Harm Reduction Specialist & Care Advocate

Berkshire Health Systems • Pittsfield, MA

20h

About The Position

The Harm Reduction Specialist & Care Navigator works as part of a team to provide outreach and education to individuals who use drugs. Strategies include overdose prevention education and naloxone distribution, safer injection education, basic wound assessment and care, distribution of syringes and safer injection supplies within a harm reduction framework, and risk-reduction education related to the transmission of HIV, Hepatitis C, and other STIs.

The position serves as a low-threshold, trauma-informed, non-stigmatizing bridge between Berkshire Harm Reduction, BHS hospitals and outpatient services, substance use disorder treatment, pain management, and community-based resources. The role supports participants with healthcare navigation, care coordination, advocacy, referral follow-up, and addressing barriers to care. The specialist respects participant autonomy, self-determination, and readiness for change while promoting health, dignity, and equitable access to services. Flexible hours are needed to meet weekend community needs and may include early evening hours.

Requirements

• Knowledge of harm reduction principles and practices.
• Experience with substance use disorder.
• At least 2 years of direct service experience in harm reduction, peer support, healthcare navigation, substance use disorder services, or a related human service setting is preferred.
• High school diploma required.
• Must complete all mandatory training required by DPH and BMC.
• Valid driver's license.
• BLS Certification within the first three months of hiring.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, collaborate in an interdisciplinary healthcare setting, follow system protocols to achieve a common goal, and adapt to change.
• Strong attention to detail, prioritization, organization, and multitasking skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively and respectfully with participants and co-workers, orally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality in accordance with practice, state, and federal regulations.
• Deep understanding of harm reduction philosophy, MOUD modalities, and trauma-informed care.
• Familiarity with chronic pain management challenges, particularly stigma and health-system barriers experienced by individuals who use drugs.
• Proficiency in Microsoft-based computer skills.

Nice To Haves

• Associate’s degree in social work, Public Health, or Human Services.
• At least 2 years of direct service experience in harm reduction, peer support, healthcare navigation, substance use disorder services, or a related human service setting.

Responsibilities

• Provide outreach and education to individuals who use drugs.
• Provide overdose prevention education and distribute naloxone.
• Provide safer injection education and distribute syringes and safer injection supplies within a harm reduction framework.
• Perform basic wound assessment and care.
• Provide risk-reduction education related to the transmission of HIV, Hepatitis C, and other STIs.
• Serve as a low-threshold, trauma-informed, non-stigmatizing bridge between Berkshire Harm Reduction, BHS hospitals and outpatient services, substance use disorder treatment, pain management, and community-based resources.
• Support participants with healthcare navigation, care coordination, advocacy, referral follow-up, and barriers to care.
• Respect participant autonomy, self-determination, and readiness for change while promoting health, dignity, and equitable access to services.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: High school or GED