Job | Director of Outreach & Advocacy – New York Harm Reduction Educators

Director of Outreach and Advocacy

New York Harm Reduction Educators 
http://www.idealist.org/step/discover/ea/job/view/job/Xspt87tMbH8d/

Position Summary:

The Director of Outreach and Advocacy is responsible for managing program functions for the agency’s syringe access programs, outreach activities, peer training and leadership program, and street-based harm reduction services, including overdose prevention. This position is also responsible for guiding the agency’s advocacy and policy initiatives, and developing and leveraging relationships with external parties (including service providers). All activities are designed to advance NYHRE’s service model, which is based on educating and empowering individuals to advocate for themselves and make self-identified changes in their lives. This position is expected to supplement the work of the departmental staff by providing services to participants as necessary. As one of the agency’s two program directors, and a member of the Senior Management Team (SMT), this position is vital to ensuring that NYHRE operates in a manner consistent with the principles of Harm Reduction and is responsible for modeling behavior which exemplifies an agency culture that values education, growth, and collaborative team-based management.

Responsibilities:

• Manage and develop the syringe access, outreach, peer training and leadership program, and other related low-threshold programs across multiple street and office-based sites.
• Develop, implement, and maintain program policies and procedures. Ensure that program services are effective and satisfying for program participants, consistent with the agency’s harm reduction philosophy, and are delivered as outlined in contractual agreements with funders as well as Federal, State and local government regulations.
• Supervise the Syringe Exchange and Outreach teams and Participant Action and Education department; provide guidance, weekly supervision, and ongoing training and skills development to improve knowledge and service delivery and ensure a positive experience for program participants and staff.
• Oversee the UPRISE Peer Training Program (including classroom education and field practicum) to ensure participants have a meaningful training experience and are involved in the progress of the organization and larger community.
• Ensure the efficient allocation of resources across sites, and work with other members of the SMT to continually improve accountability, intra-agency communication, and collaboration.
• Coordinate with the Data and Evaluation team to accurately capture and document measurable outcomes.
• Continuously monitor and report on outcomes, service deliverables and participant satisfaction, and work with the Executive Director to implement a comprehensive quality management plan that includes the development of appropriate performance measures.
• Utilize data to coordinate optimal workflow, assess service gaps, improve the location and delivery of services, coordinate agency outreach activities, ensure adequate staffing on sites, and develop and implement new and innovative services to meet emerging needs.
• Work with other community organizations, participants, and staff to identify strategies and new community settings for overdose prevention trainings and naloxone distribution.
• Lead by example. Provide syringe exchange services, conduct outreach, overdose prevention trainings, and education on prevention, safer substance use, and other topics relevant to people who use drugs.
• Stay abreast of legislative, budgetary, and regulatory issues at the local, national, and global level that affect people who use drugs, sex workers, and people living with HIV/AIDS. Identify and participate in events that will increase NYHRE’s activism profile and connection to the community. Educate participants about the role of activism in social justice gains and motivate them to get involved in advocating for themselves and demanding rights for themselves and their communities.
• Produce written reports, publications, presentations, and relevant portions of funding proposals, and represent NYHRE as necessary in the community (i.e., community planning bodies, community boards, police precincts), at conferences, and with other service providers.
• Develop and maintain strategic relationships with local, regional, state, and federal representatives, as well as allied organizations, community organizing groups, coalitions, and other community stakeholders.
• Reinforce and develop a collaborative and proactive agency culture through supportive and motivating interactions with staff and the implementation of fair and effective policies.
• Participate in regular management meetings.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements and Experience:

• Should have 5-10 years direct service experience with marginalized populations including active drug users, sex workers, and formerly incarcerated individuals. Experience with the delivery of street-based services and outreach strongly preferred.
• Minimum 5 years experience with program management, contract management and supervision. Must have experience managing multiple contracts with overlapping service categories.
• Significant work or life experience in the areas of substance use, sex work, and HIV and HCV desired. Knowledge of the Bronx and East Harlem IDU/ substance use communities preferred.
• Must be dedicated to advancing an agenda of equal rights and social justice for marginalized individuals, especially through participation in advocacy, and community activism.
• Must have strong interpersonal and team building skills, excellent communication and presentation skills, and the ability and willingness to be hands-on and creatively solve problems as they arise.
• Proficiency with MS Office (including Word, Excel and Outlook), relational databases, and use of the Internet required.
• Must be willing and able to work outdoors at our street sites, hours may vary.
• Must have a valid driver’s license, a clean driving record and be able to drive a Sprinter van (commercial license not necessary).
• Bilingual (Spanish) preferred.

Reports to: Executive Director

Supervises: 6 full-time staff and 2 peers

Status: Full-time, Exempt

How to Apply:

Send your resume, a cover letter that effectively addresses the above-mentioned responsibilities and requirements as well as demonstrates your ability to contribute positively to the agency, and salary requirements to jobs@nyhre.org. Subject line should read, “Director of Outreach and Advocacy position – last name“. All attachments should adhere to the following naming convention “Lastname, Firstname CoverLetter”. As this position requires attention to detail, omitting or not following all of the application procedures will result in your disqualification. No calls please.

Last Updated on December 17, 2017 by HepFree NYC