Harm Reduction Specialist, IMT

Community Access • Bronx, NY

12d

About The Position

The IMT Harm Reduction Specialist is an integral part of a multi-disciplinary team of mental health clinicians. The Specialist is a team member responsible for engaging participants through harm reduction strategies including motivational interviewing and stage-wise interventions that target an individual’s readiness for change. The Harm Reduction Specialist is the team member responsible for helping the team stay grounded in harm reduction philosophy and strategies such as the use of radical acceptance, person-centered engagement, uplifting self-determination, offering low-threshold services, maximizing options, using both Peer-informed and trauma-informed approaches, and uplifting human rights. The Harm Reduction Specialist brings a specific social justice lens to this work. The Harm Reduction Specialist is also a resource to other team members in issues related to mental health and co-occurring substance use. The Harm Reduction Specialist should be able to use and share a harm reduction lens and approach when working with participants who may be engaging in potentially risky behaviors related to drug use, sex work, psychiatric medications, Diabetes, homelessness, carceral systems, etc.

Requirements

• Have an understanding, appreciation, and commitment to the philosophy and mission of Community Access.
• Commitment to person-centered treatment strategies, upholding participants’ rights, and self-determination in service provision.
• Minimum of Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Mental Health Counseling, Criminal Justice or other Health and Human Services related field; LMSW preferred
• Minimum of two (2) years’ experience working with individuals with a mental health condition with co-occurring substance use disorder.
• Available to work a flexible schedule, mornings, evenings and weekends in response to participant needs.
• Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines.
• Be creative and flexible.
• Able to show initiative and be responsible for follow-through.
• Ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Be skilled in conflict mediation/negotiation and have an assertive approach to problem solving.
• Must be able to work in the community, including use of public transportation across the boroughs.
• Computer proficiency in Windows operating systems and programs, such as MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, as well as comfort with learning new electronic systems.
• Must be fingerprinted and cleared by the New York State Justice Center.

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual Spanish-speaking, preferred.
• Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Complete required assessments and evaluations as needed on a rotating schedule; assigned assessments are completed on time.
• Complete progress notes for all contacts, collaterals, and engagement attempts within 2 business days.
• Maintain harm reduction toolbox inventory, submit OOPP reports on time, and regularly attend agency Harm Reduction Committee meetings.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees