Harm Reduction Specialist (Johnson City)

Southern Tier AIDS Program, Inc. is looking for a Harm Reduction Specialist to join our Johnson City team! This position provides services to participants of the Syringe Exchange Program. Coordinates and executes outreach and education to promote SEP programming and harm reduction services within the human services context. Offers low threshold syringe exchange services, as well as higher threshold activities to participants: risk assessment, HIV/HCV testing, individual/group education, and linkage/referral services. Responsible for providing services to participants in outlying areas, including special arrangements for syringe exchange services. The Harm Reduction Specialist reports directly to the Harm Reduction Coordinator. Responsibilities The primary responsibilities and duties of a Harm Reduction Specialist include staffing the SEP during regular hours of operations including: Performs initial intake of syringe exchange participants and referrals for additional needed services; Provides comprehensive risk assessment services, as well as short-term prevention care management services to eligible individuals; Coordinates the exchange of used syringes returned by participants for new syringes and maintains the exchange transaction logs; Offers complete prevention protocol consisting of safer injection education and supplies, safer sex education and supplies; Conducts needs assessment and education related to risk reduction, treatment options, and community referrals; In accordance with the department rotation schedule, responsible for carrying and answering the SEP 24-hour on-call phone for law enforcement officials and providing information to confirm enrollment as needed; Maintains all written and computer data of daily transactions; Maintains the cleanliness and proper functioning of site and equipment; Maintains the scheduled hours of site; Works collaboratively with other STAP personnel who assist in staffing Benefits Excellent benefits package including: life insurance, 401(k) retirement plan, medical and dental insurance, flexible spending plan and generous time off (24 days annually + 11 paid holidays) Salary $20.00/hour working 35-hours per week, may vary depending upon experience

Education:

High School Diploma/GED and two years of relevant human service experience, or an Associate's Degree in Health, Education, Social Work, Human Service, Liberal Arts or a related field and one year of experience in a human services field.

Experience:

Minimum of one year working human services required. Experience in a directly related field (case management, syringe exchange, HIV/HCV services, or substance use treatment) strongly preferred. Previous experience working with individuals actively using substances is strongly desired. Experience serving individuals with a Substance Use Disorder (SUD) or Opiate Use Disorder (OUD) diagnosis is preferred. Computer literacy, organizational skills, public speaking and presentation skills, strong interpersonal skills, knowledge and acceptance of the Harm Reduction philosophy required. Physical demands are those associated with general office duties: sitting, standing, light lifting. This individual will conduct educational programs in the community and will carry educational presentation materials. This individual is responsible for meeting the transportation and insurability requirements of this job. A valid driver's license, clean driving record and reliable transportation is a requirement of this position. As an equal employment opportunity employer Southern Tier AIDS Program, Inc. dba Southern Tier Care Coordination (STAP/STCC) does not discriminate in its employment decisions on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, pregnancy, veteran status, or on any other basis that would be in violation of any applicable federal, state, or local law. We came into being as a result of the stigma surrounding a disease that disproportionately impacted the LGBTQ community and BIPOC communities. This legacy informs our efforts to always strive to be more inclusive and actively anti-racist to both our staff and the clients we serve.

STAP/STCC

is a public health organization. Our mission is to compassionately and competently meet the evolving needs of our communities by serving people affected by chronic illness and to improve public health through disease prevention, care coordination and advocacy. As a public health organization, STAP/STCC believes in the science of vaccination and highly recommends that all individuals get vaccinated. Apply online or send resume and cover letter to STAP, c/o Human Resources, 22 Riverside Drive, Binghamton, NY 13905 or FAX to 607-798-1977