JOB SUMMARY The Harm Reduction Specialist plays a vital role in promoting health and wellness among high-risk populations, particularly individuals vulnerable to HIV, other STI's, and serious health conditions. This position is responsible for delivering agency services, facilitating access to health screenings, Safe Syringe Programs, HIV testing & counseling, and connecting clients to the appropriate treatment options. The Specialist works directly with at-risk communities, promoting harm reduction practices and ensuring clients have access to life-saving resources. This is classified as a sensitive position due to its access to confidential information. Job ResponsibilitiesSafe 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
- Conducts outreach activities in target communities in order to provide and promote agency services.
- Actively assists supervisor in identifying new venues and testing sites to conduct activities.
- Performs promotional and educational activities to link participants to Health Center services.
- Actively participates in health fairs promoting services and encouraging participants to engage in care.
Testing and Counseling
- Provides pre and post test counseling for HIV, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and health screenings as required.
- Performs 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.
- Performs health screenings (i.e., blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol) as instructed.
- Complies with monthly productivity standards in relation to number of tests, outreach, etc, as determined by management.
- Creates a supportive atmosphere in which to conduct testing.
- Attends Health Promotion and Prevention monthly meetings and training.
- Performs risk assessments for substance abuse and high-risk behaviors according to agency and funders standards.
- Routes lab specimens to the laboratory for analysis on the same day the sample is collected.
- Maintains the area used for activities by cleaning before and after activities.
- Maintains proper inventory of supplies for use on the mobile unit, at satellite locations, and in the office.
Referrals and Access to Treatment
- Works with Outreach Workers and other agency staff to link clients testing positive to HIV primary care, other medical, dental, or psychosocial care as determined.
- Makes other referrals to the appropriate services and service providers as needed. (Food Stamps, Domestic Violence, Substance use treatment & Mental Health Counseling, etc.)
- Routes lab specimens to the laboratory for analysis on the same day the sample is collected.
Documentation, Compliance and Quality Assurance
- Inputs client information and productivity data using software assigned (e.g. Casewatch, KIS, RedCap) by deadline established.
- Processes all progress notes, client admissions and discharges daily.
- Maintains Timely, Accurate, Legible and Clear chart documentation according to agency requirements.
- Complies with all data forms and report submission as required by agency funders and government entities (i.e. DOH, CDC, Unite Way).
- Participates in programmatic site visits and monitoring's when required.
- Participates in routine, periodic program QA activities.
- Drives the mobile unit to outreach sites as required by supervisor.
- Complies with all safety protocols as well as cleaning and maintenance schedules for mobile units and testing site locations.
- Maintains proper inventory of supplies for use on the mobile unit, at satellite locations, and in the office.
- Completes mobile unit check lists before and after use as well as reports any incidents promptly following agency procedures.
- Participates in staff training sessions as required by the agency and the funding source.
- Participates in agency developmental activities as requested.
- Other duties as assigned.
Safety Ensures proper hand washing according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. Ensures each new client receives screening for their risk for suicide. Understands and appropriately acts upon assigned role in Emergency Code System Understands and performs assigned role in Agency Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) JOB SPECIFICATIONSEducation: High school diploma is required. College education in the health or social services field preferred. Licenses and/or certifications: Phlebotomy, CPR, proper driver license and clean driving record for mobile unit operation are required. Must pass pre-employment criminal background check according to Department of Children and Families regulations and Florida Statutes. Job Knowledge and Skills: Bilingual (English-Spanish/ English-Creole) is preferred. Being informed regarding specific HIV transmission risks and bloodborne pathogens. Computer knowledge should include Microsoft Word and Excel. Excellent communication, organizational and teamwork skills. Knowledge of counseling techniques, active listening and skills building techniques required. Ability to work with multicultural and diverse population is required. Contact Responsibility: The responsibility for internal and external contacts is frequent and important. Other: Own transportation required. Driving at least a 27 ft. mobile unit might be required. Availability to work nights and weekends based on program needs. 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.