Outreach Harm Reduction Navigator Lead

Beacon Community Connections•Lafayette, LA

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Outreach Harm Reduction Navigator (OHRN) Lead is an entry leadership position to support Beacon’s behavioral health and harm reduction outreach efforts including providing limited social care services. The OHRN Lead will execute an intervention strategy aimed at addressing the unmet needs of unhoused, incarcerated, and system-involved people who use drugs (PWUD) in Region IV. The OHRN Lead also serves as an expert in outreach best practices for other peer support specialists and community health workers. This position reports directly to the Peer Support Specialist Coordinator.

Requirements

high school diploma or GED required
Demonstrated ability to build and maintain partnerships with diverse stakeholders.
Strong communication and collaboration skills including demonstrated ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing
Comfortable working in a busy, loud environment
Reliable vehicle, some travel is required

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (social work, public health, etc.) suggested
Lived experience with addiction and fully in recovery for over 2 years preferred
Complete Peer Support training within the first 3 months of employment
Experience in harm reduction programs or related public health initiatives including knowledge of substance use disorder treatment, harm reduction strategies, and related services preferred

Responsibilities

Build regional and statewide partnerships
Establish or participate in region-specific Harm Reduction meetings.
Attend and support the word of allied coalitions in Louisiana.
Create an environmental scan for services in Region IV.
Increase Access to Harm Reduction Supplies
Collaborate with pharmacies to enhance access to sterile syringes, naloxone, and other supplies for safe injection among PWUD.
Work with correctional facilities to prepare for on-site overdoses and make naloxone more accessible to PWUD and their families.
Provide feedback and information about SSPs and supplies for safer drug use to community partners throughout Region IV.
Organizational Development
Collaborate with the STD/HIV/Hepatitis Program (SHHP) to develop training materials for social service providers in the region.
Provide capacity-building support for organizations serving priority populations in the region.
Build relationships with agencies serving unhoused individuals across the region.
Connect PWUD to Education and Services
Collaborate with SHHP and other partners to develop region and parish-specific harm reduction resources.
Conduct outreach events to priority populations of PWUD.
Link PWUD to resources, including but not limited to MOUD, housing, primary care, and other services addressing social determinants of health (SDOH)
Social Care Navigation Responsibilities (15% of time)
Conduct initial assessments and brief interventions utilizing standard tools.
Facilitate initial interventions or initiation of treatment as directed by the client and family.
Provide education to clients and family/friends, and promote harm reduction strategies based on the client’s goals, preferences, and life circumstances.
Diligent effort to maintain a 30-day connection with clients, respond timely to calls, emails, or texts
Establish a positive relationship with clients who are struggling with drug usage or co-occurring disorders.
Use motivational interviewing techniques to communicate with clients respectfully, in a culturally appropriate, and non-judgmental manner
Maintain up-to-date knowledge on treatment options, community resources, and substance use disorder symptomatology to effectively educate and counsel clients
Engage with clients with co-occurring mental health disorders to help them access
Other duties as assigned
Peer Support Specialist Staff Support Responsibilities (15% of time)
Serve as a mentor and expert guide to Peer Support Specialists
Communicate on a regular schedule with staff through phone, video conference, text/email.
Stay up to date on social care processes and procedures and share information with Peer Support Specialists
Attend Beacon-wide and service-line-specific meetings and events consistently
Develop, maintain, and expand relationships with referring partner agencies and personnel. This includes in person visits to community partners.
Beacon-wide Staff Responsibilities
Complete all work with Beacon’s mission and vision in mind, including assigned tasks or projects outside the scope of regular work responsibilities.
Work within the core value of Better Together by building and maintaining relationships with Beacon staff members, clients, and community partners.
Work within the core value of Self-Care by ensuring your own good physical and mental well-being and encouraging it in those around you.
Work within the core value of Lifelong Learning by engaging in staff professional development and self-directed learning.
Work within the core value of Belonging by seeking opportunities to build community and a positive working culture at Beacon.
Work within the core value of Solution Oriented to provide excellent social care for clients, including collaborating to raise funds and find other resources to support Beacon’s mission.