Public Health Advocate I - Mobile Sharps Team (Bureau of Recovery Services)

Boston Public Health Commission•Boston, MA

About The Position

Provides outreach, education, advocacy, referral and support services to active injection drug users in Boston. Refers clients to relevant services, including, but not limited to: needle exchange sites, health insurance, health resources, parenting programs, housing, educational opportunities, job training and support, public assistance programs, substance abuse treatment and counseling services and HIV/AIDS services. Maintains current knowledge base of new and existing harm reduction, needle exchange, and social service programs for active drug users. Establishes a positive, productive relationship with clients around safe disposal of needles and drug paraphernalia. Performs outreach to client base, including engaging high-risk clients, and providing information/ education about needle exchange services available. Educates and informs clients about self-help activities; facilitates and advocates for client access to services; implements outreach strategies to engage clients in community based services; distributes prevention materials to clients; teaches clients how to reduce exposure to hazards. Conducts community outreach to reduce discarded needles drug trash, and paraphernalia found near such needles in Boston communities. Works in close coordination with program leadership, other team members, and the City of Boston to deliver services, including location, removal, and safe disposal of needles/drug trash Conducts regular sweeps of schools, parks and other areas to locate, remove, and safely dispose of drug trash, and paraphernalia found near such needles (“needles/drug trash”). Responds to calls from the Mayors Health Line to remove and safely dispose of discarded needles/drug trash. Facilitates call to Boston Fire Department or Boston EMS for large pick-up of needle waste in public Maintains regular communication during the shift with other mobile sharps unit members and program leadership using designated communication devices and technology. Maintains accurate, legible and current documentation; documents outreach and needles/drug trash. collection activities. Develops and implements strategies for "hard to reach" individuals. Develops and maintains good working relationships with community agencies, health care providers and other BPHC depts. Represents the program at community events and health fairs. Attends required meetings. Delivers services according to established program protocols. Works to help BPHC advance as an antiracist organization by meeting or exceeding the standards set by the BPHC Anti-Racism Policy. Please note flexibility is required as hours and schedule vary; some weekends and evenings may be required. Performs other duties as required.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required. Licenses, certifications or program specific experience may be req by grant or program needs.
Demonstrated cultural competence with diverse ethnic, cultural and socio-economic groups.
Must have knowledge of local community organizations.
Good organizational skills with the ability to develop time lines, meet deadlines and be self-directed.
Knowledge of or willingness to learn about the role of public health in addressing racism, the social determinants of health, and inequities in health outcomes as well as strategies to advance racial justice and health equity.
Commitment to health equity and racial/social justice issues.
PC skills preferred.
Good interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
Valid MA drivers license required.

Nice To Haves

Experience in health care, public health, harm reduction or social service field preferred.
Demonstrated experience or related requirements as established by the program may be needed. Experience in community outreach/case management activities a plus.
Bilingual fluency preferred.

Responsibilities

Provides outreach, education, advocacy, referral and support services to active injection drug users in Boston.
Refers clients to relevant services, including, but not limited to: needle exchange sites, health insurance, health resources, parenting programs, housing, educational opportunities, job training and support, public assistance programs, substance abuse treatment and counseling services and HIV/AIDS services.
Maintains current knowledge base of new and existing harm reduction, needle exchange, and social service programs for active drug users.
Establishes a positive, productive relationship with clients around safe disposal of needles and drug paraphernalia.
Performs outreach to client base, including engaging high-risk clients, and providing information/ education about needle exchange services available.
Educates and informs clients about self-help activities; facilitates and advocates for client access to services; implements outreach strategies to engage clients in community based services; distributes prevention materials to clients; teaches clients how to reduce exposure to hazards.
Conducts community outreach to reduce discarded needles drug trash, and paraphernalia found near such needles in Boston communities.
Works in close coordination with program leadership, other team members, and the City of Boston to deliver services, including location, removal, and safe disposal of needles/drug trash
Conducts regular sweeps of schools, parks and other areas to locate, remove, and safely dispose of drug trash, and paraphernalia found near such needles (“needles/drug trash”).
Responds to calls from the Mayors Health Line to remove and safely dispose of discarded needles/drug trash.
Facilitates call to Boston Fire Department or Boston EMS for large pick-up of needle waste in public
Maintains regular communication during the shift with other mobile sharps unit members and program leadership using designated communication devices and technology.
Maintains accurate, legible and current documentation; documents outreach and needles/drug trash. collection activities.
Develops and implements strategies for "hard to reach" individuals.
Develops and maintains good working relationships with community agencies, health care providers and other BPHC depts.
Represents the program at community events and health fairs.
Attends required meetings.
Delivers services according to established program protocols.
Works to help BPHC advance as an antiracist organization by meeting or exceeding the standards set by the BPHC Anti-Racism Policy.
Performs other duties as required.