Harm Reduction Specialist

Colonial Group; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Clear Destination Inc. in lower Manhattan's South Strand Safe Haven seeks a Harm Reduction Specialist for Transitional Housing to support residents and help move them toward permanent housing.

You will coordinate in-house programs, work with Peer-Delivered Syringe Exchange, and provide overdose prevention training for staff and clients. This role partners with community Harm Reduction programs and requires developing safe-sex resources and treatment planning in collaboration with on-site

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree required.
• Two years of experience with homeless adults and substance abuse preferred.
• Experience with harm reduction and motivational interviewing strongly preferred.
• Valid driver’s license (NY, NJ, CT, or PA) preferred.
• Excellent writing and communication skills.
• Bilingual Spanish/English preferred.

Responsibilities

• Create and manage core Harm Reduction based curriculum at the Safe Haven.
• Liaise with external Harm Reduction partners to coordinate services.
• Coordinate and facilitate groups with clients.
• Assist leadership in trainings for staff on Harm Reduction practices.
• Ensure needle-stick prevention methods and disposal procedures are observed.
• Provide safer-sex resources and support with treatment planning including medications.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Harm reduction

Motivational interviewing

Communication skills

Bilingual Spanish/English

Microsoft Word

Excel

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Job description

Located in lower Manhattan, the South Strand Safe Haven is comprised of 106 beds for individuals who are not yet ready to transition into permanent housing, as well as those who may have struggled in other housing programs. The South Strand Safe Haven offers an alternative to life on the street: private, safe, clean, and affordable short-term accommodations. On-site case management and clinical services are available to meet the needs of its residents and to help those ready to move into secure permanent housing.

Reporting to the Assistant Program Director, the Harm Reduction Specialist for TRANSITIONAL HOUSING will be located at TRANSITIONAL HOUSING LOCATIONserving people experiencing homelessness (some with mental illness and/or substance use disorders) in order to assist the individual in the transitioning to permanent housing. Position responsibilities will include liaising with Peer-Delivered Syringe Exchange; Mobile Provider Syringe Exchange; developing, implementing, and facilitating in-house group programming; and providing and tracking opioid overdose prevention training for staff and clients. They will ensure safe sex education and materials are available to all residents. This individual will be expected to partner with appropriate Harm Reduction Service partners in the community that can provide services to the clients either at the SAFE HAVEN OR IN THE COMMUNITY.

This position’s hours are Monday-Friday 9:00am – 5:00pm with one late evening per week e.g. 11:00am – 7:00 pm; and it has a 35-hour work week

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Create and manage core Harm Reduction based curriculum at the SAFE HAVEN
• Liaise with external Harm Reduction based partners to help coordinate services
• Coordinate and facilitate groups with clients
• Assist program leadership in creatingtrainings for staff that ensure Harm Reduction practices are being taught and exercised by staff
• Ensure all staff are aware of needle stick prevention methods and agency policy and procedure around responding to needle sticks
• Ensure that there are adequate syringe disposal containers on site that are strategically located throughout the program site and will ensure that containers are emptied regularly
• Ensure there are always safer-sex resources available to clients that are accessible in common spaces
• Liaise with on-site psychiatric and primary care provider, to support treatment planning which includes medications aimed at reducing/eliminating alcohol use
• Perform other related duties as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Two years of experience working with homeless adults and substance abuse issues preferred
• Experience with harm reduction and motivational interviewing techniques strongly preferred
• Valid NY, NJ, CT, or PA driver’s license with a good driving record, as defined by Breaking Ground is preferred
• Excellent computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel and the ability to learn new programs
• Excellent writing and communication skills
• Bilingual Spanish/English is preferred