Forensic Harm Reduction Specialist

The Bridge; New York (NY); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Bridge is seeking a Forensic Harm Reduction Specialist to provide supportive services for formerly homeless adults with serious mental illness and co-occurring substance use disorders, some with forensic backgrounds. You will deliver case management, benefits assistance, housing referrals, and community integration primarily in clients' homes and local settings.

Under supervision of the Program Director, you will educate on harm reduction, assist with navigating the justice system, and

Qualifications

• Master's degree preferred or bachelor's with justice-involved experience.
• Experience with justice-involved individuals and co-occurring disorders.
• Experience with mental health, crisis intervention, and trauma-informed care.
• Knowledge of AWARDS is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Provide case management, including benefits assistance and housing referrals.
• Provide psychoeducation on harm reduction and related health topics.
• Assist clients with navigating the criminal justice system and attend court with them.
• Assist with observing and educating about medication per OMH regulations.
• Create Service Plans and document in electronic records systems.
• Co-facilitate groups on harm reduction, reentry, wellness, and housing stability.
• Prepare for audits and ensure regulatory-compliant documentation.
• Provide crisis intervention as needed.

Skills

Mental health

Crisis intervention

Trauma-informed care

Time management

Teamwork

CPR/First Aid/Naloxone

Cultural sensitivity

Justice-involved experience

Education

Master's or Bachelor's degree

Job description

48-unit supportive housing program on the grounds of Bronx Psychiatric Center.

About the Role

Under the supervision of the Program Director the Forensic Harm Reduction Specialist will be responsible for providing supportive services to formerly homeless adults diagnosed with serious mental illness, some of which have a forensic background with co-occurring substance use disorders.

Responsibilities

• Provide case management, including benefits assistance, help complete housing applications, provide links to primary and behavioral health care in the community, and housing referrals to formerly homeless adults diagnosed with serious mental illness and/or substance abuse disorders. These services are primarily provided in the client’s apartment and in community settings.
• Provide psychoeducation to clients around harm reduction techniques pertaining to substance use, sexual reproductive health etc.
• Assist clients with navigating the criminal justice system including working with parole officers, attorneys, and legal aid. Provide escorts to court and other mandates as requested.
• Assist with observation and education regarding medication in accordance with OMH regulations.
• Assist in identifying strengths, needs, abilities, and goals and create related Service Plans in electronic client records system.
• Motivate clients to develop skills needed to maintain housing and compliance with legal obligations.
• Assist and encourage individuals to develop natural supports and include these supports in Service Plans and client-related meetings.
• Timely completion of required documentation for every client contact as per agency policy. Ensure documentation meets regulatory guidelines for level of care.
• Co-facilitate groups in areas including, but not limited to: harm reduction, reentry, wellness, leadership, housing, stability, employment and education, relationships, and healthy decision making.
• Assist in preparing program for audits.
• Provide crisis intervention, as necessary.
• Compliance with requirements, including facilitating appropriate admissions and discharges, maintaining census, documentation, and incident reporting.
• Liaise with other departments within The Bridge, including: Clinical Risk Management, Aging Services, Outpatient services, etc.
• Collaborate with community-based organizations around services and resources available to clients, including safe use centers, outpatient treatment, family planning/safe sex, etc.
• Ability to work with consumers/residents, families, and staff in a caring and respectful manner, and with due understanding of and consideration for cultural differences.
• Conduct apartment inspections on multiple floors, utilizing stairs.
• Provide escorts to clients throughout the community utilizing public transportation.
• Provide assistance and instruction to clients with maintaining their home environment in decent living condition.
• Immediately reports serious incidents, serious incident allegations, incidents, or sensitive situations to supervisors. Completes incident reports in accordance with Bridge policy.
• Accounts for consumers, performs diligent searches, and files missing person reports on consumers not accounted for in accordance with policy and procedure.
• Attends staff meetings, supervision, and trainings as required.
• Any other duties as may be assigned.

Qualifications

• Master's Degree preferred or Bachelor's Degree with experience working with justice-involved individuals with co-occurring substance abuse disorders.

Required Skills

• Experience working with mental health, substance abuse, crisis intervention, and managing trauma-triggered behavior.
• Excellent time management skills; stress-resistant, flexible; team player; open to feedback; creative; excellent organizational skills; willingness to perform CPR/First Aid/AED/Naloxone.
• Experience working with justice system-involved individuals.
• Preferred knowledge of AWARDS.

Hours

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Bridge is committed to diversity and inclusivity.