Harm Reduction Specialist (Framingham)

Harm Reduction Specialist (Framingham)

17 May 2024
Massachusetts, Worcester / central MA 00000 Worcester / central MA USA

Harm Reduction Specialist (Framingham)

Vacancy expired!

RISE is a division of JRI Health that provides services to people in the Metro West area, Framingham. Our services include free confidential HIV counseling, testing and referrals, STI and Hepatitis testing, HIV Case Management, Housing Search & Advocacy, Peer Support Services, LGBT services, Overdose Prevention and Education, Needle Exchange, community education programs on HIV, STIs, viral Hepatitis, harm reduction, and LGBTQ cultural competency.

Under the direction of the Program Manager of Overdose and Harm Reduction Services at Program RISE, this individual will provide services to people who inject drugs or people in recovery, provide one-on-one needle/syringe exchange, overdose prevention, outreach, crisis counseling, supported referrals to substance abuse programs, naloxone enrollment, and HIV, STI and Viral Hepatitis Screening in the Framingham and surrounding areas.

Primary Responsibilities and Duties:

Conduct Needle/Syringe exchange according to JRI Syringe Exchange Policies and Procedures, providing clean and sterile needles to people who inject drugs.

Conduct street-level outreach activities to people who inject drugs in areas or neighborhoods identified as high-risk or high-need within MetroWest area.

Distribute safer sex, overdose prevention, and injection supplies to PWID. Collect used syringes for safe disposal.

Provide HIV, STI, and Viral Hepatitis testing and counseling, including phlebotomy, through CTR (Counseling, Testing and Referral) services according to the guidelines set by CDC and MDPH (will train) and will complete appropriate documentation, charting, and laboratory shipping.

Identify clients in need and provide appropriate referrals, including assisting clients with accessing support services such as substance use treatment, homeless shelters, syringe exchange, OD prevention and Naloxone, PrEP, treatment for HIV, HCV, and STIs, and other services as needed.

Provide written and verbal harm reduction information on safer injection strategies, vein and abscess care, overdose prevention and HIV, STI and Hepatitis transmission to program participants and area providers. Provide appropriate referrals

Provide training on overdose prevention and naloxone to active users, their allies and other service providers.

Collaborate with community agencies and service providers and assist in local and state advocacy efforts to increase access to needle/syringe exchange, naloxone, and access to syringe disposal, and to identify areas where outreach may be needed.

Develop peer educators in target populations, and support selected educators with on-going contact.

Participate in advisory committees, external meetings, and other educator and outreach worker networking and professional development opportunities.

Collect program and client-level data, documenting various aspects of the engagement in needle/syringe exchange, Naloxone, and testing services. Submit all required documentation to the program coordinator in a timely fashion.

Remain current and informed regarding issues of substance use, overdose prevention, naloxone, substance abuse programs, HIV/AIDS, STI, Viral Hepatitis, LGBTQ+ issues, and harm reduction options counseling, and other communicable diseases. Attend all assigned DPH and BSAS trainings and meetings.

Attend Clinical Supervision once a month, and administrative supervision regularly.

Participate in all required quality assurance activities.

Attend and participate in meetings and trainings as requested.

Participate in daily drop-in including opening and closing procedures to help ensure facilities are clean, safe and welcoming.

Conduct activities related to building and maintaining partnerships with local first responders and conduct community advocacy

Assist Overdose and Harm Reduction Manager in program development and evaluation

Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Strong knowledge of harm reduction, syringe services, naloxone, and opioid overdose prevention strategies.

Two years experience in HIV/AIDS, STI and Viral Hepatitis, or related field.

Experience working with diverse populations.

Two years experience counseling or health education.

Able to pass CORI check.

Ability to work some nights and weekends.

Cultural sensitivity and knowledge of diverse active user population, including Black, Hispanic, LGBTQ+ and communities of different cultures.

Bachelors degree in related field. Significant experience may be substituted for education.

General knowledge of health promotion and HIV, STI and Viral Hepatitis prevention strategies

General knowledge and understanding of the evidence-based intervention (behavioral risk assessment); Will train.

Willing to learn phlebotomy.

Excellent counseling and communication skills.

Substance abuse and Communicable diseases certificate or training preferred.

Valid drivers license and personal transportation required.

Self-directed, motivated and flexible with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Ability to manage multiple tasks and responsibilities

TO APPLY

Send cover letter and resume attached as MS Word or PDF files. In the subject line put Harm Reduction Specialist. Applicants will be contacted if a potential match is identified.

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