Public Health Advocate II (Outreach 5 AM - 1 PM)

Boston Public Health Commission•Boston, MA

About The Position

Provide peer recovery support services to clients with substance use disorder (SUD) and to achieve sustained recovery in outreach and RSB day space settings as assigned. Facilitate client access to recovery-oriented substance use disorder treatment, resources, and community recovery groups. Work with PAATHS staff on determining appropriate level of care, community resources, and placement opportunities. Develop ongoing relapse prevention plan for clients. Monitor client progress in treatment and advocate for services. Assist client in navigating the healthcare system and social service systems. Accompany clients to appointments and court. Provide transportation as needed. Provide support in acute care and emergency department settings as needed. Work with hospital and BEST team staff as needed. Facilitate communication between client and treatment providers and medical providers. Provide support and referrals to families and friends supporting client through recovery process. Provide overdose prevention training and safety planning as needed. Educate individuals on harm reduction and safe injection practices. Provide crisis management, collection and safe disposal of needles, drug trash, and paraphernalia found near needles and distribute communication, brochures and educational materials. Maintain accurate and up-to-date records/data entry documenting program services delivered during mobile outreach and/or day space locations. Maintains security of all physical areas of the program site. Attend clinical and programmatic supervision and team meetings with ORSS and with other RSB teams as directed Manages and exercises sound judgment in conflict situations. Identifies and intervenes in actual and potential conflict situations using a trauma informed and de-escalation methods. 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.

Requirements

Strong interpersonal, facilitation, and leadership skills. Ability to work independently as well as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Strong advocacy skills along with knowledge of community-based services, resources, and local recovery community.
Comfort with multiple pathways to recovery and willingness to embrace a client centered approach that recognizes an individual's preferences and autonomy.
Comfort in working in both medical and social service settings.
Ability to maintain effective working relationships with clients/families, treatment programs, and team members.
Effective use of the Internet and Microsoft Office programs such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
Ability to handle confidential information.
Knowledge of public health, substance use, HIV, outreach and education.
Understanding and appreciation of HIV/AIDS programs and services in the context of the community.
Knowledge in the area of substance use and/or previous experience working with people who use drugs.
Minimum 2 years in community outreach/case management activities required and/or customer service experience.
Demonstrated cultural competence with diverse ethnic, cultural and socio-economic groups.
Knowledge of Boston community social service organizations, the courts and government agencies required.
PC skills preferred. Ability to work independently. Good presentation, organizational and interpersonal skills required; must be self-directed.
Good communication skills, both verbally and in writing.
Must hold a valid Massachusetts Driver's License with safe driving record (copy of driving record will be required.)
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.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual preferable, bicultural desirable.

Responsibilities

Provide peer recovery support services to clients with substance use disorder (SUD) and to achieve sustained recovery in outreach and RSB day space settings as assigned.
Facilitate client access to recovery-oriented substance use disorder treatment, resources, and community recovery groups.
Work with PAATHS staff on determining appropriate level of care, community resources, and placement opportunities.
Develop ongoing relapse prevention plan for clients.
Monitor client progress in treatment and advocate for services. Assist client in navigating the healthcare system and social service systems. Accompany clients to appointments and court. Provide transportation as needed.
Provide support in acute care and emergency department settings as needed. Work with hospital and BEST team staff as needed.
Facilitate communication between client and treatment providers and medical providers.
Provide support and referrals to families and friends supporting client through recovery process.
Provide overdose prevention training and safety planning as needed.
Educate individuals on harm reduction and safe injection practices.
Provide crisis management, collection and safe disposal of needles, drug trash, and paraphernalia found near needles and distribute communication, brochures and educational materials.
Maintain accurate and up-to-date records/data entry documenting program services delivered during mobile outreach and/or day space locations.
Maintains security of all physical areas of the program site.
Attend clinical and programmatic supervision and team meetings with ORSS and with other RSB teams as directed
Manages and exercises sound judgment in conflict situations.
Identifies and intervenes in actual and potential conflict situations using a trauma informed and de-escalation methods.
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.