What are the responsibilities and job description for the Harm Reduction Specialist - IMT position at Community Access Inc?
Founded in 1974, Community Access continues to uphold and operate as a pioneer of supportive housing and social services in NYC for people with mental health concerns. We proudly lead advocacy efforts that rally our community to promote human rights, social justice, and economic opportunities for all. We are built upon the simple truth that people are experts in their own lives. Our programs are spread across 25 locations and include over 1200 units of supportive housing in three boroughs, the Howie the Harp Advocacy Center, Peer-driven Crisis Respite Center, Adult Home Initiative, Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) and the Intensive Mobile Team (IMT).
Department Overview
Intensive Mobile Treatment (IMT) is an innovative, creative, trauma-informed mobile practice model designed to provide treatment, rehabilitation, and support services to individuals whose needs have not been met by traditional services. IMT participants interact with homeless services, criminal justice, and behavioral health service systems. IMT teams are hired, trained, and funded to maximize flexibility and continuity of care for persons who historically have been poorly served. Community Access’ IMT Teams serve individuals who are street homeless or living between institutional settings and housing. Team members work collaboratively with settings in which the participant is living and use assertive engagement strategies to proactively engage individuals in services. IMT team members share responsibility for the people they serve, helping individuals attain housing and other personal and safety goals that may be of a health, social, work or education nature.
Position Overview
The Harm Reduction Specialist is an integral part of a multi-disciplinary team of mental health clinicians. The Harm Reduction Specialist is a team member responsible for engaging participants through harm reduction strategies including motivational interviewing and stage-wise interventions that target an individual’s readiness for change. The Harm Reduction Specialist is a resource to other team members in issues related to mental health and co-occurring substance use. They emphasize meeting individuals “where they are at” and providing non-judgmental, non-coercive services and resources to individuals. In addition, the Harm Reduction Specialist provides consultation, training, and support to program staff in their work with program participants engaging in behaviors perceived to be risky.
Qualifications
- Have an understanding, appreciation, and commitment to the philosophy and mission of Community Access.
- Minimum of Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Mental Health Counseling, Criminal Justice or other Health and Human Services related field; LMSW preferred
- Minimum of two (2) years’ experience working with individuals with a mental health condition with co-occurring substance use disorder.
- Available to work a flexible schedule, mornings, evenings and weekends in response to participant needs.
- Must be able to work in the community, including use of public transportation across the boroughs.
- Computer proficiency in Windows operating systems and programs, such as MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, as well as comfort with learning new electronic systems.
- Must be fingerprinted and cleared by the New York State Justice Center.
Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.
Interested candidates should apply on www.communityaccess.org/jobs.
Community Access is an Equal Opportunity Employer. M/F/D/V.
Women, People of Color and Members of the LGBT community are strongly encouraged to apply.
We are dedicated to a workforce where at least 51% of our employees identify as having a personal
experience using mental health services. www.communityaccess.org
