Job | Harm Reduction Counselor / Outreach Worker @ Harlem United

Harm Reduction Counselor / Outreach Worker at Harlem United

Harm Reduction Counselor/Outreach Worker Job

Responsible for providing an array harm reduction services to people living with HIV/AIDS including individual and group counseling, substance use and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) screenings and assessments, linkage to medical care referrals, street outreach, and additional responsibilities as requested. Services are conducted utilizing a team approach within various programs of Harlem United, including the Food and Nutrition Program, Housing Programs, and the mobile-based Integrated Harm Reduction Program. Services are delivered to marginalized 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. Relapse prevention is conducted on a regular basis to all clients with a history of substance use.

Essential Job Functions

• Conduct a range of support and outreach activities to vulnerable populations (IDUs, substance users, sex workers, etc.), including but not limited to the following:
  • Conduct 33 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;Conduct 12 substance use screenings and assessments per month with HIV-positive clients; make referrals to treatment as needed;
• Conduct up to 12 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 primary care, drug treatment and detox, mental health services, case management, housing services, benefits, emergency needs and other services;
• Conduct street and venue-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;
• Take initiative to integrate service delivery into existing programs, such as congregate housing facilities, in order to expand reach of program.
• 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 Data Coordinator
• 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 supervision, clinical supervision, and quality improvement (CQI) meetings, as well as departmental, divisional, and staff meetings
• Other related duties as assigned

Education and Certification

• CASAC or CASAC in training
• High School Diploma or GED

Special Skills and Knowledge

• Experience working with street-based and marginalized 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 a flexed schedule including evening hours, with potential for some weekend hours

How to apply