Community Health Educator- Harm Reduction

About Us The South Jersey AIDS Alliance is a caring, compassionate organization dedicated to the fight against HIV/AIDS, aiming to improve health outcomes and reduce barriers to care for individuals and families in our community. We provide client-centered services that promote dignity, equity, and well-being, and we are looking for a Community Health Educator- Harm Reduction, to join our team! About the Role The Community Health Educator- Harm Reduction plays a key role in providing compassionate, community-based education, outreach, and support to individuals affected by HIV, Hepatitis C, substance use, homelessness, and related health disparities. This position promotes harm reduction practices, provides safer use resources, and connects individuals to supportive medical and social services. This role is primarily field-based, with approximately 70% of time dedicated to street outreach and direct community engagement and 30% to administrative duties, documentation, and coordination.

The Community Health Educator works collaboratively with clients, healthcare providers, and community organizations to promote public health, reduce barriers to care, and further the mission of the organization. This role will be physically located in our Vineland location servicing Cumberland and Salem counties What You'll Do Build trusting, respectful relationships with clients, community partners, and colleagues to support engagement and reduce barriers to care. Provide individual-level harm reduction education and counseling sessions in alignment with program guidelines. Conduct street-based and community outreach to engage individuals who use drugs and/or may be at increased risk for HIV or Hepatitis C. Distribute safer use supplies accordance with harm reduction and public health best practices. Provide education on safer injection, safer sex, safe syringe disposal, and prevention of HIV, Hepatitis C, STIs, and other bloodborne infections. Encourage and support access to HIV, Hepatitis C, and STI testing and screening services. Provide overdose prevention education and equip participants with naloxone, including instruction on proper use. Participate in routine syringe sweep activities in designated community areas, which includes safely identifying, collecting, and properly disposing of used syringes and other biohazard materials in accordance with established safety protocols, while helping to maintain a safer environment for both program participants and the broader community. Provide education and distribution of drug checking strips to support safer use and overdose prevention. Conduct assessments to determine client needs and support access to medical care, behavioral health, and substance use treatment when appropriate. Facilitate or assist with support groups, community education sessions, and outreach events to increase awareness of harm reduction resources. Document all services, interactions, and referrals in accordance with agency and program requirements. Prepare and submit required monthly reports. Maintain flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and travel across locations based on program needs. Assist with coverage and support for other agency sites as needed. Attend required meetings and trainings. What We're Looking For Associate's degree in human services, public health, or a related field required; bachelor's degree preferred. 1-3 years of experience in human services, community health, or related field strongly preferred. Knowledge of harm reduction principles, substance use, and HIV/STI prevention a plus. Familiarity with local healthcare and social service systems preferred. Strong communication and interpersonal skills; ability to engage respectfully with diverse populations. Excellent organizational, documentation, and time management skills. Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative, interdisciplinary team. Proficiency in Microsoft Office strongly preferred. Valid driver's license and ability to drive company vehicle required. Why You'll Love Working Here You'll be part of a passionate team working to make a lasting difference in the lives of people affected by

HIV/AIDS

Collaborative, supportive team environment Competitive pay and benefits package, which includes o Vacation, sick, and personal time o A paid winter break for all employees o Medical and dental benefits o 401K with an employer match Physical Demands & Working Environment The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions unless such accommodation creates undue hardship. Work in a general office environment, including performing tasks on a computer; communicating verbally to exchange information, provide instructions, or convey ideas; reading and analyzing written materials; maintaining a stationary position at a workstation; exercising visual acuity to prepare and review information, operate a computer terminal, and utilize general office equipment. Occasional lifting or exerting force of up to 25 pounds Ability to sit or stand for prolonged periods as needed Walking/moving about work setting to accomplish tasks Perform duties in community and outdoor settings as required for street outreach activities, which may include extended periods of walking or standing, direct engagement with individuals in public spaces, and exposure to a variety of environmental and weather conditions. The work environmental characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Subject to climate-controlled office environments and requires flexibility to adapt to different environments as needed; employee may be substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions while doing street outreach. Potential exposure to individuals experiencing medical or behavioral health crises, and to biohazard materials consistent with healthcare settings Must follow all agency infection control and safety procedures. Recurring travel will be required, including the operation of the Outreach Van for community-based outreach, and travel servicing for Cumberland and Salem counties; regular travel required during the first 3-6 months for training. Employees are expected to participate in and assist with at least two South Jersey AIDS Alliance fundraising events each year, including the NJ AIDS Walk.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$20.00 per hour

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off

License/Certification:

Driver's License (Preferred)

Work Location:

In person