Outreach Responder - ACR Health : Job Details

Job Title: Outreach Responder

Location: Utica Office

Salary: $20.60 hourly

CLASSIFICATION: Hourly, Non-Exempt. Twenty-hour (20.00) week; occasional evenings and weekends expected for meetings, workshops, and seminars.

Position Summary: The Outreach Responder will provide compassionate harm reduction services to individuals in rural areas at risk of substance use issues. Responsibilities include educating on safer substance use, harm reduction, overdose prevention strategies, and distributing essential supplies like naloxone, sterile injection equipment, and wound care / hygiene supplies. The role also focuses on offering judgment-free support in a respectful environment, reducing stigma toward drug users, and providing education to reduce the risk of overdose events and negative outcomes related to substance use.

As a community resource, the specialist will connect individuals with local health services and treatment resources, collaborating with community partners to help navigate healthcare and social service systems.

This position is crucial for preventing overdose deaths and enhancing health outcomes in rural communities. Success requires flexibility, empathy, and a person-centered approach to engage vulnerable populations.

Apply: [email protected]

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

1. High School Diploma/GED or higher and lived experience with the capability to identifiably connect with the population of PWUD (people who use drugs) OR 2 years of experience working in social service/health care agency providing direct client related services to diverse populations (e.g., persons of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people who use substances or have significant mental health needs, etc.).

2. Access to a reliable automobile with insurance and a valid NYS driver's license that will pass DMV screening is required.

3. Demonstrated commitment to cultural humility; sensitivity to HIV/AIDS, chronic illness, LGB/TGNC and BIPOC communities; and a strong commitment to the mission, vision, and values of ACR health are essential.

4. Effective communication skills.

5. Experience delivering s stigma-free, non-judgmental and culturally competent services.

6. Sensitivity to HIV/AIDS, chronic illness, LGTBQ issues and a strong commitment to the mission, vision, and values of ACR Health are essential.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Incorporate best practices regarding confidentiality into all job duties and communications in accordance with Article 27-F arid HIPAA, ACR Health policies and procedures and other applicable regulations. Protect agency data in accordance with confidentiality procedures and protocols. Observe and abide by the HIV Confidentiality Law and HIPAA.

2. Participate in enhanced outreach in rural communities, along with the outreach engagement specialist and outreach coordinator, targeting high-risk sub-populations of PWID to promote and facilitate Harm Reduction Syringe Exchange services, overdose prevention services, and rural communities who lack medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) resources.

3. Participate in strategic street outreach in rural communities to reach PWUD and BIPOC communities who experience barriers to accessing healthcare, as well as higher rates of preventable hospitalization, and are at higher risk of drug overdose.

4. Participate in applicable training/professional development opportunities for a minimum of 24 hours of curriculum-based training annually.

5. Participate as a culturally competent member of the Harm Reduction Services department and agency, which includes having the capacity to function effectively as an individual within the context of cultural beliefs, behaviors, and needs presented by consumers and their communities.

6. Maintain confidentiality of all agency clients as well as other appropriate organizational components.

7. Work in a cooperative, collegial style with all other organizational personnel. Conduct oneself in a professional manner as an agency employee and representative.

8. Perform other duties as assigned by the Outreach Coordinator.