Technical Assistance Specialist, Bureau of Alcohol and Drug Use

City of New York • Long Island City, NY

1d • 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). OENDU develops and implements initiatives to reduce and prevent opioid overdose deaths in New York City and provides naloxone, training, and technical assistance to approximately 350 Opioid Overdose Prevention Programs (OOPPs). The Specialist provides technical assistance and programmatic guidance to current and prospective OOPPs to support successful overdose prevention and naloxone distribution programming, with the goal of preventing overdose deaths in New York City.

Under general direction from the Overdose Prevention Technical Assistance Manager, and with wide latitude for independent initiative and judgment, the Specialist supports OOPP implementation, research, data collection and analysis, training, materials development, and coordination with internal teams and community organizations. The position also contributes to agency and bureau efforts to advance racial, gender, and social equity.

Requirements

• For Assignment Level I, 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, qualify through one of the stated pathways: a doctorate in an appropriate physical, biological, environmental, or social science field plus one year of responsible full-time supervisory, administrative, or research experience; a master's degree in an appropriate physical, biological, environmental, or social science field plus three years of responsible full-time research experience; or equivalent education and/or experience.
• Candidates appointed to Assignment Level II and above 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 experience specified in the doctorate or master's pathways.
• Appointments are subject to a minimum one-year probationary period.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of substance use and harm reduction practice and theory, including syringe exchange, opioid overdose prevention, and/or education for HIV and Hepatitis C prevention.
• Sensitivity to diverse ethnic, racial, and cultural backgrounds, gender identities, sexual orientations, and socioeconomic conditions.
• Ability to work independently, with excellent oral and written communication and organizational skills, and to be a flexible team player.
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced, high-volume environment while managing multiple projects and tasks.
• Proficiency 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 a yearly survey and other research projects as needed.
• Maintain records of technical assistance, OOPP dispensing strategies, and other program updates in Microsoft Access and Excel.
• Conduct presentations for prospective and current OOPP staff.
• Collaborate with OENDU and BADU staff to recruit organizations working with target populations to become OOPPs, using overdose data to inform recruitment strategy.
• 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 aimed at preventing overdose and improving OOPP efficiency.
• Assemble naloxone kits for trainings and maintain records of kits dispensed.
• Support packing and mailing naloxone kits and training materials, and maintain appropriate records of kits and materials mailed and dispensed.
• Participate in OENDU meetings, including rotating facilitation.
• Participate in bureau- and agency-wide activities advancing 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.
• Perform other duties or tasks as assigned on an as-needed basis.

Benefits

• Potential eligibility for federal and 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 associated 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