Full job description

Summary

The Harm Reduction Specialist I delivers harm reduction-focused prevention education, navigation and testing services to vulnerable populations at the highest risk for HIV, STDs, Viral Hepatitis, and other communicable diseases. HRS I will conduct risk assessment, testing, overdose prevention, naloxone distribution, facilitation of syringe access and disposal, individual and group level interventions, and linkage to care/health navigation to reduce disease transmission and increase access to care and treatment in association with substance use disorder (SUD) prevention and referral

Role and Responsibilities

1. IMPLEMENTATION OF HARM REDUCTION OUTREACH AND NAVIGATION ACTIVITIES (70%):

a. Provide direct service care to fixed-site-based and mobile health program clients. This includes outreach, HIV/STI/VHP prevention education, risk assessment, HIV/STI/VHP screening, and linkage to care and treatment.

b. Provide written and verbal harm reduction information on safer injection strategies, vein and abscess care, overdose prevention, intramuscular/intranasal naloxone administration, sexual health, and HIV/STI/VHP transmission to at-risk clients.

c. Provide and disseminate harm reduction supplies such as condoms, lube, safer smoking and safer injection equipment, along with associated brochures/educational materials that are culturally appropriate and increase awareness of HIV/STI/VHP transmission, risk, and prevention strategies.

d. Provide easily accessible and low-threshold services within a harm reduction service planning and linkages to health, mental health, substance use disorder services, legal services, benefits establishment, transportation, basic needs (food, clothing, hygiene), crisis management, and transitioning housing.

e. Responsible for daily operations, including preparation and organization of harm reduction materials, transportation of outreach supplies, and opening set-up and closing-down procedures to ensure welcoming, safe, and clean outreach sites.

f. Conduct on-and-off-site training on overdose prevention for naloxone administration and distribution. This includes education/distribution of fentanyl test strips to active opioid users, their families, members of their social networks, and service providers.

2. ENSURE QUALITY CONTROL AND PERFORMANCE STANDARDS (20%):

a. Complete contract documentation tracking and reporting requirements.

b. Monitor and review case file documentation regularly in accordance with AADAP, Federal, State, and County standards.

c. Establish and maintain a professional rapport and harmonious relationships with clients, collaborating partner agencies/programs, and agency staff.

d. Represent the agency at meetings, trainings and other gatherings to promote agency efforts professionally.

e. Attend meetings and training to expand knowledge of SUD, HIV/STI/Hep C, other comorbidities, and related issues to remain current on new developments.

3. PERFORM OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED (10%):

a. Serve as a liaison with external agencies, institutions, community task forces, and support services as directed.

b. Support agency-wide promotional campaigns, information/education, and visibility activities.

Qualifications (Skills/ Knowledge and Abilities)

1. REQUIREMENTS:

a. Permanent resident or U.S. Citizen; proof of work eligibility upon hiring.

b. Valid California Drivers License and current automobile liability insurance.

c. Must have at least 1 year of recovery or a drug-free lifestyle as of the date of application.

d. Must be able to work with people of diverse cultural, educational, social, and economic backgrounds.

e. A recent physical examination and TB test are necessary upon hiring.

Preferred Skills

● BA Degree in Social Welfare, Psychology, or other related field with at least one year's job-related experience.

● Experience in harm reduction and SUD-related services.

● Experience in harm reduction SUD-related contracts.

General Requirements and Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA’s):

● Permanent resident or U.S. Citizen; proof of work eligibility upon hiring.

● Valid California Driver's License and current automobile liability insurance.

● Must have three (3) years of recovery or a drug-free lifestyle as of the date of the application.

● Must provide proof of complete vaccination and 1st Booster against COVID-19 upon hiring.

● Ability to get along well with others, be punctual, pleasant, and tactful with professional appearance and conduct.

● Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, coworkers, clients and their families, community organizations, and the general public.

● Ability to be culturally competent of age groups, gender identity, sexual orientation, spiritual beliefs, socioeconomic status, and diverse cultures.

Physical Requirements:

Moderate Duty

This class requires that the incumbent stand or walk most of the time with bending, stooping, squatting, twisting, reaching, working or irregular surfaces, occasional lifting of objects over 25 pounds, and frequent lifting of 10-25 pounds. Ascending and descending ladders and staircases will be more frequent. An example is that this position will frequently involve moving and organizing agency supplies.

AADAP, INC. IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND ADHERES TO HIRING PRACTICES IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL AND STATE REGULATIONS

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $24.43 - $25.67 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

401(k)
Dental insurance
Health insurance
Life insurance
Paid time off
Vision insurance

Work Location: In person