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Harm Reduction Specialist

Jamaica, NY · On-site

... abuse counseling, and other essential supports each year. The caring, individually tailored ... Reporting to the Assistant Program Director, the Harm Reduction Specialist for S2H Queens will be ...

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How much do harm reduction counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for harm reduction counselor in the United States is $23.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $26.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some of the main challenges Harm Reduction Counselors face when building trust with clients?

Harm Reduction Counselors often work with individuals who may have experienced stigma or negative interactions with healthcare systems, making it challenging to establish trust. Building rapport requires patience, non-judgmental listening, and cultural sensitivity. Counselors must respect clients' autonomy and choices while providing support and resources, which can sometimes be a delicate balance. Consistent communication and demonstrating reliability over time are key strategies to overcome these challenges and foster a supportive relationship.

What is the difference between Harm Reduction Counselor vs Substance Abuse Counselor?

AspectHarm Reduction CounselorSubstance Abuse Counselor
CredentialsOften requires certification in harm reduction or related fields, some states require licensureTypically requires a state license or certification in substance abuse counseling
Work EnvironmentCommunity clinics, outreach programs, harm reduction centersRehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics, hospitals
Industry UsageFocuses on reducing negative consequences of drug use, often in non-judgmental settingsFocuses on treating substance dependence and recovery

Harm Reduction Counselors and Substance Abuse Counselors share overlapping credentials and work environments, but their approaches differ. Harm Reduction Counselors emphasize minimizing risks associated with drug use, often working in community-based settings, while Substance Abuse Counselors focus on treatment and recovery in clinical environments.

What is a Harm Reduction Counselor?

A Harm Reduction Counselor is a professional who works with individuals who use drugs or engage in other high-risk behaviors, helping them reduce negative health and social consequences. Rather than focusing solely on abstinence, harm reduction counselors offer practical strategies to minimize risks, such as providing education about safer use, connecting clients with resources, and supporting their goals, whether that is reduced use or eventual abstinence. They often work in community health organizations, clinics, or outreach programs, and use a nonjudgmental, client-centered approach.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Harm Reduction Counselor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Harm Reduction Counselor, you need a solid understanding of substance use, harm reduction principles, and often a background in social work or counseling, with relevant certifications preferred. Familiarity with case management systems, data collection tools, and knowledge of community health resources are commonly required. Exceptional listening skills, nonjudgmental communication, and cultural competency help build trust and rapport with clients. These skills are crucial for effectively supporting individuals, reducing stigma, and connecting clients to the services they need for safer choices and improved well-being.
More about Harm Reduction Counselor jobs
What states have the most Harm Reduction Counselor jobs? States with the most job openings for Harm Reduction Counselor jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Harm Reduction Counselor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Harm Reduction Counselor jobs are:
Harm Reduction Counselor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Harm Reduction Counselor job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $48,812 per year, or $23.5 per hour.

Harm Reduction Specialist

New Jersey Harm Reduction Coalition

New Brunswick, NJ • On-site

$53K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Facilitate syringe exchanges and harm reduction counseling with community members through mobile outreach and on-site services.

  • Organize, stock, and deliver harm reduction supplies to members' households and Middlesex County kiosks.

  • Respond to overdoses and other critical incidents during outreach shifts and within the building.

Job description

Overview
  • Job: Harm Reduction Specialist
  • Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt
  • Location: New Brunswick, NJ
  • Salary: $53,500 - $64,000 (the majority of candidates will start at the lowest end of this salary band)
  • Apply by: Decisions are made on a rolling basis. Job is open until filled.
  • Apply at: njhrc.bamboohr.com/careers

The Job
New Jersey Harm Reduction Coalition (NJHRC) operates a Middlesex County Harm Reduction Center (HRC) located in New Brunswick, NJ. The Middlesex County HRC is a full-service syringe access program with three service lines: a drop-in center, mobile outreach and delivery, and healthcare kiosks. The Harm Reduction Specialist is a key member of the team and will provide support across service lines.
Who We Are
Incorporated in January 2020, NJHRC is a growing and fast-paced nonprofit organization whose mission is to create a New Jersey that values the safety and dignity of all people who use drugs, and to make evidence-informed harm reduction public health resources widely available to everyone in our state. We are working toward a world where there is no drug war or stigma against people who use drugs, and where all people have all the resources needed to stay alive and thrive.
NJHRC accomplishes this through direct harm reduction services, training and technical assistance, and policy advocacy. Our direct services are focused on two Harm Reduction Centers: the Middlesex Harm Reduction Center and the Statewide Harm Reduction Center (which is mail-based and uses nontraditional digital outreach and engagement methods). This job is based in the Middlesex Harm Reduction Center.
What You'll Do
The Harm Reduction Specialist will support all service lines of the Middlesex County HRC while having either a primary focus on mobile outreach (including delivery and kiosks) or on-site services. The primary focus will be determined by the HR Specialist's skills, strengths, and team composition; but the HR Specialist will be required to flex into other service lines, as needed.
The Harm Reduction Specialist will support mobile outreach and delivery through several activities, including but not limited to:
  • Attending and contributing to program meetings
  • Facilitating mobile syringe exchanges and harm reduction counseling with community members
  • Organizing outreach supplies
  • Stocking and driving the mobile van
  • Conducting crowd engagement
  • Facilitating syringe sweeps
  • Delivering harm reduction supplies to members' households
  • Delivering harm reduction supplies to Middlesex County kiosks
  • Responding to overdoses and other critical incidents in the community if they occur during outreach shifts
  • Collecting and entering data

