Harm Reduction Outreach Worker

The Mountain Center’s (TMC’s) Harm Reduction Outreach Workers are responsible for working collaboratively with the rest of the Harm Reduction Team to provide mobile and office-based syringe exchange, safer drug use supplies distribution, naloxone distribution, and overdose prevention and response education to our participants. This position reports to the Harm Reduction Program Manager; it is a full-time non-exempt position. Staff in this position generally work Monday to Friday from 8:30am or 9am to 5pm. This position is largely based in Española with travel in organization-provided vehicles as far as far north as Chama.

TMC’s Harm Reduction Program believes that everyone, including people who use drugs, deserve access to the resources and information they need to make the safest choices they want to make. We provide comprehensive mobile and office-based harm reduction services in Rio Arriba, Santa Fe, and Taos Counties with the goal of improving health and life outcomes for people who use drugs in Northern New Mexico, as well as providing support for families and communities impacted by the harms associated with drug use and other high-risk activities. Our program currently offers the following services to our clients and communities:

• Syringe exchange and distribution of other supplies for safer drug use
• Distribution of other resources needed by community members, such as food and hygiene products
• Naloxone distribution and overdose prevention and response education
• Recovery support services, including a low-barrier Suboxone clinic, counseling, and case management

Responsibilities:

• Provide timely and consistent mobile and office-based harm reduction services to program participants
• Be prepared to respond appropriately to emergency situations that may be encountered in the field in accordance with training received, including overdoses.
• Maintain accurate and legible paperwork for all harm reduction activities.
• Effectively and professionally manage relationships and boundaries with all participants and staff.
• Assist in vehicle cleanliness, organization, and regular safety inspections.
• Assist in office cleanliness, organization, and regular stocking of supplies in harm reduction office and storage unit.
• Communicate all safety concerns to supervisor and team in a timely manner.
• Help with getting supplies ready for office/van and making supplies for distribution.
• Help with inventorying and ordering program supplies
• Help with entering program data in a timely manner
• Arrive on time.
• Attend staff meetings and other meetings as assigned.
• Actively participate in maintaining an emotionally and physically safe working environment.
• Professionally represent TMC’s Harm Reduction Program to clients, community members, interns, volunteers, and staff.
• Follow DOH and TMC protocols for Syringe Exchange.
• Follow TMC / DOH safety guidelines as trained for handling biohazard waste.
• Wear appropriate safety clothes, including closed toe shoes and full length leg coverings
• Attend necessary trainings as approved by the HR Program Manager
• Meet deadlines from supervisor and organization.
• Read and follow all TMC policies and procedures.
• All duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Qualifications

Minimum:

• High school degree or equivalent
• Experience directly related to the duties outlined above
• Knowledge of the following:Hepatitis C/HIV/pathogens and infectious disease
• Addiction (Substance use and misuse)CPR/First Aid (Certification preferred)Harm Reduction Models and Best Practices
• Ability to lift 50 pounds unassisted
• Ability to drive and sit in a moving vehicle for long periods of time, including on unpaved/uneven roads, in inclement weather, at dawn/dusk, and in the dark.
• Ability to regularly work outside, including in heat, cold, and inclement weather.
• Ability to navigate complex, highly emotional and/or stressful situations
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively listen and offer solutions without passing judgment
• Ability to remain diplomatic when the political climate interferes with program goals and objectives
• Ability to be client and mission centered
• Ability to communicate in English, both verbally and in writing
• Ability to maintain highly confidential information in a professional manner
• Ability to work collaboratively with others on a team
• Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel
• Working knowledge of standard office equipment (personal computer/laptop, phone with voicemail, fax, copier, etc.)
• Clear driving record and valid driver’s license with solid driving skills due to extensive travel; willing and able to use TMC vehicle for outreach and local travel on TMC business with valid driver’s license and proof of insurance
• Familiarity with the social, cultural and economic make-up of New Mexico or service area and ability and willingness to work with diverse populations

Preferred:

• Bilingual, English and Spanish
• Bachelor's degree or higher in a related field
• Proficient in Gmail, Google Drive, Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Calendar
• Proficient in using virtual meeting platforms, such as Zoom and Google Meet

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $19.00 per hour

Expected hours: No more than 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• This role involves providing harm reduction services in the community, including needle exchange, overdose prevention, and working directly with people who may be in active addiction. Are you comfortable with this type of work?

Ability to Commute:

• Espanola, NM 87532 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $19