Public Health Specialist I

HRI Albany Division; New York (NY); On-site; USD 50,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Health Research, Inc. (HRI) seeks a Public Health Specialist I to contact overdose survivors, support PORT, and assist with client home visits in New York City. The role includes counseling, education, and referrals to health, housing, and treatment services.

The position requires extensive travel and on-site work across NY state. Ideal candidates hold a public health degree (or related) with relevant experience, including harm reduction practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public health or related field; OR an associate’s degree in a related field and two years of public health or health-related experience; OR four years of experience.
• Willingness to travel 75% or more.
• Experience with harm reduction approaches is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Contact overdose survivors and provide client navigation services.
• Support the Post Overdose Response Team (PORT) and assist with home visits in NYC.
• Counsel and educate participants; tailor messages based on risk behaviors.
• Refer clients to housing, health care, and addiction treatment services.
• Provide escorting and advocacy for clients as needed.
• Enter all interventions into the data tracking system.

Skills

Harm reduction

Counseling

Client navigation

Outreach

Education

Bachelor’s degree in public health

Associate’s degree + 2 years public health experience

Four years of experience in public health

Tools

Data tracking software

Job description

Applications to be submitted by November 16, 2026 Compensation Grade: P14 Compensation Details: Minimum: $56,025.00 - Maximum: $56,025.00 Annually Positions with a designated work location in New York City, Nassau, Rockland, Suffolk, or Westchester Counties will receive a $4,000 annual downstate adjustment (pro-rated for part-time positions).

Department (OHEHR) AI - AIDS Institute Job Description:

Responsibilities

The Public Health Specialist I will be responsible for contacting overdose survivors and providing client navigation services. The incumbent will support the Post Overdose Response Team (PORT) and will assist with client home visits within New York City. The incumbent will assist with counseling and education, assist with providing tailored messages to participants based on risk behaviors, and assist with referral to services and health care including but not limited to: suboxone, methadone, buprenorphine, drug treatment, housing, mental healthcare and medical care. The incumbent will provide escorting services and advocate for clients as necessary. All interventions, outreach and services provided will be entered into the data tracking program. This position requires over 75% travel. All work-related travel can be completed using public transportation.

Minimum Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in public health, or a related field; OR an associate’s degree in a related field and two years of experience in public health, human services or health related program/organization; OR four years of experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional experience providing direct services to individuals with a history of substance use using a harm reduction framework.
• Professional knowledge of illicit drug use, overdose, HIV, viral hepatitis, trauma and stigma as experienced by people who use drugs.
• Professional experience conducting post overdose interventions in home settings as well as street-based outreach.
• Professional knowledge of the informed consent process.
• Professional experience providing overdose prevention education and assisting individuals with overdose prevention planning.

Conditions of Employment

Grant funded position. Compliance with funding requirements such as time and effort reporting, grant deliverables, and contract deliverables, is required. Valid and unrestricted authorization to work in the U.S. is required. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Travel over 75% of the time will be required. All work-related travel can be completed using public transportation. The selected candidate must reside within a reasonable commuting distance of the official work location specified in the job posting and must also be located in or willing to relocate to one of the following states: New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Vermont, or Massachusetts, prior to hire. This position is fully onsite and does not allow telecommuting. HRI participates in the E-Verify Program.

Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer/Qualified Individuals with Disabilities/Qualified Protected Veterans www.healthresearch.org

About Health Research, Inc.

Join us in our mission to make a difference in public health and advance scientific research! At Health Research, Inc. (HRI), your work will contribute to meaningful change and innovation in the communities we serve! At HRI, we are on a mission to transform the health and well-being of the people of New York State through innovative partnerships and cutting-edge public health initiatives. As a dynamic non-profit organization, HRI plays a crucial role in advancing the strategic goals of the New York State Department of Health (DOH), Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center (RPCCC), and other health-related entities.

HRI offers a robust, comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees, including:

• Health, dental and vision insurance - Several comprehensive health insurance plans to choose from
• Flexible benefit accounts - Medical, dependent care, adoption assistance, parking and transit
• Generous paid time off - Paid federal and state holidays, paid sick, vacation and personal leave
• Tuition support - Assistance is available for individuals pursuing educational or training opportunities
• Retirement Benefits - HRI is a participating employer in the New York State and Local Retirement System and offers optional enrollment in the New York State Deferred Compensation Plan. HRI provides a postretirement Health Benefits Plan for qualified retirees to use towards health insurance premiums and eligible medical expenses
• Employee Assistance Program - Provides educational and wellness programs, training, and 24/7 confidential services to assist employees, both personally and professionally
• And so much more!

Work Location Expectations

At HRI, the nature of hybrid and onsite work varies by position. Some roles require full onsite presence, while others allow a hybrid schedule. Managers determine the specific telecommuting expectations for each role based on operational needs and job responsibilities. If designated as hybrid, you will divide your time between working remotely and reporting onsite. Regardless of telecommuting status, all HRI employees must live within a reasonable commuting distance of their official work location and must reside in one of the following states: New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, or Vermont. As the Executive Director of Health Research, Inc. (HRI), I would like to welcome you to HRI’s career page. HRI’s mission is to build a healthier future for New York State and beyond through the delivery of funding and program support to further public health and research programs in support of the New York State Department of Health, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center and other entities. This achievement is made possible through the recruitment of highly talented and qualified individuals. As an Equal Opportunity and Aff…

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on this site as a result of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodations by contacting HRI Human Resources at [e-mail] or [phone].