Harm Reduction Specialist

Breaking Ground • New York, NY

1d • $26 - $26 • Onsite

About The Position

Breaking Ground operates nearly 4,000 units of housing across New York City, along with housing in upstate New York and Connecticut. Supportive housing - affordable housing paired with services designed to help people maintain their homes for the long-term - is widely recognized as a proven and cost-effective solution to chronic homelessness. The South Strand Safe Haven is comprised of 106 beds for individuals who are not yet ready to transition into permanent housing, as well as those who may have struggled in other housing programs. The South Strand Safe Haven offers an alternative to life on the street: private, safe, clean, and affordable short-term accommodations. On-site case management and clinical services are available to meet the needs of its residents and to help those ready to move into secure permanent housing. Reporting to the Assistant Program Director, the Harm Reduction Specialist for TRANSITIONAL HOUSING will be located at TRANSITIONAL HOUSING LOCATION serving people experiencing homelessness (some with mental illness and/or substance use disorders) in order to assist the individual in the transitioning to permanent housing.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Two years of experience working with homeless adults and substance abuse issues preferred
• Experience with harm reduction and motivational interviewing techniques strongly preferred
• Valid NY, NJ, CT, or PA driver’s license with a good driving record, as defined by Breaking Ground is preferred
• Excellent computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel and the ability to learn new programs
• Excellent writing and communication skills
• Bilingual Spanish/English is preferred

Responsibilities

• Create and manage core Harm Reduction based curriculum at the SAFE HAVEN
• Liaise with external Harm Reduction based partners to help coordinate services
• Coordinate and facilitate groups with clients
• Assist program leadership in creating trainings for staff that ensure Harm Reduction practices are being taught and exercised by staff
• Ensure all staff are aware of needle stick prevention methods and agency policy and procedure around responding to needle sticks
• Ensure that there are adequate syringe disposal containers on site that are strategically located throughout the program site and will ensure that containers are emptied regularly
• Ensure there are always safer-sex resources available to clients that are accessible in common spaces
• Liaise with on-site psychiatric and primary care provider, to support treatment planning which includes medications aimed at reducing/eliminating alcohol use
• Perform other related duties as assigned

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level