Job | AOD Specialist / Harm Reduction Outreach Worker @ Harlem United

AOD Specialist / Harm Reduction Outreach Worker at Harlem United

This position is responsible for providing an array of mobile-based harm reduction services including intakes and ongoing assessments to people living with and at risk for HIV/AIDS, rapid HIV testing, substance use and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) screenings and assessments, referrals, street outreach, and additional responsibilities as requested. Mobile services are conducted utilizing a team approach in the Prevention Division of Harlem United. Services are delivered to marginalized street-based populations, including active substance users, injection drug users (IDUs), people living with HIV/AIDS and/or Hepatitis C, sex workers, and other high-risk populations. Overdose education and relapse prevention is conducted on a regular basis to all clients with a history of substance use. This position is also responsible for driving the mobile units and assisting with vehicle maintenance.

Essential Job Functions

• Conduct a range of support and outreach activities to vulnerable street-based populations (IDUs, substance users, sex workers, etc.), including but not limited to the following:
  • Conduct 25 individual alcohol and other drug interventions (AOD) per month with HIV+ clients; these are client-centered substance use/harm and risk reduction interventions to help initiate and maintain positive behavior change, and to empower clients with the information necessary to take control of their lives and their health;
  • Conduct 8 group level interventions per month with HIV+ clients; these are client-centered substance use/harm and risk reduction group interventions to help clients gain the knowledge and skills to positively impact their mental, physical and overall health and well-being;
  • Provide 5 rapid HIV tests per month, including pre-and post-test counseling; make referrals and linkages to appropriate follow up care as needed;
  • Conduct 8 Healthy Living Project (HLP) interventions per month;
  • Conduct 3 individual overdose prevention trainings per month with HIV-positive clients; these trainings help clients recognize, prevent, and treat an opiate overdose;
  • Conduct 10 intakes and assessments per month and develop service plans in collaboration with the client; provide reassessments, service plan updates, reengagements, and case closures as needed;
  • Make referrals as needed to HIV primary care, drug treatment and detox, mental health services, case management, housing services, benefits, emergency needs and other services;
  • Conduct street-based outreach in an effort to engage clients into services; this includes conducting outreach with an integrated team in locations where our populations are visible and in need of services, distribution of materials and information about services;
  • Conduct a range of outreach activities to community members to foster good community relations and lessen fears of program activities in the neighborhoods served by the program, including
    • Providing information about program services
    • Asking how the program can serve the community
    • Asking what services are needed but currently lacking
    • Networking with community members
  • Providing relevant, accurate, and appropriate risk reduction information via counseling, distributing literature and outreach supplies, safer sex supplies, and explaining how supplies may be used to reduce risks;
  • Conducting surveys to assess relevant trends in the community so the program may be adapted to meet the continually changing needs of the community;

Other Responsibilities

• Maintain all paperwork and submit on-time to Program Coordinator
• Drive program vehicles and other vehicles as needed
  • Maintaining vehicle maintenance and upkeep, including timely reporting to supervisor of any problems with the vehicle (i.e. leaks, oil, break flasher)
  • Completing daily vehicle logs
  • Returning vehicle to parking lot with full tank of gas
  • Performing general weekly inspection to ensure lights, appliances, etc. are properly functioning
  • Ensuring vehicle is routinely cleaned and presentable
  • Ensure vehicles are sufficiently stocked with program supplies and paperwork on a daily basis
  • Maintain clean and organized vehicles at all times
  • Conduct inventory on a daily or weekly basis as needed
  • Attend trainings, service planning sessions, and other activities to ensure the provision of the most up-to-date and culturally appropriate services
  • Maintain the highest level of professionalism at all times
  • Participate in data-driven and clinical supervision, as well as departmental, divisional, and staff meetings
  • Other related duties as assigned

Education and Certification

• CASAC or CASAC in training
• Bachelor’s Degree
• Valid New York State driver’s license

Special Skills and Knowledge

• Experience working with street-based populations, such as injection drug users, active drug users and sex workers
• Bilingual in Spanish a plus
• Knowledge of harm reduction and the risks associated with injection drug use and sexual behaviors
• Ability to listen to and communicate clearly and respectfully with active drug users, community members, and agency staff
• High level of self-motivation
• Commitment to working as a member of a team
• Flexibility and willingness to work primarily outdoors, including inclement weather conditions, and weekends when possible

How to apply