Harm Reduction Specialist

Hyacinth AIDS Foundation Inc.; Trenton (NJ); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

A nonprofit health organization in Trenton is seeking a Harm Reduction Specialist to drive outreach efforts in Mercer County. Responsibilities include conducting assessments, providing education on safer injection practices, and coordinating services for individuals in need. Candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, strong communication skills, and a commitment to the organization’s philosophy. Fluency in Spanish is a plus. Join a committed team in positively impacting the community.

Qualifications

• Commitment to Hyacinth philosophy.
• Ability to observe established administrative procedures.
• Document all referrals and track all outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Drive mobile van to scheduled locations.
• Conduct assessments of need for services.
• Provide education on syringe use and disposal.
• Complete and maintain data collection in NJHIV database.
• Coordinate service delivery with community providers.

Skills

Fluency in Spanish

Ability to work with diverse backgrounds

Proficiency in written and verbal communications

Education

Bachelor's degree in HIV/AIDS education or related field

Tools

Valid driver's license

Job description

Hyacinth AIDS Foundation

Harm Reduction Specialist

Duties include but are not limited to the following:

• Drive mobile van to specific locations in Mercer County as scheduled.
• Ensure mobile van is properly stocked with supplies daily.
• Conduct an assessment of need, which includes type of drug use and number of injections daily/weekly.
• Complete and maintain data collection as required.
• Network with community providers and coordinate service delivery.
• Provide education on proper syringe use and disposal/educational materials, referrals to drug treatment services, Harm Reduction Health nurse services and medical and/or mental health services.
• Track number of returned syringes and address barriers with participants.
• Provide syringes and all the other materials needed for safer injection.
• Provide information regarding transmission and treatment of HIV and other blood borne pathogens and sexually transmitted diseases.
• Conduct audits of program supplies and ensure that supplies are securely locked.
• Follow guidelines for proper medical waste disposal and protocols for blood borne pathogens.
• Conduct outreach to the substance users in the high risk communities. These communitities include women and men who are IDUs and those who engage in substance use.
• Street Outreach will be conducted in at least teams of two in identified high risk areas.
• Outreach will be provided to service providers in the area to introduce Syringe Access Program and Harm Reduction Health services.
• Provide relevant literature to clients and members of the community. Engage in dialogue pertaining to risk behaviors, harm reduction and testing options for HIV, Hepatitis and STIs and availability of PrEP. Identify obstacles for the provision of services and assist with referrals.
• Document all referrals and track all outcomes in the Referral Log Book and NJHIV database.
• Actively seek and identify individuals or groups requiring the agency's services.
• Ensure confidentiality of all records.
• Prepare monthly reports in accordance with agency policies and procedures.
• Establish, maintain and update client case records using approved agency forms and procedures.
• Enter data into NJHIV database.
• Complete Harm Reduction Sessions with IDUs as per Attachment C.
• Document all incentives provided on Incentive Logs.

Requirements

• Attend and participate in staff meetings and special events.
• Observe established administrative procedures.
• Provide written reports as required.
• Attend and participate in staff training opportunities.
• Adhere to Hyacinth policies and procedures including Client confidentiality provisions

Qualifications

• Commitment to Hyacinth philosophy
• Fluency in Spanish is a plus
• Demonstrated ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds and interests.
• Bachelor's degree plus one year experience in HIV/AIDS, education or related field. A candidate who has no degree but seems exceptionally suitable will be considered if he/she can demonstrate additional years of relevant experience in exchange for the educational requirement.
• Proficiency in written and verbal communications.
• Valid driver's license with an insurable abstract.

The Hyacinth AIDS Foundation is an Equal Opportunity / Affinitive Action Employer and will consider all qualified applicants without regard to sex, race, creed or religion, color, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, or veteran, sexual orientation or marital status