The Harm Reduction Specialist will support on-site syringe access services through several activities, including but not limited to:
  • Attending and contributing to program meetings
  • Facilitating syringe exchange and harm reduction counseling with community members within our offices at 18 Abeel Street
  • Facilitating syringe sweeps
  • Conducting participant engagement
  • Facilitating group participant activities and/or workshops
  • Organizing and stocking on-site supplies
  • Play a key role in responding to overdoses and critical incidents if they occur within our building
  • Collecting and entering data

Who You Are and Keys to Success ("Must-Haves")
Job-Specific Must-Haves:
  • Driver license: You hold a valid driver license, the ability to drive NJHRC's two outreach vehicles (Ram Promaster and minivan), and meet the guidelines for drivers of agency-owned vehicles.
  • Lived/Living experience: Personal experience with drug use or harm reduction is required. The ability to connect with clients through shared experience is critical to this role.
  • Relationship-building: You develop and maintain strong, collaborative working relationships with a diverse group of stakeholders, including people seeking Harm Reduction Center services, staff, neighbors, and organizational partners.
  • Comfort responding to overdoses: You have experience and demonstrated ability in responding to overdoses in a community setting
  • Commitment & experience with Harm Reduction best practices: You have a demonstrated commitment to harm reduction, racial justice, health equity, and the dignity and autonomy of people who use drugs. You have prior experience and training in harm reduction and implementing harm reduction best practices within an organization.

Must-Haves for all NJHRC staff:
  • Problem-solving skills: You demonstrate initiative when approached with a problem and have experience successfully leading others through problem-solving.
  • Self-awareness & emotional intelligence: You engage in self-reflection of your own behavior and demonstrate emotional intelligence.
  • Comfort in a changing environment: You have the ability to navigate change externally with participants and with internal operations. You have the ability to lead change management projects internally.
  • Embody teamwork: You have a demonstrated ability to work well with others toward shared goals, have difficult conversations, and help others master their professional responsibilities.
  • Time management & prioritization skills: You have the ability to manage your time effectively, while supporting others to prioritize appropriately.

A Note to Potential Candidates
Studies have shown that women, trans, non-binary people, and BIPOC candidates are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications as described in a job description. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organization, and we are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job. That candidate may be one who comes from a background less traditional to our field of work, and we welcome the opportunity for new insight into our work. We would strongly encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of the qualifications described.
Salary and Benefit Details
  • Salary:Salary is based on NJHRC's Level 2 salary band of $53,500 to $64,000, with starting salary determined by salary band guidelines as they relate to the incoming employee's demonstrated experience and "must have" and "nice to have" skillsets identified for this role. The majority of candidates will start at the lowest end of this salary band. We expect the Harm Reduction Specialist to grow in their experience, skillsets, and corresponding salary over time in the role.
  • Benefits:NJHRC's employee benefits package includes 100 percent employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and 80 percent family coverage; 20 paid vacation days, 15 paid holidays, and half day "Summer Fridays" in July and August; an Employee Assistance Program; and an annual discretionary professional development fund as well as organization-wide professional development opportunities. NJHRC is starting a retirement plan with five percent employer match shortly.

Equal Opportunity Employment
NJHRC is an equal opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. NJHRC encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, ethnicity, personal appearance, political affiliation, family responsibility, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status and record of arrest or conviction. NJHRC is particularly interested in hiring people who have been directly harmed by the War on Drugs.
Application Instructions
  • How to apply:
    • We're so excited to hear from you! Apply online at njhrc.bamboohr.com/careers.
    • We'll continue accepting applications on a rolling basis until the job is filled.
  • Application content:
    • The BambooHR application will ask for a resume, five screening questions, and two professional references who can speak to your relevant experiences. Applications that do not include a resume, answers to all of the screening questions, and professional references will not be considered.
      • Screening questions:
        • Why do you want this job?
        • What experience do you have that prepares you for this job?
        • What should a hiring manager and colleagues know about working with you?
        • Do you have a driver license and feel comfortable driving the van?
        • Are you available evenings or weekends in New Brunswick, NJ? if so, when?
        • PLUS List two references (name, phone number, and your relationship to the person)
      • Note on resumes:We want to learn more about the experiences that have prepared you for this role, and no particular resume format is required or expected.
  • Hiring process:
    • After review of de-identified application materials, NJHRC will invite selected candidates to:
      • A 30-minute phone screen;
      • An interview panel;
      • A compensated employment exercise;
      • An interview with the Executive Director and reference checks.

Apply