Addiction Harm Reduction Worker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

POSITION TITLE: HARM REDUCTION SERVICES COORDINATOR

REPORTS TO: Prevention Supervisor

SUPERVISES: N/A

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position provides assertive, community based interventions and case management services for high risk HIV- and HIV+ individuals who use drugs (PWUDs) in SW Ohio, N Kentucky, and SE Indiana. Provide outreach, HIV testing, education and intervention services directly to individuals at risk for contracting HIV. Link clients to resources, testing and education; facilitate access to medical care and medications, drug and/or alcohol treatment, syringe exchange programs, and holistic care resources; provide advocacy and psychosocial interventions.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide outreach, HIV testing and education for high-risk HIV- and HIV+ individuals who abuse or are dependent upon drugs, including injection drug use.
• Provide outreach services onsite in medical, substance abuse and corrections facilities and at syringe service programs.
• Provide education regarding harm reduction, HIV/AIDS, safer sex practices, medication adherence, linkage to medical care and safer IV drug use practices.
• Provide case management intervention services, including testing and education; initial assessments of service needs; and comprehensive individualized service planning, monitoring and revision.
• Utilize bio-psychosocial models related to successful HIV/AIDS care and engagement of PWIDs, with continuous assessment of client, target community and/or family members’ needs and support systems.
• Provide linkage to HIV/AIDS and/or substance abuse medical care; assistance in obtaining and maintaining health insurance, benefits/entitlement programs, and other sources of support for positive physical health.
• Serve as an advocate for the target populations, including serving as a liaison between clients, providers and the larger community.
• Effectively utilize a broad and comprehensive knowledge of community resources serving those living with HIV/AIDS and addiction, such as syringe exchange programs, use of Narcan, medical and mental health/substance abuse treatment providers.
• Represent Caracole in the community and, develop partnerships and strategies with service providers in the tri-state area.
• Adhere to the harm reduction model as it relates to individual client care and public health. Adhere to Caracole standards of care.
• Participate in quality management activities; individual/group/team supervision meetings and educational/training events.
• Maintain timely and accurate client and statistical records as required by regulatory or funding agencies and Caracole; meet all required deadlines for documentation.
• Maintain a collaborative working relationship with Caracole team members.
• Identify and pursue educational opportunities to promote professional growth.
• Adhere to all rules, policies and regulations pertaining to privacy and confidentiality.
• Drive testing van to sites in community; provide client transportation when needed.
• Other duties assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in public health, social work, chemical dependency related field and/or 4 years commensurate experience. CDCA or CDC certification a plus. Certification for HIV Test Counselor required within 6 months of hire. Proven ability to work harmoniously with ethnically, culturally, and racially diverse groups of individuals. Has or can build relationships within the community of African American men and women who use drugs and are at risk for HIV. Basic knowledge of HIV/AIDS, substance abuse service networks, entitlement programs, medical and social community services.

REQUIRED SKILLS:

• Must work well independently and be a strong member of a small team.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality in verbal, print, and electronic communications.
• Basic computer skills, including familiarity with Microsoft Office.
• Read, write, speak and understand English with good verbal and written communication skills.
• Sensitivity to persons living with chronic disease (HIV/AIDS and/or addiction) and co-existing social, mental and physical conditions.
• Strong mental and emotional heath self-care.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

This position includes time spent working in office, remote at home, and in the community. Work is generally 9-5 M-F. Work on evenings approximately four times a month and occasional weekend assignments. Must operate a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a phone and copy machine. Must have the ability to accurately communicate information and ideas so others will understand.

Employee must have reliable transportation and ability to travel and work at community locations in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana. Work in varied environments such as jails, prisons, substance abuse facilities, mobile vans. Some site visits may involve stairs. Must have driver’s license, insurance and vehicle in order to transport clients and drive mobile van. Testing requires manual dexterity and visual acuity to perform HIV pinprick tests and read test results. The employee must be able to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Hepatitis B vaccination (or waiver) required upon hire.

SALARY:

This position is full time, hourly (non-exempt). The pay rate is $22 per hour (approx. $45,760 annually).

BENEFITS INCLUDE:

• Hybrid work environment: in community, in office and at home, with a paid lunch hour.
• Competitive pay; annual increases, on-demand pay advances.
• Medical health insurance, dental, and vision.
• At no cost to the employee: short-term disability insurance, long-term disability insurance, life insurance, and employee assistance program.
• 401k retirement plan with a company match.
• Paid paternity leave.
• Generous paid time off includes 11 paid holidays, up to 5 weeks of sick and vacation time off in your first year, and one community service day.
• Reimbursements for work-related mileage and cellphone costs.
• Nonprofit student loan forgiveness program.
• Annual training allowance for all staff to continue their education
• Social work license supervision towards independent licensure, and continuing education credits.
• Opportunities for internship or practicum supervision
• Funded through government grants, donations and program income; no medical billing.
• Mission-focused local service agency with a focus on high-quality services and high-quality employment.
• A friendly, progressive, recovery-friendly and inclusive environment that values people.

Caracole is an equal opportunity employer. We are proactively seeking a diverse applicant pool. Reflective of our strategic and client needs, we welcome applications from individuals who live with HIV or are at risk for HIV.