:

· Facilitating syringe distribution/collection and harm reduction counseling & education within the fixed harm reduction center.

· Conducting participant engagement.

· Facilitating group participant activities and/or meetings.

· Organizing and stocking supplies.

The Harm Reduction Specialist will support both mobile and on-site harm reduction activities through several responsibilities:

· Complete and maintain data collection by entering data into NJHIV database and other documentation protocols.

· Provide syringe and other safer use supply exchange, naloxone training and education, program promotion, participant recruitment, risk reduction education, and coordination to care.

· Conduct regular and thorough ground clean-up of discarded syringe litter and other discarded drug use paraphernalia.

· Network with community providers and coordinate service delivery.

· Provide education on proper syringe use and disposal/educational materials, referrals to drug treatment services, Harm Reduction Health nurse services and medical and/or mental health services.

· Responding to overdose and other critical incidents in the community if they occur during shifts.

· Track number of returned syringes and address barriers to returns with participants.

· Provide information regarding transmission and treatment of HIV and other blood borne pathogens and sexually transmitted diseases.

· Follow guidelines for proper medical waste disposal and protocols for blood borne pathogens.

· Develop and enhance with service providers in the area to introduce Syringe Access Programs.

· Assist the Harm Reduction Programs Coordinator with the preparation of monthly reports in accordance with agency policies and procedures.

The Harm Reduction Specialist will support the Morris County Respite Center (MCRC) through several responsibilities:

· Check-in/out participants

· Maintain, clean, sanitize, monitor, and assist with the free shower services, laundry, respite room, and healthy food station.

· Assist in creating the monthly community calendar.

· Attend meetings and events to promote services offered at the Respite Center.

· Provide intensive case management for MCRC participants.

· Coordinate ordering of food and delivery to the MCRC and participants.

· Data collection and reporting.

· Facilitate meetings and classes for participants.

Qualifications

· This position requires knowledge of outreach strategies, syringe exchange, overdose prevention, and HIV prevention techniques, and the ability to carry out outreach activities on the street-level with both the general population and the high-risk population.

· High school diploma required.

· Commitment to Prevention is Key’s Philosophy

· Fluency in Spanish is a plus.

· Proficiency in written and verbal communications.

· Valid New Jersey driver’s license in good standing required.

· Evening and weekend availability may be required.

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. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 20 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and distance vision.

Work Environment:
This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.

AAP/EEO:

The company provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, the company complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer leaves of absence, compensation and training.

The company expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of the company’s employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.

Note: The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.

Pay: From $25.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Mileage reimbursement
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $25