Harm Reduction Specialist

Position Overview:

Highschool Diploma required

2 Year related experience Required

JOB SUMMARY

The Harm Reduction Specialist is responsible for promoting health screenings and agency services as well as providing Safe Syringe Delivery, HIV Testing & Counseling and Treatment Access to clients particularly those at high risk for HIV, other STI infections and other serious health conditions. This is classified as a "sensitive position" due to its access to confidential information.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Safe Syringe Exchange

Enroll participants in safe syringe exchange program.

Distribution of harm reduction materials including Naloxone kits.

Maintain supplies of mobile or fixed site for syringe exchange, HIV/HCV testing, harm reduction, and health promotion and linkage.

Assure the accuracy of electronic records to track the engagement and retention of HIV/HCV positive clients in healthcare or treatment for substance use disorders.

Distribute and educate participants on harm reduction interventions.

Interact with community partners for the delivery and referral of participants based on their needs.

Health Promotion

Conduct outreach activities in target communities in order to provide and promote agency services.

Actively assist supervisors with identifying new venues and testing sites to conduct activities.

Perform promotional and educational activities to link participants to Health Center services.

Actively participate in health fairs promoting services and encouraging participants to engage in care.

Testing and Counseling

Provide pre and post test counseling for HIV, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and health screenings as required.

Perform HIV and STI testing on clients by drawing blood or securing a blood, urine or saliva sample (OraSure or OraQuick Advance) and follows all manufacturer's instructions for the testing technology used.

Perform health screenings (i.e., blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol) as instructed.

Comply with monthly productivity standards in relation to number of tests, outreach, etc, as determined by management.

Create a supportive atmosphere in which to conduct testing.

Attend Health Promotion and Prevention monthly meetings and training.

Perform risk assessments for substance abuse and high-risk behaviors according to agency and funders standards.

Route lab specimens to the laboratory for analysis on the same day the sample is collected.

Maintain the area used for activities by cleaning before and after activities.

Maintain proper inventory of supplies for use on the mobile unit, at satellite locations, and in the office.

Referrals and Access to Treatment

Work with Outreach Workers and other agency staff to link clients testing positive to HIV primary care, other medical, dental, or psychosocial care as determined.

Make other referrals to the appropriate services and service providers as needed. (Food Stamps, Domestic Violence, Substance use treatment & Mental Health Counseling, etc.)

Route lab specimens to the laboratory for analysis on the same day the sample is collected.

Documentation, Compliance and Quality Assurance

Input client information and productivity data using software assigned (e.g. Casewatch, KIS, RedCap) by deadline established.

Process all progress notes, client admissions and discharges daily.

Maintain Timely, Accurate, Legible and Clear chart documentation according to agency requirements.

Comply with all data forms and report submission as required by agency funders and government entities (i.e. DOH, CDC, Unite Way).

Participate in programmatic site visits and monitorings when required.

Participate in routine, periodic program QA activities.

Drive the mobile units to outreach sites as required by supervisor.

Comply with all safety protocols as well as cleaning and maintenance schedules for mobile units and testing site locations.

Maintain proper inventory of supplies for use on the mobile unit, at satellite locations, and in the office.

Complete mobile unit check list before and after use as well as reports any incidents promptly following agency procedures.

Participate in staff training sessions as required by the agency and the funding source.

Participate in agency developmental activities as requested.

Other duties as assigned.

Culture of Service: 3 C's

Compassion

Greets internal or external customers (i.e. patient, client, staff, vendor) with courtesy, making eye contact, responding with a proper tone and nonverbal language.

Listens to the internal or external customer (i.e. patient, client, staff, vendor) attentively, reassuring and understanding of the request and providing appropriate options or resolutions.

Competency

Provides services required by following established protocols and when needed, procure additional help to answer questions to ensure appropriate services are delivered

Commitment

Takes initiative and anticipates internal or external customer needs by engaging them in the process and following up as needed

Prioritize internal or external customer (i.e. patient, client, staff, vendor) requests to ensure the prompt and effective response is provided

Safety

Ensures proper handwashing according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.

Understands and appropriately acts upon the assigned role in Emergency Code System.

Understands and performs assigned roles in the organization's Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP).

Contact Responsibility

The responsibility for internal and external contacts is frequent and important.

Physical Requirements

This work requires the following physical activities: frequent sitting, bending, standing, driving, walking, talking in person and talking on the phone. Occasional stretching/reaching and exposure to blood borne pathogens. Work usually is performed in an office setting and community outreach sites.

Other

Participates in health center developmental activities as requested.

Other duties as assigned.