Harm Reduction Outreach Worker
About The Position
Under the direct supervision of the Harm Reduction Manager, the Harm Reduction Outreach worker will be accountable for assisting and supporting with the provision of harm reduction services. The harm reduction outreach worker will deliver high-quality, harm-reduction-focused prevention and screening services to populations at risk for HIV, STDs, and Hepatitis C. The position also assists with the creation and distribution of harm reduction supplies and other relevant resources as well as providing information and appropriate supports to clients accessing the harm reduction program.
Requirements
- Per OSHA requirements, employment at Ritter Center requires compliance with being able to produce a negative TB test prior to the start of employment, as well as being vaccinated against COVID-19 (unless applying for an exemption) per the August 5th, 2021, State Public Order for Healthcare Facilities, providers, and employees.
- High school degree or equivalent.
- Working knowledge of addiction and harm reduction principles.
- Knowledge of HCV/HIV/pathogens and infectious diseases.
- Work experience with a harm reduction and/or relevant community-based front-line program; values aligned with a harm reduction approach to service delivery.
- Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively listen and offer solutions without passing judgment.
- Ability to work from a sex positive, trauma-informed, anti-discrimination, and anti-oppressive approach.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and confidence in asserting and maintaining strong boundaries.
- Ability to listen actively and accurately, open to feedback and demonstrate a display of sensitivity to others.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills.
Nice To Haves
- Lived experience with drug use, homelessness or street-involvement is a considerable asset.
- Languages other than English are an asset.
Responsibilities
- Help to create and distribute harm reduction supplies (such as safer injection and inhalation supplies, naloxone kits, and condoms and lubes) to clients and encourage safer disposal of drug use equipment.
- Tracks and records supplies distributed and collected.
- Assists with stocking, organizing harm reduction inventory, risk reduction, and other relevant program supplies.
- Facilitate HIV/STI/Hepatitis prevention education, risk assessment, HIV/STI/VHP screening, linkage to care, and treatment.
- Provides clients with support, information, and referrals to harm reduction, overdose prevention, health, community, and drug treatment services (as appropriate) within and outside Ritter Center.
- Attend meetings, conferences, and trainings to expand knowledge of HIV/STI/Hep C, harm reduction, and other co-morbid conditions and related issues, and be current on new developments as required by supervisors.
- Establish rapport with unhoused and substance-using populations, creating an environment in which they can communicate their needs in a safe way.
- Maintain strong boundaries and the confidentiality of all client-identifying information.
- Perform other related work duties as needed or as required by supervisor or designee.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
Number of Employees
11-50 employees
