Harm Reduction Specialist & Care Advocate

Berkshire Health Systems • Pittsfield, MA

23h

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. The role supports 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 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. It 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.

Flexibility is needed to help with community weekend events and early evening hours to meet department needs.

Requirements

• Knowledge of harm reduction principles and practices.
• Experience with substance use disorder.
• High school diploma required.
• Complete all mandatory training required by DPH and BMC.
• Valid driver's license.
• Obtain 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, and adapt to change.
• Strong attention to detail, prioritization, organization, and multitasking skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively and respectfully with participants and coworkers 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, including stigma and health-system barriers experienced by individuals who use drugs.
• Proficiency in Microsoft-based computer skills.

Nice To Haves

• 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.
• Associate’s degree in social work, Public Health, or Human Services.

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.
• Conduct basic wound assessment and care.
• Provide risk-reduction education related to transmission of HIV, Hepatitis C, and other STIs.
• Connect participants with Berkshire Harm Reduction, BHS hospitals and outpatient services, substance use disorder treatment, pain management, and community-based resources.
• Support healthcare navigation, care coordination, advocacy, referral follow-up, and addressing barriers to care.
• Respect participant autonomy, self-determination, and readiness for change while promoting health, dignity, and equitable access to services.
• Help with community weekend events and early evening department needs.

What This Job Offers

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