Role: Harm Reduction Specialist
Location: Bronx, NY 10459
Overview: Providing engagement and support services to program participants regarding drug and alcohol use, sexual health, and self-harm using a harm reduction model. Emphasis on meeting individuals where they are at and providing non-judgmental, non-coercive services and resources to individuals engaging in risky behaviors. Providing consultation, training, and support to program staff.
Core Principles: Participant s right to self-determination, respectful communication, clear professional boundaries, services that support recovery & healing consistent with nurturing participants cultural background, experience, identity, and values.
Job Functions/Duties:
- Using model of harm reduction, assess tenants need for services including outreach, counseling, education, referral, etc. and plan services accordingly.
- Develop and support strategies to meet the needs of individuals including those using drugs/alcohol, living with HIV/AIDS, involved in sex work/survival sex, living with diabetes, at risk for violence, etc.
- Participate in Harm Reduction Committee meetings, contribute to agency-wide projects to support the infusion of harm reduction throughout the organization.
- Provide training and education on harm reduction model, including HIV prevention strategies, for staff and participants.
- Provide service coordination to assigned program participants.
- Provide recovery-oriented support services and outreach to assigned participants.
- Develop and implement person-centered service plans determined by goals of participants, review progress and revise plans as needed.
- Maintain thorough, accurate, and timely documentation including interactions with participants, services provided, important information/events, and contacts with other agencies or service providers.
- Advocate for quality care from external service providers, educating providers on special issues or circumstances as needed.
- Ensure participants apartments are free from unsanitary conditions and/or safety hazards, offer feedback/teaching, demonstration, or hands-on intervention as needed.
- Maintain resources list and provide referrals for treatment for psychiatric disabilities, substance use, and health issues.
- Work with participants to identify vocational and educational goals and opportunities using assessment, support, and follow-up in collaboration with Education/Employment Coordinators.
- Conduct outreach to individuals not indicating goals or who are not engaged to offer services.
- Support and training on skills-building including assertiveness, self-advocacy, and socialization.
- Provide crisis intervention and conflict resolution as needed.
- Coordinate with operations staff for work orders needed on participants apartments.
- Provide coverage for non-assigned participants as needed.
Pay: $26.00 28.00/hour
Requirements:
- HS/Diploma minimum requirement, Bachelor s Degree highly preferred.
- 2+ years of experience working within a Harm Reduction Model required.
- Expertise/background in harm reduction and recovery-oriented services.
- Experience with counseling individuals with mental health/substance use issues.
- Skilled in conflict mediation/negotiation with an assertive approach to problem solving.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Case management experience a plus.
- MS Office experience (Word, Excel).
- Ability to maintain confidential information as related to the position.
Schedule: TBD
*Contract period starts at 13 weeks, potential for extension/goal of permanent conversion*