Harm Reduction Technician

Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program • Boston, MA

1d

About The Position

Boston Health Care for the Homeless is seeking a part-time technician to work in our harm reduction role at our sedation monitoring programs at low-threshold shelters throughout the city. Based on the needs of the program, technicians may be required to be available at other harm reduction locations as needed, including but not limited to:
Woods Mullen Shelter
112 Southampton Street Shelter
SPOT (Supportive Place for Observation and Treatment), our sedation monitoring program
While working at the sites you will provide in-the-moment, low-threshold medical access to patients who may otherwise not present to shelter clinics. In instances of sedation monitoring, you will ensure that sedated patients are triaged and safely monitored in a supportive and compassionate environment in which the intent is to reduce harm from drug use. Services provided will include clinical assessments, clinical case management, medical monitoring, intervention in the case of overdose or other emergencies as well as immediate linkages to addiction treatment and primary care. The goals of this approach are to address an existing problem for BHCHP patients, to decrease overdose deaths and to connect patients more effectively to addiction treatment.

The ideal candidate for this role is a compassionate and self-motivated individual who embraces the mission of BHCHP and is committed to delivering high quality clinical care utilizing a harm reduction approach in a low-threshold community environment.

This position is funded until the end of December 2026 with the possibility for renewal. If this funding is not renewed, this position will end December 31, 2026.

Requirements

• Commonwealth of Massachusetts EMT Certification required
• Minimum of 1-2 years EMT experience required
• Strong assessment skills, self-directed, motivated, and flexible with the ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Pharmacological understanding of medications or drugs that cause sedation, knowledge of opioid overdose management and brief interventions
• Understanding of substance use disorder and behavioral health issues
• Interest in public health, primary and preventive nursing/medicine and working with disadvantaged groups

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual candidates encouraged to apply
• Individuals with lived experience encouraged to apply

Responsibilities

• Direct clinical care to ensure that all needs of the patients are met, conforming to established policies and procedures, as well as Department of Public Health regulations
• Serve as the first responder in the case of a medical emergency at all sites
• Provide supportive and non-judgmental clinical support for patients with substance use disorder in a manner consistent with Harm Reduction Principles
• Provide basic wound care and skin assessment
• Accurate assessment of sedation and documentation and clinical intervention as appropriate
• Reaches out to clinical supports for care coordination and to provide high standards of patient care
• Provide risk reduction counseling and connection to treatment programs
• Responsible for updating and maintaining accurate treatment records, flow sheets, and other documentation.
• Maintains a direct line of communication with harm reduction and shelter staff; timely communication with supervisor regarding shift change needs
• Maintains a professional approach
• Maintains the standards of accurate and complete recording and reporting ensuring that the clinical record for each patient is current and accurate
• Functions as part of a team that includes the Director and Supervisor of the Harm Reduction Technicians, 112 Southampton Street Shelter clinic staff, Woods-Mullen Shelter clinic staff, PSI Shattuck Men’s Shelter staff

Benefits

• BHCHP full time employees are eligible for our competitive time off program, health, dental and vision insurance, 403B retirement savings plan, pre-tax MBTA pass program with 40% discount, additional compensation for demonstrated bilingual proficiency and more.
• Benefits are prorated for part-time employees.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees