What are the responsibilities and job description for the Harm Reduction Specialist position at East Bay Community Action Program?
About the Role
Join our innovative healthcare team as a Family Medicine Harm Reduction Specialist focused on deprescribing. In this rewarding position, you'll work collaboratively with our multidisciplinary team to help patients safely transition from high-risk medication regimens to evidence-based treatment approaches for anxiety, insomnia, pain, and substance use disorders.
Why This Role Matters
As healthcare evolves, addressing legacy medication regimens is crucial for patient safety. You'll make a meaningful difference by helping patients reduce dependency on high-risk medications while improving their quality of life through evidence-based alternatives and supportive care.
Key Responsibilities
Direct Patient Care
- Partner with PCPs to deliver evidence-based treatment for anxiety, insomnia, pain and chronic conditions to diverse patients
- Develop and implement consensual deprescribing plans, particularly for opioids and benzodiazepines
- Apply therapeutic approaches including CBT, DBT, and motivational interviewing to support patients through medication transitions
- Conduct comprehensive patient assessments and implement harm reduction strategies
- Manage medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) when clinically indicated
Collaborative Care
- Work within a multidisciplinary team including PCPs, behavioral health therapists, psychiatrists, and community health workers
- Participate in integrated care planning and complex case consultations
- Engage in quality improvement initiatives related to pain management and addiction care
Professional Development
- Stay current with evidence-based practices in addiction medicine and pain management
- Contribute to development of clinic protocols and program outcomes monitoring
- Participate in grant activities and continuous quality improvement
Qualifications
Required
- MD, DO, Master's in PA studies, or Master's/Doctoral degree in Nursing
- Current Rhode Island licensure and DEA registration
- 5 years primary care experience
- Experience in addiction medicine or pain management
- Expertise in deprescribing principles and medication tapering protocols
- Strong collaborative skills for integrated care environments
- Demonstrated cultural sensitivity and ability to provide respectful care across diverse populations
Preferred
- Addiction Medicine certification (ABPM, ABAM, or ASAM)
- DATA 2000 Waiver training or buprenorphine prescribing experience
- Training in motivational interviewing and shared decision-making
- Experience with underserved populations in community health settings
Why Join Us?
Be part of transforming healthcare delivery by focusing on evidence-based, patient-centered approaches to medication management. This role offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on patient lives while working with a dedicated team committed to quality care and harm reduction principles.
