Harm Reduction Outreach Specialist

Harm Reduction Service and Outreach Specialist

Pay Rate: $24.75 per hr. Fully paid health insurance including Medical, Dental & Vision. Very generous Paid Time Off and 18 Paid Holidays!

Hours: Monday-Friday 10am-6:00pm. Position may include limited evening and weekend commitments.

Who is HRS? Harm Reduction Services is a small public health & HIV prevention focused nonprofit in Oak Park Sacramento. We were founded in 1993 to provide services grounded in the philosophy of “harm reduction” and currently provide syringe access services, Opiate overdose recognition and response trainings with free naloxone, HIV/HCV/STI testing, Ryan White Medical Case Management, We Care support group for HIV individuals, a free medical clinic in partnership with UC Davis School of Medicine and our ERA program provides AOD treatment linkage and navigation including case management. We also provide our services on mobile outreach throughout Sacramento County. All HRS services are free and confidential.

Harm Reduction Service and Outreach Specialist: This individual will work 40 hours per week as a syringe exchange specialist providing health related outreach services and appropriate resource referrals to participants both on outreach in the Sacramento Community (occasionally) and at our fixed site location in Oak Park Sacramento (primarily). The job requires outstanding customer service and direct work with clients who may use drugs, have mental health or other chronic conditions and/or difficulties; and interaction with public and private organizations.

Requirements include attending various trainings, including successfully completing the State Office of AIDS’ HIV test counselor certificate program (if not already certified).

Examples of Program Functions Required In this Position:

· Provide Syringe Exchange and Disposal Services as well as Risk Reduction and Health Education to clients that access services at our Harm Reduction Center as well as on outreach vehicles.

· Provide educational assistance and appropriate referrals to clients interested in alcohol and drug treatment including Detox, MAT (Methadone and Suboxone) and residential treatment.

· Assist individuals with community resource referrals such as health care and insurance, mental health, food access and shelter.

· Provide Overdose Recognition and Response Trainings (naloxone) to community members and program participants.

· Provide each individual that you encounter with compassion, dignity and respect.

· Conduct community outreach and clean-up around our site and with our outreach team to locations around Sacramento County.

· Perform data entry and collection on a regular basis.

· Stock all supplies and educational materials.

· Answer calls, relay messages and greet participants and guests.

· Perform HIV/HCV/STI testing and counseling with participants.

· Participate in community testing and outreach functions with team members.

· Provide Social Service/ Staffing Support at JVMC Free Student Run Outreach Medical Clinic.

· Participate in Trainings as requested.

· Valid Driver’s License and ability to drive a large vehicle such as an RV.

· Other duties as assigned.

Basic Requirements:
· Ability to develop relationships with clients and other providers is key to the program’s success.

· Valid Driver’s License and ability to drive a large vehicle such as an RV.

· Effective communication, problem solving skills, and experience dealing with diverse individuals and communities are a must. Possess the communication skills necessary to display client-centered, non-judgmental, respectful services to all clients. Ability to participate in planning and coordination meetings with others from the service community.

· Physical health that allows the employee to use public and private transportation, to walk distances up to 1 mile several times a day and work their assigned tasks for periods up to 8 hours per day with appropriate breaks. Duties may occasionally include lifting up to 40 pounds, climbing a flight of stairs and light cleaning of the office area.

· Literacy that allows the worker to complete record keeping forms necessary to the data collection and reporting associated with this project. Experience with data collection, entry and analysis that will allow the individual to complete and maintain data collection instruments and systems.

Desirable Characteristics:

Any of the following may contribute to an applicant’s qualification for this position:

· Experience (lived or otherwise) and knowledge of the culture and environmental issues significant to:

o People of color

o Immigrants who have the right to work in this country

o Low income families

o People who use drugs

o People involved with the criminal justice system

o People experiencing or previously experienced homelessness

o People with chronic severe illness

o Individuals experiencing mental health issues

o Poverty

o Structural violence

o People who engage in sex-work

o Cultural humility

o Historical Context of The Drug War

o Stigma

Preferred qualifications (but not required)

· Experience and/or knowledge involving case management, medical transport, community services, eligibility work, referral development and client advocacy .

· Effective communication ability in Spanish.

· Previously Certified as an HIV Test Counselor by the CA State Office of AIDS

Harm Reduction Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer that follows all required guidelines for fairness and non-discrimination in employment.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Please submit resume and cover letter through really.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $24.75 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person

Salary : $25