Harm Reduction Outreach & Testing Specialist

Alliance for Living Inc; New London (CT); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

The Harm Reduction Prevention Specialist works within the Syringe Services Program at Alliance for Living to distribute safer drug-use supplies and provide harm-reduction education, including Narcan distribution and safer-use guidance.

The role also conducts HIV and HCV testing at AFL sites and in the community, records data for program evaluation, and coordinates with clinical staff to connect participants to care.

Qualifications

• Strong commitment to people who use drugs and at-risk populations.
• Extensive knowledge and practice of Harm Reduction.
• Lived experience with substance use preferred.
• Knowledge of HIV/AIDS prevention, testing, diagnosis, and treatment.
• Ability to build trust with participants and partners.
• Cross-cultural skills and time management.
• Reliable transportation and valid driver's license.
• Bi-lingual ability preferred.

Responsibilities

• Distribute sterile syringes and other safer injection equipment and promotes safe collection and disposal of used syringes.
• Provide education on HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, and overdose reversal, including distribution of Narcan.
• Conduct HIV and HCV Testing.
• Record all appropriate data for the SSP and HIV/HCV testing and enter data in the CT Department of Public Health database.
• Receive supplies and track inventory. Alert Director of reorder needs in a timely manner.
• Assemble safer use kits. Distribute kits to participants as well as fill/monitor vending machine stock, as needed.
• Complete referrals to community supports, as needed.
• Work in collaboration with clinical staff to ensure access to care and treatment.
• Attend all mandated internal and Dept. of Public Health trainings.
• Assist in the Harm Reduction Center, as needed.
• Other duties as required or requested.

Skills

Harm Reduction

Outreach

HIV Testing

Data Entry

Community Outreach

Tools

MS Office

CT Public Health Database

Job description

The Harm Reduction Prevention Specialist works within the Syringe Services Program at Alliance for Living to distribute safer drug-use supplies and provide harm-reduction education, including Narcan distribution and safer-use guidance.

The role also conducts HIV and HCV testing at AFL sites and in the community, records data for program evaluation, and coordinates with clinical staff to connect participants to care.