Harm Reduction Specialist (LEAD), Outreach & Engagement

St Catherine s Center for Children•Albany, NY

3d•$27 - $29•Hybrid

About The Position

The Harm Reduction Specialist will provide non-judgmental, person-centered support and education to individuals who are engaging in high risk behaviors such as substance use, sex work, theft and sleeping in places not intended for human habitation. This position focuses on preventing overdose and infectious disease transmission, promoting physical and mental health, and connecting participants to recovery and support resources. Working in collaboration with the LEAD outreach and engagement team, the Harm Reduction Specialists plays an essential role in the LEAD team as they are supporting individuals in managing their high-risk behaviors that impact themselves and the community they live in.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED equivalent is required; College highly preferred;
One year of experience in homeless services;
CRPA (Certified Peer Recovery Advocate) certification within 6 months of employment;
A Clean and Valid New York State Driver’s License (actively licensed at least one year) - is required;
Willing to provide Harm Reduction education, support and supplies to reduce risk to the client and community such as but not limited to safer-use supplies, safer-sex supplies, and provisions for people sleeping in places not intended for human habitation;
Comfortable working with and relating to culturally diverse and economically disadvantaged populations; while having the ability to exhibit empathy for those in need; supporting their growth and service plan goal achievement;
Demonstrated ability to work independently with clients as well as collaboratively as a team member;
Excellent organization, planning and time management skills; Ability to effectively manage (in a timely manner) the varied tasks of the position;
Proficiency in various computer applications: Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel), Google Business Suite (Gmail, Docs, Meets, Sheets), and use secure Internet practices;
Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times, stressful environment;
Self-motivated and engaged, with a strong attention to detail;
Excellent communication skills (written/verbal); Outstanding interpersonal skills with the ability to build strong working relationships with other agency staff, outside service providers and professionals, and other regulatory bodies;
Capable of exercising ethical, independent judgment and discretion, and handle sensitive data with strict confidentiality;
Have a professional record of integrity, reliability and dependability;
Qualities of positivity, flexibility and adaptability to day-to-day changes with client needs and functioning;
Support the LEAD team with other tasks as directed by the Director.
Staff in driving positions must be able to meet the agency’s minimum requirements of our insurance policy for authorized drivers; including, but not limited to the minimum age of 21 at time of hire, and the ability to maintain insurability throughout employment.

Responsibilities

Build trusting relationships with potential and current LEAD clients and LEAD stakeholders.
Provide initial screening and engagement with referred and diverted individuals.
Conduct supportive services in a harm reduction-based, person-centered, trauma-informed way using evidence-based methods such as Critical Time Intervention and Motivational Interviewing.
Spend time in the community and in spaces people living in poverty and struggling with mental health and substance use concerns frequent in order to engage LEAD clients effectively.
Advocate for LEAD clients with other service providers and in the criminal justice system, when appropriate.
Manage and maintain information regarding assessments, progress notes, and goal completion in database, sharing information with project management and other stakeholders.
Provide case updates and engage in creative problem solving regularly with the multi-disciplinary team that supports LEAD’s work.
Develop and maintain positive, collaborative relationships with LEAD partners and other service providers including SUD and mental health treatment providers, health care providers, shelter providers, landlords, detox centers, and Albany County offices.

Benefits

Competitive Pay with an Excellent Benefits Package
Health Insurance options: Medical, Dental and Vision
$600 Well-being Reimbursement Benefit
Generous Combined Leave Time (CLT) and Paid Holidays!
We are a 501(c) (3) agency, which is a qualifying employer for eligible staff under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
Pension Plan with Generous Agency Contribution
403b Retirement Savings Plan
Life Insurance – Automatic Benefit at no cost to employee
Paid Training, including TCI and CPR/AED/First Aid Certification & Update courses, if role appropriate
Tuition Reimbursement & Travel/ Mileage Reimbursement
Professional Development & Career Growth Opportunities
The Comfort of a Business Casual Environment
Our Commitment to Embrace & Foster Mindfulness, Relevance, Respect and Solidarity.