Harm Reduction Specialist

NORTH SHORE HEALTH PROJECT JOB DESCRIPTION

Title: Harm Reduction Specialist – Full Time

FLSA Status: Exempt

Responsible to: Dir, Asst Dir

The Harm Reduction Specialist, also known as - Health Educator or Harm Reductionist - will deliver high-quality harm reduction, prevention and screening services to drug users including needle exchange, HIV/HCV/STI testing, overdose prevention and individual and group level interventions aimed to reduce disease transmission, prevent overdose, and increase access to care and treatment. Phlebotomy experience/training a must. STRONG LGBTQ EMPATHY A PLUS

Role and Responsibilities

· Provide written and verbal harm reduction information on safer injection strategies, vein and abscess care, overdose prevention, sexual health and HIV, STI and Hepatitis transmission to program participants across sites

· Distribute sterile syringes and harm reduction materials according to MDPH protocols. This includes safely handling, storing and disposing of syringes and completion of all required paperwork and electronic data collection

· Provide clients with easily accessible and low threshold services that operate within the harm reduction framework. This includes assisting clients with accessing support services such as primary care, substance use and mental health treatment, homeless shelters, housing and legal advocacy

· Conduct HIV/HCV/STI on and offsite counseling, testing, screening and risk reduction sessions, provide education and referrals as necessary

· Conduct on and offsite trainings on Overdose Prevention and Naloxone Distribution to active opioid users, their friends, families and service providers

· Take the lead in daily operations including opening and closing procedures, managing clients in the drop-in center, to help ensure facilities are clean, safe and welcoming

· Serve as a first responder and administer Naloxone during an overdose that occurs at NSHP

· Conduct street level outreach and client engagement and recruitment initiatives

· Attend and participate in NSHP, collaborator and funder meetings and trainings

· Perform other duties as required

Qualifications and Education Requirements

· Significant knowledge of health-related social issues faced by injection drug users and the LGBTQ community

· Two years human services experience preferred

· Phlebotomy certification/experience/willingness to be trained in phlebotomy a must

· Commitment to harm reduction, knowledge of harm reduction strategies preferred.

· Previous experience conducting street level outreach with at-risk populations a plus

· Strong organizational, interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills

· Proficient in Microsoft office (and experience with electronic data collection preferred)

· Self-directed, motivated and flexible with the ability to work independently and as part of a team

· Ability to work some nights and weekends if necessary

· Driver’s License and working car

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $22.06 - $23.26 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Mileage reimbursement
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $22 - $23