Community Engagement Specialist

HEALTH FEDERATION OF PHILADELPHIA•Philadelphia, PA

1d•$55,000 - $55,000

About The Position

The Philadelphia Department of Public Health’s Division of Substance Use Prevention and Harm Reduction (SUPHR) is working to increase harm reduction resources and training in neighborhoods that have been most affected by substance use and overdose. The person filling this position will work to build relationships with a variety of neighborhood organizations, including but not limited to religious organizations, neighborhood associations, local business, and other community groups. The Community Engagement Specialist will interact directly with individuals who may have a stigmatizing view of substance use, as well as those in active addiction or individuals who use substances recreationally. This person must be able to train a diverse audience on overdose awareness and reversal.

Requirements

Completion of high school or equivalent degree and 3+ years community organizing and/or harm reduction work.
Knowledge of philosophy and practice of harm reduction.
Knowledge of the impact of drug use and overdose on communities of color in Philadelphia.
Sensitivity to and experience working with ethnically, culturally, socioeconomically, and sexually diverse individuals, communities, agencies, and organizations.
Excellent oral communication skills.
Ability to analyze and think critically to apply reasonable judgment and problem-solving skills.
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds. Experience working with health and prevention services agencies.
Excellent organizational skills.
Ability to work as part of a team, to prioritize and handle multiple tasks, and to work independently in a high-pressure environment.
Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with persons contacted in the course of work.
Knowledge of neighborhoods in Southwest, West, Northwest or North Philadelphia or adjacent neighborhoods.

Responsibilities

Engage in outreach efforts to community members and organizations, such as community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, businesses, and social services organizations, with a focus in Black and Brown neighborhoods.
Maintain relationships and lines of communication with community members and organizations.
Serve as a liaison to community members and organizations and assist in responding to requests for harm reduction training, resources, and community outreach
Coordinate with appropriate partners to allocate space for projects.
Facilitate overdose awareness and reversal training and provide comprehensive train-the-trainer sessions, in coordinator with the Harm Reduction team as needed.
Build trust and connections within priority communities to increase access to harm reduction education and resources.
Assist in outreach efforts to people who use drugs, providing them with Narcan, Fentanyl Testing Strips and other harm reduction supplies and educational materials.
Focus community engagement within the priority zip codes: 19121, 19132, 19141, 19144, 19140, 19143, 19139, and 19133.
Maintain accurate records of distributed supplies, interactions and referrals in compliance with program reporting requirements.
Collect, enter and maintain community engagement data, and prepare monthly reports for Community Engagement Manager.
Collaboration with Street Outreach Team with outreach and other special events.
Support public health emergency response, including outreach and harm reduction activities during cold- and heat-related weather emergencies.
A valid driver’s license is required. This position requires regular operations of a departmental vehicle to perform job related duties.
Other duties as assigned.