Street Team Specialist

HEALTH FEDERATION OF PHILADELPHIA•Philadelphia, PA

3d•$25 - $25•Onsite

About The Position

The Street Team will be tasked with increasing harm reduction resources and training in neighborhoods that have been most affected by overdose crisis, particularly North and Southwest Philadelphia. The people filling these positions will work in the field five days per week in zip codes 19121, 19132, 19141, 19144, 19140, 19139 and 19133 (subject to changed based on data) to distribute harm reduction resources and educational materials about the overdose crisis in the city. Street Team staff will interact directly with people in active addiction, people who use substances recreationally, people who are unhoused, as well as people who may have a stigmatizing view of substance use. The Street Team Specialist is a core member of the Community Engagement Program within the Division of Substance Use Prevention and Harm Reduction at the Philadelphia Department of Public Health and will be expected to work collaboratively within and across programs. People from the zip codes of focus, as well as people with lived experience and/or returning citizens are highly encouraged to apply.

Requirements

Completion of high school or equivalent degree and 3+ years community organizing and/or harm reduction work.
Knowledge of substance use is highly required.
Knowledge of the impact of drug use and overdose on communities of color in Philadelphia.
Sensitivity to and experience working with ethnically, culturally, socioeconomically, and sexually diverse individuals, communities, agencies, and organizations.
Excellent oral communication skills.
Ability to analyze and think critically to apply reasonable judgment and problem-solving skills.
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.
Experience working with health and prevention services agencies.
Excellent organizational skills.
Ability to work as part of a team, to prioritize and handle multiple tasks, and to work independently in a high-pressure environment.
Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with people contacted in the course of work.
Knowledge of neighborhoods in Southwest, West, Northwest or North Philadelphia or adjacent neighborhoods.

Responsibilities

Engage in direct outreach efforts to contract community members in designated Philadelphia neighborhoods.
Focus outreach activities within the priority zip codes: 19121, 19132, 19141, 19144, 19140, 19139 and 19133.
Engage directly with people using substances, people experiencing homelessness and their communities.
Follow and maintain safety protocols and procedures for street team to ensure safe and effective community outreach operations.
Build trust and rapport within priority communities to increase access to harm reduction resources.
Provide and educate individuals on the proper use of Naloxone, fentanyl testing strips and other harm reduction supplies.
Maintain accurate records of distributed supplies, interactions and referrals in compliance with program reporting requirements.
Collaborate with the Community Engagement Program at tabling events, special events and/or Narcan training request.
Support public health emergency response, including outreach and harm reduction activities during cold- and heat-related weather emergencies.
A valid driver’s license is required. This position requires regular operations of a departmental vehicle to perform job related duties.
Other duties as assigned.