Harm Reduction Manager

Wellness Equity Alliance; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 73,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Paid time off

EAP & wellness resources

Job summary

Wellness Equity Alliance is seeking a mission-driven Harm Reduction Manager for its Street Medicine Program. The role leads field operations, oversees outreach staff, and ensures services follow evidence-based, participant-centered practices in outdoor and encampment settings.

This full-time, in-person position requires building trust with participants, coordinating with clinical teams, and maintaining compliance with public health guidelines while advancing health equity in our service area.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years in harm reduction, street medicine, or related field, with 1–2 years in supervision.
• Knowledge of harm reduction principles, overdose prevention, trauma-informed care.
• Current CPR/First Aid and naloxone certification, or willingness to obtain within 30 days.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel between outreach sites.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day harm reduction operations in field settings.
• Supervise harm reduction outreach workers, peers, and volunteers.
• Develop protocols aligned with best practices and regulations.
• Track program metrics and report to funders.

Skills

Harm reduction

Street medicine

Supervisory experience

CPR/First Aid

Naloxone knowledge

Driver's license

Crisis management

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree (Public Health or related)

Tools

HMIS

Job description

About Wellness Equity Alliance

Wellness Equity Alliance is a national multidisciplinary health organization that designs and delivers integrated, community-based care for populations most impacted by health inequities. We do this through mobile and field-based models, providing medical care, behavioral health services, substance use treatment, harm reduction, and care coordination in nontraditional settings such as encampments, schools, reentry sites, and rural communities, as well as with sovereign tribal nations. Grounded in trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and data-driven practices, WEA combines clinical expertise, lived experience, and advanced population health analytics to reduce barriers to care, improve continuity, and strengthen local systems. We have partnered with more than 60 public agencies, managed care plans, and community-based organizations across the U.S. to implement scalable, sustainable programs that are advancing health equity and improving outcomes for historically marginalized populations.

Description

Wellness Equity Alliance is a national multidisciplinary health organization that designs and delivers integrated, community-based care for populations most impacted by health inequities. We do this through mobile and field-based models, providing medical care, behavioral health services, substance use treatment, harm reduction, and care coordination in nontraditional settings such as encampments, schools, reentry sites, and rural communities, as well as with sovereign tribal nations. Grounded in trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and data-driven practices, WEA combines clinical expertise, lived experience, and advanced population health analytics to reduce barriers to care, improve continuity, and strengthen local systems. We have partnered with more than 60 public agencies, managed care plans, and community-based organizations across the U.S. to implement scalable, sustainable programs that are advancing health equity and improving outcomes for historically marginalized populations.

We are known as Renegades, Rebels, Disruptors, and Dreamers. If that sounds like you, we want you on our team.

About The Street Medicine Program

WEA’s Street Medicine Program brings low-barrier, trauma-informed medical and behavioral health care directly to people experiencing homelessness and housing instability. Our teams meet people where they are, on the streets, in encampments, and in other unsheltered settings, with dignity, autonomy, and harm reduction as core clinical and ethical principles.

Position Summary

WEA is seeking an experienced, mission-driven Harm Reduction Manager to lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of harm reduction services within our Street Medicine Program. This hands‑on leader works in the field alongside outreach and clinical teams, builds trust with participants, supervises harm reduction staff, and ensures services are delivered with fidelity to evidence-based, participant-centered practice.

This is a full‑time, 100% in‑person role. Field and community presence is a core function of the job, not a periodic requirement.

What You’ll Do

Program Leadership and Direct Service

• Lead day‑to‑day harm reduction operations, including syringe services, naloxone distribution and overdose prevention education, wound care referrals, and safer use supplies and education.
• Provide hands‑on harm reduction services and support to participants in outdoor, encampment, and mobile clinic settings.
• Build authentic, trusting relationships with participants using a non‑judgmental, person‑first approach.
• Respond to overdose events and medical emergencies in the field in coordination with clinical staff.

Team Supervision and Development

• Supervise, mentor, and schedule harm reduction outreach workers, peer support specialists, and volunteers.
• Conduct regular field observations, coaching sessions, and performance reviews.
• Facilitate ongoing staff training in harm reduction philosophy, overdose response, de‑escalation, trauma‑informed care, and cultural humility.
• Foster a supportive team culture that prioritizes staff wellness and prevents burnout in demanding field conditions.

Program Development and Compliance

• Design and refine harm reduction protocols aligned with best practices, local and state regulations, and funder requirements.
• Track and report program metrics (naloxone distribution, overdose reversals, referrals to treatment and housing, participant engagement) for internal and grant reporting.
• Ensure compliance with syringe services program (SSP) regulations and applicable public health guidelines.
• Manage inventory and supply chain for harm reduction materials, including naloxone, syringes, wound care kits, and fentanyl test strips.

Partnerships and Community Engagement

• Serve as liaison with local health departments, hospitals, shelters, law enforcement (as appropriate), and community organizations.
• Represent WEA at community meetings, coalitions, and public health forums related to harm reduction and homelessness.
• Identify service gaps and build referral pathways to housing, behavioral health, and medical care.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in harm reduction, street medicine, public health, or a related direct‑service field, including at least 1–2 years in a supervisory or lead role.
• Demonstrated knowledge of harm reduction principles, substance use disorder, overdose prevention, and trauma‑informed care.
• Current CPR/First Aid and naloxone administration certification, or willingness to obtain within 30 days of hire.
• Valid driver's license, current auto insurance, and the ability to operate agency vehicles to travel between outreach sites throughout the service area.
• Strong communication, organizational, and crisis‑management skills.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries while working with highly vulnerable populations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Lived experience with substance use, homelessness, or harm reduction services is strongly valued.
• Bachelor's degree in Public Health, Social Work, Nursing, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Bilingual or multilingual ability.
• Experience with grant reporting, HMIS, or public health data systems.
• Familiarity with the local homeless services system and Coordinated Entry.

Physical Requirements And Work Environment

• Walking and standing for extended periods (up to several hours) on varied outdoor terrain and in all weather conditions.
• Lifting and carrying supplies up to 25–30 lbs.
• Working in encampments, vehicles, and other non‑clinical field environments.

Compensation And Benefits

Pay Range: $72,800 – $83,200 annually. Final offer is based on experience, qualifications, and internal equity.

Benefits Include

• Employer‑subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off, sick leave, and paid holidays
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and wellness resources