Harm Reduction Specialist (107th Street)

Goddard Riverside Community Center; New York (NY); On-site; USD 53,600 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

Goddard Riverside Community Center in New York is seeking a Co-Occurring Use Disorder Specialist to work with tenants at Stephen Russo Residence. You will assess substance-use issues, provide counseling, and develop recovery plans within a harm-reduction framework.

The role involves coordinating with housing and healthcare providers, leading weekly groups, maintaining records, and helping residents access entitlements and permanent housing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; CASAC preferred.
• Prior experience in mental health, homelessness, or addiction preferred.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus.

Responsibilities

• Provide substance‑abuse assessment and counseling utilizing different recovery models and monitor medication intake.
• Maintain all necessary statistics and required documentation (assessments, psycho‑socials, service plans, progress notes).
• Track and maintain data outcome measures on tenants’ physical, mental, and behavioral health with a results‑oriented framework.
• Develop and maintain linkages to substance‑abuse treatment providers.
• Conduct weekly harm‑reduction and smoking cessation groups.
• Provide case management to a group of assigned clients and help them identify short‑ and long‑term treatment goals, including linkages to community programs (medical, psychiatric, drug‑treatment services).
• Assist clients in applying for and maintaining entitlements and in understanding and complying with building rules.

Skills

Microsoft Outlook

Excel

AWARDS

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Harm-reduction

Motivational interviewing

Trauma-informed care

Bilingual English/Spanish

Education

Bachelor’s degree

CASAC preferred

Tools

AWARDS

Job description

Job Location

107th Street Residence – New York, NY 10025

Salary

$53,600 – $57,000 per year

Organization Overview

The Goddard Riverside Community Center (Goddard Riverside) and the Stanley M. Isaacs Neighborhood Center (Isaacs Center) are well‑established Manhattan community‑based agencies that serve approximately 30,000 New Yorkers. They support children, youth and families, homeless individuals, and older adults throughout Manhattan and New York City.

Program

Stephen Russo Residence (W 107th Street) is a permanent supportive housing residence for formerly homeless adults with mental health and co‑occurring disorders. Services include case management, harm reduction, housing readiness, counseling, medical and psychiatric services, groups, recreation, and a 24‑hour front desk concierge.

Position Summary

The Co‑Occurring Use Disorder Specialist carries a caseload, assesses tenant substance‑abuse/dependence, and utilizes a harm‑reduction perspective and other recovery models to work with tenants toward their goals. The specialist also develops Harm Reduction/Relapse Prevention groups for tenants.

Schedule

Monday through Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm

Roles, Responsibilities and Essential Duties

• Provide substance‑abuse assessment and counseling utilizing different recovery models and monitor medication intake.
• Maintain all necessary statistics and required documentation (assessments, psycho‑socials, service plans, progress notes).
• Track and maintain data outcome measures on tenants’ physical, mental, and behavioral health with a results‑oriented framework.
• Develop and maintain linkages to substance‑abuse treatment providers.
• Conduct weekly harm‑reduction and smoking cessation groups.
• Provide case management to a group of assigned clients and help them identify short‑ and long‑term treatment goals, including linkages to community programs (medical, psychiatric, drug‑treatment services).
• Assist clients in applying for and maintaining entitlements and in understanding and complying with building rules.
• Assist clients with maintaining permanent housing (subsidies, room inspections, rental arrears, APS referrals as needed).
• Escort clients to doctors, entitlement offices, housing court, or other community services.
• Maintain case records with documentation of services provided and outcomes according to program policies and procedures.
• Collaborate with staff in other GRCC programs to coordinate client service.
• Encourage participation among resistant clients.
• Attend staff meetings, case conferences, training programs, and supervision meetings.
• Participate in planning and leading group activities.
• Collaborate to maintain an active resource directory.

Qualifications / Educational Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; CASAC preferred.
• Prior experience in mental health, homelessness, or addiction preferred.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

• Proficient with Microsoft Outlook and Excel.
• Able to use or learn computer databases such as AWARDS.
• Knowledge of substance‑abuse and recovery modalities.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Understanding of harm‑reduction model, motivational interviewing, trauma‑informed care, and other best practices.

Work Environment

Mostly indoor office with occasional community room during groups; regular visits to client on‑site apartments are also required.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The Goddard Riverside and Isaacs Center provide equal employment opportunities and support hiring a diverse team of qualified individuals.

Legal Notice

This job description is a representative summary of duties and responsibilities and is not a declaration of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be requested to perform job‑related tasks not specifically presented here. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Goddard Riverside and Isaacs Center provide equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.