Technical Assistance Specialist, Bureau of Alcohol and Drug Use

City of New York • New York, NY

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Technical Assistance Specialist works within the Overdose Education and Naloxone Distribution Unit (OENDU) of the Bureau of Alcohol and Drug Use (BADU), supporting efforts to prevent opioid overdose deaths in New York City. The role provides technical assistance and programmatic guidance to current and prospective Opioid Overdose Prevention Programs (OOPPs) on effective overdose prevention, naloxone distribution, data collection, and reporting. The position operates under the general direction of the Overdose Prevention Technical Assistance Manager, with wide latitude for independent initiative and judgment.

The Specialist conducts research and analysis on OOPP performance and barriers to naloxone distribution; supports surveys and other research; maintains program records and technical assistance materials; and presents to OOPP staff and community partners. The role also supports training activities, preparation and distribution of naloxone kits and related materials, and bureau and agency efforts to advance racial, gender, and social equity. Other duties may be assigned as needed.

Requirements

• Meet the stated City Research Scientist qualification pathway: for Assignment Level I in the specified fields, 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, meet one of the listed qualification pathways: a relevant doctorate plus one year of full-time responsible supervisory, administrative, or research experience; a relevant master's degree plus three years of responsible full-time research experience; or equivalent education and/or experience, subject to the stated minimum master's degree and experience requirements.
• Demonstrate knowledge of substance use and harm reduction practice and theory, including syringe exchange, opioid overdose prevention, and/or HIV and Hepatitis C prevention education.
• Be sensitive to diverse ethnic, racial, and cultural backgrounds, gender identities, sexual orientations, and socioeconomic conditions.
• Be able to work independently and demonstrate strong oral and written communication and organizational skills, and flexibility as a team player.
• Be able to manage multiple projects and tasks in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Be proficient in Microsoft Excel, Access, Word, and PowerPoint, and virtual platforms such as Zoom Webinar and Microsoft Teams.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical assistance and programmatic guidance to registered OOPPs on program implementation, naloxone distribution, data collection, and reporting.
• Assist with and conduct research, data cleaning, and analysis on factors related to OOPP success and barriers to naloxone distribution in New York City.
• Contribute to the development, design, data collection, and analysis of an annual survey and other research projects as needed.
• Maintain records of technical assistance, OOPP dispensing strategies, and program updates in Microsoft Access and Excel.
• Present to prospective and current OOPP staff.
• Collaborate with OENDU and BADU staff to recruit organizations serving target populations to become OOPPs, using overdose data to inform recruitment strategies.
• Conduct literature reviews related to naloxone distribution practices.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with OOPP personnel.
• Design and maintain protocols and technical assistance documents to improve OOPP workflows.
• Collaborate with the Overdose Prevention Training Team to plan, schedule, and deliver Training of Dispensers for OOPPs and/or Training of Responders for community members as needed.
• Contribute to developing materials and resources to prevent overdose and improve OOPP efficiency.
• Assemble naloxone kits for trainings and maintain records of kits dispensed.
• Support packing and mailing naloxone kits and training materials, and maintain records of mailed and dispensed kits and materials.
• Participate in OENDU meetings, including facilitating meetings on a rotating basis.
• Participate in bureau- and agency-wide activities to advance racial, gender, and social equity and support centering equity in OENDU’s work.
• Represent OENDU in intra-Bureau and Divisional workgroups and meetings, and liaise with and present to community coalitions.
• Perform other duties or tasks as assigned on an as-needed basis.

Benefits

• Potential eligibility for federal or state loan forgiveness and repayment assistance programs.
• Premium-free health insurance plan.
• Additional health, fitness, and financial benefits may be available depending on the position’s union or benefit fund.
• Public-sector defined-benefit pension plan.
• Tax-deferred savings program.
• Worksite Wellness Program.
• Depending on the position, the ability to work from home up to two days during the week.
• Job security compared with private-sector employment.

What This Job Offers

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