Senior Harm Reduction Outreach Specialist

Position Description

The Senior Harm Reduction Outreach Specialist is responsible for conducting targeted outreach efforts that engage people who use drugs, social service organizations, and service providers, in informational/educational sessions about harm reduction. 

The Senior Harm Reduction Outreach Specialist conducts outreach efforts in parks throughout the Bronx and Harlem in an effort to educate the general public and individuals who use drugs about the use of kiosks in the park and about safer syringe disposal. The Harm Reduction Outreach Specialist will all refer and successfully connect people who use drugs to safer use supplies, drop-in services, and additional harm reduction services, including substance use treatment and additional medical care.

The Senior Harm Reduction Outreach Specialist also provides assistance with field coordination at service locations, assistance with operations related for field-based services, and team peer supervision.

Essential Job Functions

The following duties are mandatory requirements of the job:

Outreach

The following duties are mandatory requirements of the job:

• Conduct targeted outreach efforts in the Bronx and Harlem that engage people who use drugs to assist in increasing access to safer syringe disposal and facilitate access to harm reduction supplies and services.
• Conduct outreach with other social service organizations and service providers in informational/educational sessions aimed at increasing knowledge of available harm reduction services and to increase access to safer syringe disposal. 
• Provide information to people who use drugs on harm reduction services and substance treatment options available. 
• Conduct intakes and develop relationships with individuals who use drugs. Conduct substance use screenings and assessments and make referrals to STI/HIV/HCV screenings as necessary.
• Conduct overdose prevention trainings members of the community, including the dispensing of naloxone.
• Ensure the maintenance of appropriate, accurate, and clear documentation of all outreach, education, and referral activities.
• Completion of regular reporting and data entry to ensure compliance with city and state funder requirements. 
• Facilitate community education sessions with other CBOs, Precincts, Community Boards, and other identified community partners. 
• Distribute harm reduction materials including safer use supplies, safer sex kits, educational literature, and brochures.
• Maintain a strong knowledge of substance use, including treatment information and developments that affect clients’ access to care.
• Maintain a strong knowledge of HIV/AIDS, including treatment information and developments that affect clients’ access to care. 
• Work in collaboration with team members to ensure that monthly deliverables are met.

Peer Supervision

Supervision of Peer Educators who volunteer with the department by conducting outreach at our mobile sites, assisting syringe exchange efforts, engaging new clients, and assisting with administrative needs of the program. Peer supervision includes:

• Meet monthly in individual meetings with harm reduction outreach peers in which peer assignments are reviewed, successes are celebrated and areas for improvements are identified; and to discuss challenges to performance, behavioral challenges, or time and attendance.
• Identify training needs for the peer educators to encourage professional development. Work with Peer Coordinator and Program Director to address training needs and peer performance.
• Participate in monthly meetings/trainings as part of peer supervision in collaboration with Peer Coordinator.
• Model professional behavior and demeanor for peers and other staff; provide feedback in the field to peer educators about developing and maintaining professional boundaries and communication.
• Participate in monthly clinical supervision for peer supervisors.

Field Coordination and Operations

Responsible for overseeing and coordinating outreach operations to include: 

• Coordinate outreach shifts, lunch breaks, and delivery of services in an effective and safe manner with peers and staff in the field.
• Communicate issues/problems relating to program delivery to the Program Director.
• Serve as a team lead in the field including assistance with safety and de-escalation, reporting incidents, and communicating any issues with the site of service with the Program Director.
• Drive agency vehicle for Outreach Services to field locations as assigned. 
• Maintain vehicle maintenance and upkeep, including timely reporting to supervisor of any problems with the vehicle (i.e. leaks, oil, break flasher)
• Complete daily vehicle logs.
• Return vehicle to parking lot with no less than ½ of tank and to fill the gas tank if the van is returning with less than ½ of tank and the end of the shift.
• Perform general weekly inspection to ensure lights, appliances, etc. are properly functioning.
• Ensure vehicle is routinely cleaned and presentable. Ensure vehicles are sufficiently stocked with program supplies and paperwork on a daily basis. Maintain clean and organized vehicles at all times.

Other Responsibilities

The following duties are to be performed as assigned by the supervisor:

• Attend data driven and clinical supervision, as well as departmental, divisional and staff meetings.
• Ensure files are up to date and accurate; conduct periodic community surveys to ensure the program is following community trends.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education and Certification 

• This position requires a high school diploma and two years’ experience in harm reduction, specifically with active injection and other drug users. CASAC certification a plus. Work experience and lived experience can substitute for education. Candidate should be familiar with substance use services and social services agencies within New York City. 
• Valid New York State driver’s license required.

Special Skills and Knowledge

• Experience working with street-based populations, such as people who use drugs, people experiencing homelessness, and sex workers.
• Knowledge of harm reduction and the risks associated with injection drug use and sexual health.
• Ability to listen to and communicate clearly and respectfully with people who use drugs, community members, peers, volunteers and agency staff.
• High level of self-motivation.
• Commitment to working as a member of a team.
• Able to work with a team with different attitudes and personalities.
• Flexibility and willingness to work outdoors, including inclement weather conditions, and weekends, if scheduled.