Special Project Specialist

FPHNY Recruitment Team • New York, NY

1d • $74,535 - $74,536 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Special Projects Specialist provides technical assistance and programmatic support to new and ongoing projects related to opioid overdose prevention and response, naloxone distribution, and community engagement, with the goal of preventing overdose deaths in New York City. The role works under the general direction of the Special Projects Manager, with wide latitude for independent initiative and judgment.

The position is part of the Overdose Education and Naloxone Distribution Unit (OENDU), which develops and implements initiatives to reduce and prevent opioid overdose deaths in New York City. OENDU provides naloxone, training, and technical assistance to more than 311 Opioid Overdose Prevention Programs (OOPPs), and provides contract management, fiscal, technical, and programmatic support to at least 28 contracted OOPPs.

The position is based in a hybrid workplace, with three days in the office (flexible), Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., for 35 hours per week. The work environment is an office, with occasional travel for meetings and presentations within New York City's boroughs. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, and applicants must live in the New York City tri-state area (New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut).

Requirements

• For Assignment Level I (only physical, biological, and environmental sciences and public health): a master's degree from an accredited college or university, specializing in an appropriate field of physical, biological, or environmental science or public health.
• For Assignment Level II and above, one of the following: a doctorate degree in an appropriate field of physical, biological, environmental, or social science and one year of full-time responsible supervisory, administrative, or research experience in the specialization; a master's degree in an appropriate field and three years of responsible full-time research experience in the specialization; or equivalent education and/or experience.
• Candidates qualifying through equivalent education and/or experience must have at least a master's degree in an appropriate field and at least two years of the specified research experience.
• Two years as a City Research Scientist Level I may substitute for the experience required in the doctorate- or master's-degree pathways.
• Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.
• Must live in the New York City tri-state area (New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut).

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of substance use and harm reduction practice and theory, including syringe exchange and overdose prevention and education for HIV and Hepatitis C prevention.
• Ability to work independently, with excellent oral and written communication and organizational skills, and flexibility as a team player.
• Detail-oriented with outstanding organizational skills.
• Sensitivity to diverse ethnic, racial, and cultural backgrounds, gender identities, sexual orientations, and socioeconomic conditions.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Access, Outlook, and Word.
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced, high-volume environment while managing multiple projects and tasks.

Responsibilities

• Support implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and expansion of the Public Health Vending Machine Pilot Initiative using a research- and equity-informed approach.
• Provide technical assistance to funded OOPPs and conduct research to develop, implement, and evaluate strategies for increasing naloxone access in priority settings and neighborhoods.
• Support research efforts to enhance and expand pharmacy naloxone distribution and engagement.
• Provide technical assistance and programmatic support for community engagement across OENDU projects.
• Collaborate with OENDU and BADU staff to develop and enhance materials and resources for overdose prevention and strategic naloxone distribution.
• Support packing and mailing naloxone kits and related training materials, and maintain appropriate records of kits and materials mailed and dispensed.
• Participate in OENDU meetings, including facilitating meetings on a rotating basis.
• Participate in bureau- and agency-wide activities that advance racial, gender, and social equity, and support efforts to center equity in OENDU’s work.
• Represent OENDU in intra-Bureau and Divisional workgroups and meetings, and liaise with and present to community coalitions.
• Travel occasionally throughout New York City.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the department’s and organization’s overall goals and mission.

Benefits

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)-eligible employer.
• Generous paid time off policy.
• Medical, dental, and life insurance with low or no employee contribution.
• Retirement savings plan with generous employer contribution.
• Flexible spending medical and commuter benefits plan.
• Meaningful work at an organization striving to advance health equity and social justice.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level