Job Information
Alliance For Living Inc Harm Reduction Specialist in New London, Connecticut
General Information:
The Harm Reduction Specialist will provide distribution of safer drug use supplies including sterile syringes, works, safer smoking and snorting supplies, and Narcan, and harm reduction education regarding safer use, safer sex, HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, and overdose prevention and response. Coordinate the collection and disposal of used syringes, provide sterile syringes and other harm reduction supplies through the Syringe Services Program, and provide training and supplies for overdose prevention, including Naloxone training. The Harm Reduction Specialist will also provide HIV and HCV testing at the AFL site and in the community.
General Description of Activities:
? Provides distribution of sterile syringes and other safer injection equipment and promotes safe collection and disposal of used syringes.
Provides education and conducts outreach on the Syringe Services Program, safe injection practices, overdose reversal, HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis.
Provides HIV, HCV and COVID Testing.
Records all appropriate data for SSP and HIV/HCV testing and enters in the CT Department of Public Health database.
Receives supplies, stocks, inventories, and tracks supply amounts
Completes referrals to community supports as needed.
Attends all mandated internal and Dept. of Public Health trainings.
Performs other duties as assigned.
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Qualifications:
A strong commitment and passion for people who use drugs, engage in sex work, people who are houseless, and people living with HIV/AIDS and/or Hepatitis C (HCV).
Extensive knowledge of Harm Reduction and ability to connect with the people who we serve, including conducting outreach activities.
Extensive knowledge and/or lived experience with people who inject drugs.
Knowledge of HIV/AIDS including prevention, testing, diagnosis and treatment.
Knowledge of healthcare disparities and the ability to target critical populations for creating effective service outreach provider plans.
Four or more years relevant experience including lived experience with drug use, sex work and harm reduction; a bachelors degree in human services or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience including lived experience.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Both a team-oriented person and the ability to work independently, with minimum supervision; possess the required judgement to properly escalate issues to management.
Computer proficiency (MS Office) and the efficient use of relevant software programs.
Must be able to multi-task, work in a high-volume environment, and cross-train for other assignments/programs.
Must be able to complete physical duties such as carrying and moving supplies and restocking the Syringe Services Program.
The ability to work in a culturally intelligent organization to ensure effective delivery of client care and assignment of resources.
Must operate within a Harm Reduction model.
Bi-lingual ability preferred.
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