Harm Reduction Program Specialist - Contract

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Represent the agency to all individuals seeking services at offices and in the community.

• Efficiently identify the needs of participants and link them with appropriate programs to meet

their needs.

• Recruit potential participants through outreach, risk reduction education, networking, and

targeted marketing.

• In a manner consistent with Harm Reduction principles, provide substance use and sexual risk

assessments and discuss individualized risk reduction strategies, including safer injection

practices, safer sex practices, overdose prevention, HIV, hepatitis C, substance use treatment

options, and other topics relevant to people who use drugs.

• Work with participants to identify their needs and determine the best services to help them

address their needs and reach their goals.

• Provide referrals to public assistance, food/shelter needs, medical, transportation, mental

health, and substance use assistance.

· Provide HIV and Hepatitis C counseling, testing, and connection to care services. · Serve as advocate and educator for participants in the effective use of community services. · Track participants to document outcomes and ensure they receive the proper support. · Facilitate participant-centered interventions, workshops, and groups, including crisis management, risk reduction, treatment readiness, overdose prevention, and other support and educational groups. · Continually and proactively educate yourself about new developments in the field and work with colleagues to share information and best practices. · Identify and participate in events that will increase the WCHD connection to the community. · Educate participants and motivate them to get involved in advocating for themselves and their communities. · Solicit and track feedback from participants to ensure that the agencies to which we refer are effective. · Collect, compile, and submit data required for program evaluation and grant reporting under multiple contracts. Maintain accurate and detailed participant records. · Engage in program evaluation activities, including ongoing dialogue with participants and other stakeholders to continually improve the location and delivery of our services. · Attend staff meetings, care conferences, and trainings. · Serve on assigned agency standing committees.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, AND REGISTRATION:

A valid driver’s license is required.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND # YEARS OF EXPERIENCE:

• A bachelor’s degree in health or social sciences or related field required.

• Significant work-related (at least 5 years) or life experience may substitute for education.

• 2-4 years case management or advocacy experience desired. Personal experience effectively

navigating supportive services for active drug users preferred.

• Significant work or life experience in the areas of substance use, HIV, and hepatitis C prevention

desired. Those with lived experience with substance use must also demonstrate a significant

period of recovery (at least 5 years).

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

· Must have an active interest in harm reduction and/ or social justice as it pertains to individuals who use drugs. ·

Ability to use computers, smart phones, and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) required. ·

Must be an organized, self-motivated team-player with strong interpersonal skills, excellent written and oral communication skills, and conflict resolution. · Must be committed to the principles of Harm Reduction and to working with people who use drugs and other marginalized populations. ·

Valid driver’s license required. ·

Certified Community Health Workers are encouraged to apply. ·

This position requires drug screening and background check. Individual circumstances are taken into consideration.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: Occasional overnight travel required for training. Travel within Whitley County to and from job assignments will be required occassionally.