Harm Reduction Specialist (5722)

Center for Family Services; Camden (NJ); On-site; USD 31,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

Excellent PTO

401k

Medical insurance plan options

Prescription Insurance

Life Insurance

Flexible Spending Accounts

Health & Wellness Activities

Training & Professional Development

Advancement opportunities

Job summary

Center for Family Services in Camden, NJ is seeking a Harm Reduction Specialist who will engage individuals affected by substance use disorders through trauma-informed, harm-reduction approaches.

The role includes case management, risk-reduction education, and direct linkage to medical, behavioral health, and social services, collaborating with healthcare providers and partners to ensure continuous care and better health outcomes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a human services field is required.
• Minimum 2–3 years in behavioral health or related field.
• Minimum 1–2 years of management experience.
• Harm reduction, overdose prevention, and trauma-informed care knowledge.
• Experience with high-risk or justice-involved populations preferred.
• Knowledge of housing, healthcare, mental health, and social services systems.
• Ability to manage crisis situations and de-escalation.
• Strong documentation and clear written communication.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate daily program operations and onboarding activities.
• Provide harm-reduction engagement and community education.
• Conduct comprehensive life-domain assessments.
• Develop client-centered service plans with harm-reduction goals.
• Deliver overdose prevention education and naloxone training.
• Coordinate care with hospitals and community partners.
• Provide referrals to housing, food, medical and social services.
• Maintain compliant written communications.
• Monitor progress and adjust plans as needed.
• Collaborate with Harm Reduction Navigator for warm handoffs.
• Advocate for client needs and autonomy.
• Ensure compliance with funding, contracts, and policies.
• Participate in supervision, meetings, and program evaluation.
• Support data collection and quality improvement.
• Deliver services in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner.

Skills

Harm reduction principles

Trauma-informed care

Crisis management

Documentation

Communication

Advocacy

Interpersonal skills

Behavioral health knowledge

Program management

Cultural competence

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a Human Services-related field

Job description

Take advantage of our new sign-on bonus! Center for Family Services is a place where you can be part of a dynamic, top workplace team dedicated to improving lives. When you apply and get hired, you are eligible for a $500 sign-on bonus.

Location: Camden County, NJ

Job Type/Status: Full Time

Salary Range: $27.00 per hour

Position Summary

The Harm Reduction Specialist is responsible for engaging individuals impacted by substance use disorders through a harm reduction, trauma-informed approach. This position focuses on meeting individuals "where they are" by reducing the negative consequences associated with substance use while promoting pathways to overall wellness. The Specialist provides comprehensive case management, risk-reduction education, and direct linkage to medical, behavioral health, and social services. This role works collaboratively with healthcare providers, Specialists, and community partners to ensure continuity of care, reduce overdose risk, and improve health outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Serve in a coordinator capacity to support daily program operations, including assisting with workflow management, supporting onboarding and training of new staff, providing day-to-day guidance to team members, and helping to ensure coverage, communication, and task completion across the team; elevate staffing, performance, or operational concerns to the Program Supervisor as appropriate
• Provide harm reduction-focused engagement, education, and support to individuals in the community
• Conduct comprehensive assessments across life domains including housing, health, mental health, substance use, legal involvement, employment, and social support
• Develop individualized, client-centered service plans that incorporate harm reduction strategies and wellness goals
• Deliver overdose prevention education, including naloxone training and distribution in accordance with program guidelines
• Coordinate care with hospitals, healthcare providers, behavioral health agencies, and community partners to ensure seamless service delivery
• Provide linkage and referrals to essential services including housing, food assistance, medical care, and social support
• Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant written communication.
• Monitor client progress and adjust service plans as needed to reflect changing needs and goals
• Collaborate closely with Harm Reduction Navigator to provide warm handoffs and enhance engagement
• Advocate for client needs and support self-determination in decision-making and autonomy
• Ensure compliance with all funding requirements, contracts, and policies and procedures
• Participate in case reviews, supervision, team meetings, and agency-wide initiatives
• Support data collection, reporting, and program evaluation efforts
• Assist in identifying service gaps and contribute to program development and quality improvement
• Delivering services in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a Human Services-related field (Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, Public Health, or related discipline) required
• Minimum of 2–3 years of experience working in behavioral health or related field
• Minimum of 1-2 years of management experience
• Demonstrated knowledge of harm reduction principles, overdose prevention strategies, and trauma-informed care practices
• Experience working with high-risk, vulnerable, or justice-involved populations preferred
• Knowledge of community resources including housing, healthcare, mental health, and social services systems
• Ability to manage crisis situations, including overdose response and de-escalation
• Strong documentation skills and commitment to clear communication
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and advocacy skills

Driver's License Requirement

This position is designated as a non-driving role. A valid driver's license is not required, as the essential functions of this position do not include transporting members or operating a motor vehicle on behalf of the program.

Benefits

At the Center for Family Services our employees are our greatest resource and we are committed to investing in our staff. We offer a competitive benefits package as well as ongoing resources that will support staff on their personal and professional journey.*

• Excellent paid time off (PTO) program, including vacation, sick, personal, and holiday
• 401k Plan
• Medical insurance plan options
• Prescription Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Health & Wellness Activities
• Ongoing Training & Professional Development Opportunities
• Opportunity for advancement

About Employment at Center For Family Services

As part of our team, you will be recognized as our most valuable resource. Our staff balance best practices with personalized care. Together our team makes a positive difference in the lives of people in need. If you're interested in a rewarding career, Center For Family Services is a great place to grow as a professional. For more information about our top workplace, please visit Center For Family Services website at www.centerffs.org .

Disclaimer

Many positions require motor vehicle record evaluations and medical clearances. Center For Family Services is an equal opportunity employer offering competitive salaries and excellent benefits packages.