Senior Harm Reduction Specialist

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Senior Harm Reduction Specialist is responsible for providing an array of harm reduction services to marginalized, street-based populations including people living with HIV, people who actively use and inject drugs, people with Hepatitis C, people who engage in sex work, and individuals experiencing homelessness. This position provides intakes and ongoing assessments to people living with HIV/AIDS, syringe exchange, substance use and sexual health education, referrals, street outreach and additional responsibilities as requested. The appropriate candidate will have knowledge of street-based populations as well as appropriate written and verbal communication skills. The Senior Harm Reduction Specialist also provides assistance with field coordination at mobile syringe service locations, assistance with operations related to field-based services, and team peer supervision.

Mobile services are conducted utilizing a team-based, harm reduction approach that supports the client in identifying their own goals around substance use and safer sex. While some clients choose abstinence as a goal, others may choose to reduce their use, or to use or engage in sexual practices more safely. We support clients who are actively using, those who use occasionally, and those who are in recovery. While candidates should possess and be ready to offer a plethora of knowledge on safer sex and substance use practices, an understanding motivational interviewing is of critical importance to this work.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

The following duties are mandatory requirements of the job:

Field Operations

Responsible for overseeing and coordinating SEP operations to include: 

□   Working with the Program Director, coordinate outreach and mobile syringe service shifts, lunch breaks, and delivery of services in an effective and safe manner.

□    Communicate of 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 challenges with management in regard to the any issues with the site of service.

□    Drive agency vehicle for the SEP program to field locations as assigned.

□    Maintain knowledge of vehicle maintenance and upkeep, including timely reporting to supervisor of any problems with the vehicle (i.e. leaks, oil, break flasher)

□    On days when the driving the vehicle, complete daily vehicle logs.

□    Return vehicle to parking lot with no less than ½ of tank, ensuring that gas is filled at the end of the shift.

□    Perform general weekly inspection of vehicles to ensure lights, appliances, etc. are properly functioning.

□    Ensure vehicles are routinely cleaned and presentable. Maintain cleaning supplies in the vehicles and in the parking lot to ensure these tasks can be completed by staff.

□    Ensure vehicles are stocked with program paperwork that is up to date to ensure smooth service delivery.

Syringe Access Services

□    Assist the Program Director, Syringe Access Services in working with community members, CBOs, the local NYPD precinct, and others in our catchment areas around harm reduction education, overdose prevention, and informational/educational sessions aimed at increasing access to safer syringe disposal and access to harm reduction services.

□    Conduct intakes and develop brief service plans in collaboration with the client. 

□    Make referrals as needed to primary care, mental health services, HIV/HCV/STI testing services, drug treatment and detoxification programs, case management, housing services, food pantry, benefits, emergency needs and other services. 

□    Support syringe exchange services in accordance with state, city, and agency regulations that include monitoring disposal of used syringes; distributing safer injection supplies; adhering to needle stick prevention guidelines; and providing HCV education, overdose education, and buprenorphine education.

□    Provide community members and participants with information on harm reduction and substance use treatment services available. 

□    Distribute harm reduction materials including safer sex kits, educational literature, and brochures.

□    Conduct overdose prevention training with clients and the community, including the dispensing of naloxone.

□    Complete all data entry into eSHARE and AIRS for individual services completed; assist the team in data entry related to deliverables completed by IHR peers.

□    Ensure the maintenance of appropriate, accurate, and clear documentation of all SEP, outreach, education, and escort activities.

□    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. 

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 SEP and PDSE 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.

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 as need it.