Harm Reduction Peer Academy @ Housing Works
(Application: Due January 30, 2026)
Purpose of Harm Reduction Peer Academy:
The Housing Works Manhattan Harm Reduction and Syringe Services Program was established in October 1992. Its purpose is to provide equipment, counseling, and interventions to minimize the harmful effects of prohibition and substance use, and to encourage safer behaviors. This is part of a low-barrier approach to reach people who are often left out of the clinical setting and to reduce the transmission of blood-borne infections like HIV and Hep C.
The goal of the Peer Academy is to provide an opportunity to work in a professional capacity delivering harm reduction interventions. The Academy provides support to the various Housing Works departments throughout the Housing Works Community and is expanding this opportunity to partnered organizations. The program requires applicants to be engaged in a service plan and to have a solid and consistent support system.
Classes are three days a week for eight weeks, with only review sessions and exams during weeks 4 and 8. The curriculum is divided into two modules designed to give participants a practical foundation (Module 1) for continued, more advanced peer worker training (Module 2).After completing the course, participants are eligible to seek a position as a Peer Worker in the Harm Reduction department as well as throughout the agency. Peer workers can be scheduled up to 20 hours per week, and receive a stipend equal to $8.50 per hour.
Successful completion of the Harm Reduction Peer Academy is evaluated based on active participation in class, attendance, and exam performance. While completion does not guarantee a stipend worker position after graduation, the program can assist participants in pursuit of available positions.
The curriculum is divided into two modules:
1) Foundational Peer Worker Training
The objective of this module is to introduce participants to important practical aspects of professional work in the Harm Reduction field. The lessons include:
- Introduction to Harm Reduction
- Needlestick and Bloodborne Pathogen Prevention
- Confidentiality
- Professional Boundaries
- Verbal De-escalation
- Motivational Interviewing
- Overdose Prevention and Response
- Street Outreach
2) Continued Peer Worker Training
The objective of this module is to complement the practical knowledge gained in the previous courses with knowledge of Harm Reduction theory and history as well as case studies and roleplays. The lessons include:
- Safe Use: Safer Injection Practices
- Safe Use: Injection Alternatives
- Sexual Health and Harm Reduction
- Depressants
- Stimulants and other Drugs
- MOUD
- HIV History, Prevention, and Care
- Viral Hepatitis
- Group Facilitation
To apply please follow these directions:
- Complete all sections in the application to the best of your ability
- Have your provider complete a letter of recommendation
- Send completed application via e-mail to j.clary@housingworks.org
Send completed application and supporting documents to:
Jacob Clary
E-Mail: j.clary@housingworks.org
Phone Number: 212-677-7999 x4507
Click here for the Peer Academy Application – Winter 2026
View program flyer here.
Last Updated on January 12, 2026 by HepFree NYC
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