Overdose Prevention Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Job Summary:

Work as a member of the Harm Reduction team to provide comprehensive risk reduction services to program participants to improve the health of people who use drugs. Conduct opioid overdose prevention training and related interventions with people who use drugs (PWUD), community members and professionals who are in contact with those at risk for opioid overdose. Provide additional support to conducting syringe exchange activities along with providing additional support to services under the Harm Reduction program including conducting HIV/Hepatitis C counseling, testing and referral and opioid overdose prevention training. Harm Reduction Specialist will work to motivate and ensure engagement in program, education, prevention and support services.

Major Activities:

1. Incorporate best practices regarding confidentiality into all job duties and communications in accordance with Article 27-F, HIPAA, Alliance for Positive Health policies and procedures and other applicable regulations. Observe and abide by the HIV Confidentiality Law.
2. Complete detailed progress notes and monthly reports.
3. Complete documentation in agency electronic health record up to standard for billing purposes 4.Collect, maintain, and report up to date client health indicator, contact, and history data.
4. Utilize indicator data to address barriers and improve individual health outcomes.
5. Implement strategies to communicate client health information among internal and external interdisciplinary teams.
6. Incorporate the Transtheoretical Model of Behavior Change and Motivational Interviewing, as applicable, into all aspects of programming.
7. Maintain accurate records in accordance with New York state regulations and agency protocols. Maintain documentation and statistics on activities to comply with reporting requirements.
8. Develop and implement strategies to engage hard-to-reach IDU populations including enhanced outreach. Network with community service providers serving IDUs to increase accessibility of syringes and maintain and implement i referral mechanisms.
9. Remain current on HIV, STIs, HCV, substance use, and related information.
10. Develop individualized treatment and adherence plans that include community linkages for services, such as primary care, housing, entitlements, substance treatment, mental health, employment, and care coordination.
11. Facilitate presentations on various topics with community members and targeted populations. This includes Harm and Risk Reduction, HIV and Hepatitis C and cultural humility.
12. Facilitate opioid overdose prevention training to clients and the general community as applicable.
13. Conduct syringe exchange activities and syringe retrieval in designated community settings according to agency policies and procedures.
14. Follow safe handling guidelines established by the Alliance for Positive Health, NYS DOH, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
15. Travel to designated syringe exchange venues within catchment area(s) as applicable.
16. As applicable conduct confidential HIV/Hepatitis C counseling, testing, and referral as applicable according to NYS DOH guidelines.
17. Incorporate comprehensive pre and post-test counseling, individual level risk reduction counseling, and/or other assigned interventions into test counseling sessions.
    • Provide referrals to care, support, and partner services as required by LNYSDOH for all positive/reactive results, including follow up to referrals.
    • iIncorporate referrals, regardless of test results, to meet identified needs.
    • Monitor 24-hour hotline as applicable.
18. Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Experience working with targeted populations.
• Must have a valid, unrestricted driver’s license and have a vehicle to travel to designated appointment sites within a muti-county region.
• Lived experience related to substance use and/or may self-identify as someone in recovery with the willingness to use experiences as a opportunity to support clients and service delivery.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Good oral and written communication skills; good listening skills
• Attention to detail, well-organized
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to maintain strong boundaries within agency and grant guidelines
• Ability to interact with people from diverse backgrounds within a climate of mutual respect, inclusion, enrichment, and growth