12/07/2021
Health Innovations
JOB TITLE: Harm Reduction Specialist
DEPARTMENT: Healthy Streets
LOCATION: North Shore Area
TYPE OF ASSIGNMENT: Full-time/32-40 hours
ANNUAL SALARY: $37,500-$41,600 BENEFIT ELIGIBLE: Yes
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
1. Bachelor of Arts (BA) from an accredited university or High School graduate with 2 years human service experience.
LICENSE(S) OR CERTIFICATION(S) REQUIRED:
1. Phlebotomy Certification/experience or willingness to be trained.
2. MDPH OHA Certifications or equivalent preferred.
EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
1. Prior experience in public health, community health center, harm reduction or infectious disease is preferred.
2. Experience with HIV, STI, Viral Hepatitis, substance abuse, opioid overdose and Naloxone and mental health issues strongly desired.
3. Familiarity with and commitment to Harm Reduction.
COMPUTER PROFICIENCY:
1. Experienced with Microsoft Office Suite.
2. Excellent data entry skills.
3. Experience with EHR/EMR.
SPECIAL SKILLS AND/OR ABILITIES:
1. Ability to speak Spanish is desirable, but not required.
2. Self-directed, motivated and flexible with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
3. Previous experience implementing support groups and trainings.
4. Strong organizational, interpersonal and communication (written and verbal) skills required.
5. Cultural and socioeconomic sensitivity in dealing with patients and staff of diverse backgrounds.
6. Ability to be flexible and work days, nights and weekends as required.
TRAVEL REQUIRED:
1. Valid Driver’s License and dependable means of transportation.
2. Ability to travel to statewide clinic sites, meetings, trainings.
3. Ability to travel to provide health navigation/medical escorting for patients as required.
BACKGROUND CHECK:
1. Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) background check required
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
1. The ability to lift and transfer materials up to 25 lbs. is required.
GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: Under the direct supervision of the Program Manager, the Harm Reduction Specialist will deliver high quality, harm reduction focused prevention and screening services to populations at risk for HIV, STDs and Hepatitis C including: risk assessment, testing, overdose prevention, Naloxone distribution, facilitation of syringe access and disposal, and individual and group level interventions, and linkage to care aimed at reducing disease transmission and increasing access to care and treatment as part of a multidisciplinary team. Position will be based in Lynn but requires statewide travel for outreach, mobile health clinics, syringe services, overdose prevention activities and patient health navigation.
TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Provide direct clinical care to program patients, including outreach, HIV/STI/VHP prevention education, risk assessment, HIV/STI/VHP screening, linkage to care/treatment, syringe services and overdose training.
2. Provide written and verbal harm reduction information on safer injection strategies, vein and abscess care, overdose prevention, Nasal Naloxone administration, sexual health and HIV/STI/Hepatitis transmission to at risk clients.
3. Provide and disseminate materials such as condoms, l**e, safer injection equipment, brochures, educational materials, etc. that is culturally appropriate and increases the patient’s level of awareness and understanding of HIV/STI/VHP transmission, risk and prevention strategies.
4. Provide clients with easily accessible and low threshold services that operate within a harm reduction framework.
5. Conduct on and off site trainings on overdose prevention and Naloxone distribution to active opioid users, their family, members of their social networks.
6. Serve as first responder and administer Naloxone during an overdose that may occur on or off site.
7. Take the lead in daily operations including opening and closing procedures to help ensure facilities are clean, safe and welcoming.
8. Coordinate supported referrals and linkage to care for at risk negative patients.
9. Coordinate supported referrals and linkage to care for HIV/STI/Hep C positive patients, whether newly diagnosed or out of care.
10. Work with collaborating partners and other providers, CBOs, ASOs and patients to deliver services and track completion of supported referrals and document status/progress in referral log.
11. Provide short-term case management and health navigation during transition period for those newly diagnosed or out of care as patient awaits linkage to care appointments.
12. Attend meetings, conferences and trainings to expand knowledge of HIV/STI/Hep C and other co-morbid conditions and related issues and be current on new developments as required by supervisors.
13. Complete all necessary paperwork, medical record documentation, and reporting requirements in a timely fashion.
14. Establish and maintain a good rapport and harmonious relationships with staff, patients, other program staff, collaborating partner agency/programs.
