Overdose Prevention Navigator

Public Health•New Haven, CT

About The Position

We are excited to announce an amazing and important opportunity within the City of New Haven Health Department - the position of Overdose Prevention Navigator . This role embodies a vital mission: linking individuals facing substance use challenges with essential support services. You will play a pivotal role in enhancing the well-being and safety of those affected by substance use. Through compassionate outreach and expert guidance, you will connect individuals to a range of services, including medical care, substance use treatment programs, housing assistance, and more. If you are passionate about making a tangible impact in the lives of those struggling with substance use, we invite you to join our dedicated team. Together, we can make a difference in our community. Those with lived experience in recovery from substance use and/or with familial substance use are encouraged to apply . To learn more about Overdose Prevention, visit the New Haven Harm Reduction Taskforce page . PRIMARY FUNCTIONS This is a full-time position in the City of New Haven Health Department that is responsible for linking people who use drugs to support services. This dynamic and impactful role focuses on enhancing the well-being and safety of individuals facing substance use challenges. Your primary responsibility will be to establish meaningful connections with individuals who use drugs, guiding them towards essential support services that encompass medical care, substance use treatment programs, housing assistance, food services, and more. This position occasionally requires work to be performed in the evenings and on weekends.

Requirements

Possession of an Associate’s Degree in Public Health, Social Work, or related field required; a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health, Social Work, or related field preferred.
Minimum 2 years of experience working with individuals who have a substance use disorder, mental health challenges, or experiencing homelessness and the necessary knowledge, abilities, and skills listed below.
Knowledge of the principles, practices, and regulations applied in public health, particularly in the context of community health and substance use challenges.
Ability to interact with compassion, respect, and cultural competence, ensuring inclusivity and understanding when working with diverse populations experiencing a range of social conditions.
Ability to analyze health data to identify trends and individuals at risk, allowing for targeted outreach and tailored interventions.
Skill in designing and delivering training sessions on overdose prevention, stigma reduction, and naloxone administration, catering to diverse audiences including community members, healthcare providers, and public safety personnel.
Ability to engage a compassionate approach to working with individuals who have substance use disorders, mental health concerns, or are experiencing homelessness, coupled with the ability to provide non-judgmental support and build trust.
Ability to communicate effectively in a professional manner, both verbally and in writing.
Ability to work cooperatively and establish effective working relationships with other staff members, community organizations, and the public.
Self-motivated, organized; able to work independently and as part of a team.
Strong time management skills including organization, prioritization, and multitasking.
Ability to use discretion, maintain confidentiality, and maintain ethical standards.
Ability to develop concise records and prepare reports.
Proficiency in the use of computers including data entry, database management, Word, Excel, and similar programs.
Common knowledge of the cause, transmission, and prevention of vaccine preventable diseases.
Flexibility of schedule (position will include evenings/weekends/early morning hours).
Possession of, and ability to maintain, a valid State of Connecticut driver’s license and own transportation.
Frequent in-state travel required.
Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
Ability to prepare accurate and concise reports.
Ability to communicate in a respectful manner both written and orally, in person, and through electronic means, with linguistic and cultural proficiency.
Advocates for individual, team, and organizational learning opportunities within the organization.
Contributes to the development of a vision for a healthy community.
Implements plans and programs consistent with policies.
Implements strategies for continuous quality improvement.
Collaborates in and contributes to individual, team, and Departmental performance management, quality improvement and evaluation activities.
Ability to work with diverse people and cultures within the community.
Interacts with clients, community partners, and coworkers with fairness and equity and delivers services free of bias or prejudice.
Ensures the health and safety of the community and treats diverse customers with thoughtful listening and respect.
Ability to develop cooperative relationships with state and local partners, businesses, and the public.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual English/Spanish strongly preferred.
We encourage applicants with lived experience in recovery from substance use and/or with familial substance use to apply.
Bilingual (English/Spanish) is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Conducts street outreach to people who use drugs to link individuals to support services.
Helps clients access medical and non-medical resources, including medical care, substance use treatment programs, housing programs, food services, etc.
Develops relationships with local service providers and makes referrals.
Provides harm reduction supplies and trainings to people who use drugs.
Reviews and analyzes health data to identify individuals who have experienced an opioid overdose.
Conducts trainings on overdose prevention, stigma, and naloxone administration for community members, organizations/businesses (e.g., local substance use treatment providers, social services agencies, emergency departments, schools, and faith-based organizations), and public safety agencies.
Coordinates with partner agencies to conduct outreach to their clients.
Trains medical providers and pharmacists on best practices related to pain opioid prescribing.
Supports the development of communications materials and social media posts to educate the public.
Collects data and produces relevant reports.
Participates in meetings, coalitions, and workgroups as assigned.
Handles inventory of outreach project materials, equipment, and supplies.
Maintains confidentiality and complies with HIPAA regulations.
Performs other related duties, as needed.