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Harm Reduction Specialist
full-time•New York
About this role
ABOUT US: - We believe that everyone deserves a home!
Breaking Ground operates nearly 4,000 units of housing across New York City, along with housing in upstate New York and Connecticut. Supportive housing - affordable housing paired with services designed to help people maintain their homes for the long-term - is widely recognized as a proven and cost-effective solution to chronic homelessness.
But we didn't stop at providing housing. Breaking Ground's programs and services help people experiencing street homelessness - especially those who have been on the streets the longest - to come indoors. Through our Street to Home outreach program and transitional housing resources, we help people get, and stay, on the path to a permanent home.
Reporting to the Assistant Program Director, the Harm Reduction Specialist for Street to Home Brooklyn will be located at 90 Sands St. in Brooklyn serving people experiencing homelessness (some with mental illness and/or substance use disorders) in order to assist the individual in the transitioning to permanent housing. Position responsibilities will include liaising with Peer-Delivered Syringe Exchange; Mobile Provider Syringe Exchange; developing, implementing, and facilitating in-house group programming; and providing and tracking opioid overdose prevention training for staff and clients. They will ensure safe sex education and materials are available to all residents. This individual will be expected to partner with appropriate Harm Reduction Service partners in the community that can provide services to the clients in the community.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Create and manage core Harm Reduction based curriculum
- Liaise with external Harm Reduction based partners to help coordinate services
- Coordinate and facilitate groups with clients
- Assist program leadership in creating trainings for staff that ensure Harm Reduction practices are being taught and exercised by staff
- Ensure all staff are aware of needle stick prevention methods and agency policy and procedure around responding to needle sticks
- Ensure that there are adequate syringe disposal containers on site that are strategically located throughout the program site and will ensure that containers are emptied regularly
- Ensure there are always safer-sex resources available to clients that are accessible in common spaces
- Liaise with on-site psychiatric and primary care provider, to support treatment planning which includes medications aimed at reducing/eliminating alcohol use
- Perform other related duties as assigned
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Two years of experience working with homeless adults and substance abuse issues preferred
- Experience with harm reduction and motivational interviewing techniques strongly preferred
- Valid NY, NJ, CT, or PA driver’s license with a good driving record, as defined by Breaking Ground is preferred
- Excellent computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel and the ability to learn new programs
- Excellent writing and communication skills
- Bilingual Spanish/English is preferred
EOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled
What you'll do
- The Harm Reduction Specialist will create and manage a core Harm Reduction based curriculum and coordinate services with external partners. They will also facilitate groups with clients and assist in training staff on Harm Reduction practices.
About Breaking Ground
Breaking Ground’s success in ending homelessness is built on a housing model that serves individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
For the chronically homeless, we create safe, secure housing, with essential on-site support services to help them address the psychosocial, mental, and physical health problems that are obstacles to independent living.
For individuals who find themselves at the edge of homelessness, our affordable housing provides an all-important safety net.
Today, Breaking Ground operates nearly 4,000 units of housing across New York City, along with housing in upstate New York and Connecticut. Supportive housing - affordable housing paired with wraparound services designed to help people maintain their homes for the long-term - is widely recognized as a proven and cost-effective solution to chronic homelessness.
But we didn't stop at providing housing. Breaking Ground's programs and services help people experiencing street homelessness - especially those who have been on the streets the longest - to come indoors. Through our Street to Home outreach program and transitional housing resources, we help people get, and stay, on the path to a permanent home.
Ready to join Breaking Ground?
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Harm Reduction Specialist do at Breaking Ground?
As a Harm Reduction Specialist at Breaking Ground, you will: the Harm Reduction Specialist will create and manage a core Harm Reduction based curriculum and coordinate services with external partners. They will also facilitate groups with clients and assist in training staff on Harm Reduction practices..
Is the Harm Reduction Specialist position at Breaking Ground remote?
The Harm Reduction Specialist position at Breaking Ground is based in New York, United States. Contact the company through Clera for specific work arrangement details.
How do I apply for the Harm Reduction Specialist position at Breaking Ground?
You can apply for the Harm Reduction Specialist position at Breaking Grounddirectly through Clera. Click the "Apply Now" button above to start your application. Clera's AI-powered platform will help match your profile with this opportunity and guide you through the application process.