Harm Reduction Specialist

Breaking Ground•New York, NY

18h•Onsite

About The Position

Located in lower Manhattan, 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
Excellent computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel and the ability to learn new programs
Excellent writing and communication skills

Nice To Haves

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
Bilingual Spanish/English is preferred

Responsibilities

Liaising with Peer-Delivered Syringe Exchange; Mobile Provider Syringe Exchange
Developing, implementing, and facilitating in-house group programming
Providing and tracking opioid overdose prevention training for staff and clients
Ensuring safe sex education and materials are available to all residents
Partnering with appropriate Harm Reduction Service partners in the community that can provide services to the clients either at the SAFE HAVEN OR IN THE COMMUNITY
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