Forensic Harm Reduction Specialist

Under the supervision of the Program Director the Forensic Harm Reduction Specialist will be responsible for providing supportive services to formerly homeless adults diagnosed with serious mental illness, some of which have a forensic background with co-occurring substance use disorders. The Forensic Harm Reduction Specialist will assist in identifying client strengths, needs, abilities, and goals and create related service plans in an electronic client records system (AWARDS). The Forensic Harm Reduction Specialist will hold individual meetings, as well as facilitate groups, while completing timely documentation in accordance with agency policy. The Forensic Harm Reduction Specialist will work as a support for clients navigating the criminal justice system, providing linkages to the community and connections to resources.

Essential Position Functions:

• Provide case management, including benefits assistance, help complete housing applications, provide links to primary and behavioral health care in the community, and housing referrals to formerly homeless adults diagnosed with serious mental illness and/or substance abuse disorders.
• These services are primarily provided in the client’s apartment and in community settings.
• Assist clients with navigating the criminal justice system including working with parole officers, attorneys, and legal aid. Provide escorts to court and other mandates as requested.
• Assist with observation and education regarding medication in accordance with OMH regulations.
• Assist in identifying strengths, needs, abilities, and goals and create related Service Plans in electronic client records system.
• Motivate clients to develop skills needed to maintain housing and compliance with legal obligations. Assist and encourage individuals to develop natural supports and include these supports in Service Plans and client related meetings
• Timely completion of required documentation for every client contact as per agency policy.
• Ensure documentation meets regulatory guidelines for level of care.
• Co-facilitate groups in areas including, but not limited to: harm reduction, reentry, wellness, leadership, housing, stability, employment and education, relationships, and healthy decision making.
• Assist in preparing program for audits.
• Provide crisis intervention, as necessary.
• Compliance with requirements, including facilitating appropriate admissions and discharges, maintaining census, documentation and incident reporting.
• Liaise with other departments and outside agencies.
• Ability to work with consumers/residents, families, and staff in a caring and respectful manner, and with due understanding of and consideration for cultural differences.
• Conduct apartment inspections on multiple floors, utilizing stairs. Provide escorts to clients throughout the community utilizing public transportation. Provide assistance and instruction to clients with maintaining their home environment in decent living conditions.
• Immediately reports serious incidents, serious incident allegations, incidents, or sensitive situations to supervisors. Completes incident reports in accordance with Bridge policy. Accounts for consumers, perform diligent searches, and files missing person reports on consumers not accounted for in accordance with policy and procedure.
• Attend staff meetings, supervision. and trainings as required.
• Any other duties as may be assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Master’s Degree preferred or Bachelor’s Degree with experience working with justice-involved individuals with co-occurring substance abuse disorders.
• Experience working with mental health, substance abuse, crisis intervention, and managing trauma-triggered behavior.
• Excellent time management skills; stress resistant, flexible; team player; open to feedback; creative; excellent organizational skills; willingness to perform CPR/First Aid/AED/Naloxone. Experience working with justice system involved individuals.
• Preferred knowledge of AWARDS.
• Bilingual Spanish is a plus.

The Bridge Inc. is an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $50,000.00 - $54,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• 403(b) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Loan forgiveness
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• Behavioral health: 2 years (Required)
• Case management: 1 year (Required)

Language:

• Spanish (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Bronx, NY 10461 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $50,000 - $54,000