Harm Reduction Specialist

Breaking Ground; New York (NY); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Breaking Ground in New York City is searching for a Harm Reduction Specialist for its Transitional Housing program. This role entails assisting individuals experiencing homelessness, particularly with mental health and substance use issues, towards achieving permanent housing.

Candidates should possess a Bachelor’s Degree, excel in harm reduction techniques, and have experience with motivational interviewing. Responsibilities include creating educational curricula and coordinating services with external partners.

The position offers a structured schedule of Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, with some late evenings required.

Qualifications

• 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 preferred.

Responsibilities

• Create and manage core Harm Reduction based curriculum.
• Liaise with Harm Reduction partners to coordinate services.
• Coordinate and facilitate groups with clients.

Skills

Harm reduction techniques

Motivational interviewing

Communication skills

Microsoft Word proficiency

Microsoft Excel proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Job description

ABOUT US: - We believe that everyone deserves a home!

Breaking Ground operates nearly 4,000 units of housing across New York City, along with housing in upstate New York and Connecticut. Supportive housing – affordable housing paired with services designed to help people maintain their homes for the long-term – is widely recognized as a proven and cost-effective solution to chronic homelessness.

But we didn't stop at providing housing. Breaking Ground's programs and services help people experiencing street homelessness – especially those who have been on the streets the longest – to come indoors. Through our Street to Home outreach program and transitional housing resources, we help people get, and stay, on the path to a permanent home.

Located i n lower Manhattan , t he S outh Strand Safe Haven i s 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 S outh 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 – 7:00pm; 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 creating trainings 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