Hybrid Harm Reduction Specialist bei Victory Programs Inc

Description

The Harm Reduction Specialist provides support for individuals experiencing homelessness and offers harm reduction services to those at risk of infectious diseases, overdose, and other health issues related to substance use, trafficking and exploitation, and unstable or lack of housing. Services offered include HIV/HCV and STI testing, education and linkage services for PrEP, syringe exchange, naloxone distribution, overdose education, and housing navigation.   This position involves program, street-based outreach, and milieu management. The Specialist also facilitates psychoeducational groups both internally and at partner organizations. The role reports to the Program Director for support and supervision. 

Primary Location:

The Victory Connector is a harm reduction, navigation, and respite center for women, transgender, and non-binary individuals located in the Mass and Cass neighborhood of Boston.  The typical program participant is actively using substances and/or is experiencing homelessness and/or is at high risk of exploitation. The Victory Connector Team works to reduce mortality, improve health outcomes, and enhance overall quality of life by seamlessly connecting them to resources and knowledge. This is achieved through relationship building, which involves establishing trust and rapport with the participants, navigation, outreach, and education.

Essential Functions:

• Act by Victory Programs Standards of Excellence and Philosophy of Care including always maintaining professional ethics, boundaries, and client confidentiality while working from a strength-based perspective using evidence-based practices (MI, CBT, Harm Reduction, etc.)
• Support clients in navigating housing and accessing resources to address barriers with a keen focus on exiting street life.  
• Conduct screenings for HIV disease, Hepatitis C, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and pregnancy; provide connections to care as needed. Screenings to include provision of phlebotomy services at times.
• Offer education on Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and assist clients in accessing PrEP from partner health centers.  
• Provide verbal and written harm reduction counseling focused on safer injection practices, wound care, overdose prevention, sexual health, vein and abscess care, and prevention of infectious disease transmission.
• Supply syringe services, naloxone, and harm reduction supplies for individuals at risk for overdose or infectious disease transmission. 
• Work collaboratively with recovery programs, shelters, and drop-in centers. Collaborate with local homeless shelters and low-threshold housing programs.
• Encourage clients to take an active role in their healthcare.
• Engage in relationship building, Nonviolent Crisis Intervention, Motivational Interviewing, and conflict de-escalation as needed in all settings, including the Victory Connector milieu space. 
• Participate in the team's weekly scheduling process to ensure safe coverage for the Connector at all times, along with the provision of services in the community and at street level. 
• Comply with agency protocols for data collection and record management.
• Maintain good standing with the agency and complete required training as mandated by funders. 
• Facilitate psychoeducational group workshops on prevention topics to reduce risks and promote wellness both internally at VPI Recovery Programs and in partner organizations. 
• Attend weekly supervision, monthly staff meetings, and periodic professional development training and workshops as requested by the supervisor.
• Adhere to the Victory Program confidentiality policies and procedures at all times during all interactions.
• Participate in and support the agency's program events, State House rallies, fundraising and advocacy events, rallies, walks, and any additional functions.

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Training and certification in phlebotomy and specimen collection, or a willingness to be trained.
• A working knowledge of health-related social issues, including HIV/AIDS, viral hepatitis, homelessness, substance use, STIs, and sex work, particularly as they affect individuals who use drugs.
• Competency in working with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including various races/ethnicities, sexual orientations, gender identities, age groups, religions, countries of origin, disabilities, economic statuses, and life experiences.
• Excellent verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage in open and affirming discussions about sexual health and substance use risks. 
• Capability to work in environments that may involve potentially hazardous materials (such as blood-borne pathogens and discarded syringes) and to adhere to safety precautions or use protective equipment as needed.
• Prior experience in a supportive environment, such as a drop-in center, serving individuals experiencing homelessness or those who use drugs. 
• Proficient computer skills. 
• Must be CPR certified (may be obtained upon hire)
• Completed TB screening (may be obtained upon hire)
• Three professional references, with at least two from previous managers or supervisors.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Two years of experience in harm reduction, community health, or human services.
• Conversational proficiency in Spanish.
• Previous experience in nonviolent crisis intervention, de-escalation, and milieu management.

Position Type: Full Time (40 hours);  This position is classified as a non-exempt position and, therefore, eligible, as necessary and approved, for overtime pay. 

Rate: $26.00/hr

At Victory Programs, we value a diverse workforce and strive to create welcoming, inclusive, and accessible environments for our employees and the individuals accessing services. We are committed to sustaining healthy and functioning communities that respect and celebrate diverse experiences, identities, cultures, and ideas.

For 50 years, Victory Programs has assisted individuals and families in crisis. Each year, thousands turn to us for shelter, sustenance, recovery, care, and compassionate professional support. Many of our clients struggle with homelessness, substance use, and mental health issues, and a significant number live with HIV/AIDS. Our dedicated team of over 350 staff members work across more than 25 programs to help people to develop and implement creative and safe solutions to the challenges they face.

Our benefits program includes a 75% employer contribution to health insurance and a 25% employer contribution to dental insurance, as well as 100% employer-paid disability and life insurance and a 401K match. Victory Programs offers a generous paid time-off package to all employees, which includes vacation, sick leave, personal time, and holidays. Upon hiring, all staff members are entitled to up to 4 personal days, 160 hours of sick leave, 10 holidays, and 3.5 weeks of vacation. These figures may vary based on full-time or part-time status, and vacation time increases with length of employment.