Bilingual Outreach Specialist (Spanish)

FENWAY HEALTH•Cambridge, MA

11h•$23 - $26•Hybrid

About The Position

Fenway Health’s Department of Prevention aims to tackle the issue of dramatic surges in opioid-related overdose fatalities in BIPOC and Latinx communities, where many people who use drugs (PWUD) are underserved by harm reduction services. This role will conduct culturally competent street and mobile outreach for active injection drug users in high-need areas of Cambridge, Boston, and Somerville. The specialist will also conduct rapid HIV/HCV/STI testing, provide overdose prevention trainings, and offer on-site health education.

Requirements

Minimum two-years relevant work experience (a Bachelor’s degree plus relevant experience may substitute).
Knowledge of and commitment to practice harm reduction in all interactions and program planning.
Fluency in Spanish.
Experienced in conducting street and mobile outreach with at-risk populations.
Strong organizational, interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
Previous experience with data collection and entry.
Self-directed, motivated, and flexible with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Significant knowledge of health-related issues faced by injection drug users, including awareness of injection drug user networks, norms, and culture.
Current valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and a minimum of 1 year driving experience.
Ability to provide rapid HIV testing using a finger-stick test and/or willingness to learn phlebotomy skills.
Experience in crisis intervention.
Demonstrated ability to work respectfully and effectively with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience implementing support groups and trainings.
Familiarity with electronic databases.
CPR certification or willingness to be trained.

Responsibilities

Conduct street and mobile outreach activities with active drug users in high-risk or high-need areas within program catchment areas (East Somerville, Roxbury, Jamaica Plain, Cambridge).
Distribute safer sex, overdose prevention, and injection supplies to people who use drugs (PWUD) and collect used syringes for safe disposal.
Provide written and verbal harm reduction information on safer injection strategies, vein and abscess care, overdose prevention, and HIV, STD, and Hepatitis transmission. Provide appropriate referrals.
Provide practical interventions relating to injection site issues, including advice for basic wound and/or abscess care.
Break down language barriers by providing interventions in Spanish, Haitian Creole, or Portuguese.
Conduct rapid testing for HIV, provide screening and risk reduction sessions, and offer education and referrals.
Provide training on overdose prevention and naloxone (Narcan) to active users, their allies, and other service providers.
Provide clients with accessible, low-threshold services within the harm reduction framework, assisting with access to support services (primary care, drug treatment, homeless shelters, legal advocacy) and enrollment in syringe exchange and overdose prevention services.
Participate in daily drop-in operations, including opening and closing procedures, to ensure facilities are clean, safe, and welcoming.
Conduct activities related to building and maintaining partnerships with community partners and engage in community advocacy.
Assist Program Manager in program development and evaluation.
Assist Program Manager in vehicle maintenance.
Respond to overdose and behavioral health crises as necessary.
Attend and participate in departmental, collaborator, and funder meetings and trainings.
Gain Overdose Prevention Master Trainer designation from funders.
Assist Outreach Coordinator in training and certification of new staff to conduct overdose prevention trainings.
Assist Outreach Coordinator in maintaining Narcan distribution to community partners.
Meet agency participatory expectations.
Adhere to all agency and departmental policies and procedures.
Participate in quality assessment and improvement activities as requested.
Adhere to the highest principles of client confidentiality.
Adhere to established safety policies, procedures, and precautions; enforce agency’s policies and clinical procedures, including safety and crisis procedures.
Attend all required meetings, in-services, and professional trainings.
Maintain professional competence necessary to perform job responsibilities; maintain and provide agency with records of continuing education activities.
Perform related duties and projects as assigned.