Harm Reduction Specialist

Jefferson County • Lakewood, CO

8d • $23 - $24 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) Harm Reduction Specialist is responsible for administering non-clinical testing and resources to support participants in decreasing the risks associated with contracting HIV, Hepatitis C, and other STIs. Additional responsibilities include collecting data around, and promoting, broad range of low-barrier, trauma informed harm reduction services that support people who use drugs. This includes applying harm reduction theory in the delivery of syringe services, education, street outreach, and other resources/services to mitigate harms associated with drug use. This position provides you the opportunity to work for a county that thrives on working collaboratively and overcoming challenges in a solution-focused manner. Jefferson County Public Health Department provides employment opportunities in compliance with all pertinent federal, state, and local laws. We value and respect employee participation in the delivery of quality services to and on behalf of our community. We strive to embody a culture of humility and are constantly striving to be more inclusive in who we are, and how we operate.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED.
• 2 years of work-related or volunteer-related experience.
• A valid Colorado driver’s license is required for positions that drive on County Business in either a county or personal vehicle within 30-days of hire or beginning to serve as an intern or volunteer for every position.

Nice To Haves

• Lived or living experience with drug use
• Spanish speaking highly preferred
• Work experience in sexually transmitted infections (STI) prevention and/or sexual health, especially screening, point-of-care testing for HIV/HCV/STIs is highly preferred
• Paid or unpaid experience in harm reduction activities, including: sterile supply distribution; street outreach; health education and/or resource navigation
• Experience with data collection and analysis
• Independent critical thinking and analysis
• Demonstrating initiative, innovation, and resiliency
• Ability to articulate clearly and effectively to a diverse range of program participants
• Experience with Microsoft Office/Microsoft 365
• Ability to work well with diverse personalities
• Ability to remain calm and when necessary, deescalate conflict when working with people in crisis
• Ability to accurately compile, format, and file electronic data
• Associate degree or bachelor's degree in arts, Science or Applied Science

Responsibilities

• Provide direct service delivery using a person-centered and harm reduction approach to participants accessing syringe services.
• Assess participants to help meet immediate basic needs to make appropriate referrals to health and support services. This includes the exchange of used syringes and drug injection equipment for safe drug use and safer sex supplies.
• Perform HIV/HCV/STI counseling services using motivational interviewing to educate individuals on methods to prevent and reduce the risk of contracting HIV, hepatitis C, and other STIs. Refers participants for additional testing services and resources as indicated.
• Administer appropriate testing for HIV/HCV/STIs at the fixed site and outreach locations.
• Provide medically accurate counseling for positive and negative HIV/HCV/STI test results that include referral to linkage to care or appropriate prevention services.
• Provide education in methods and practices to reduce the harms associated with drug use.
• Educate participants and community members on overdose prevention strategies and distributes naloxone and other OD prevention supplies.
• Serve within a street outreach team to expand program services and resources to meet individuals experiencing homelessness where they are at.
• Provide information and referrals to community resources and support services, such as medical services, medicated assisted treatment options, mental health services, food bank, and housing resources.
• Provide general programmatic support, such as prepping and packaging of supplies and assistance with inventory and stocking.
• Participates in harm reduction team meetings.
• Provides input in programming development, evaluation, and quality improvement.
• Participates in agency level, state, local, or community-based workgroups, committees, and meetings.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• medical, dental, and vision insurance
• paid time off and holidays, including a starting bank of 40 hours of PTO for new hires
• retirement matching
• wellness programs
• tuition reimbursement

What This Job Offers

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