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Harm Reduction Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

cxb

Harm Reduction Specialist

New York, NY · On-site

Reporting to the Assistant Program Director, the Harm Reduction Specialist for S2H Manhattan Outreach will be located in Manhattan serving people experiencing homelessness (some with mental illness ...

Breaking Ground

Harm Reduction Specialist

Brooklyn, NY · On-site

$25.85/hr

Reporting to the Assistant Program Director, the Harm Reduction Specialist for S2H Queens will be located at 100-30/32 Atlantic Ave. Richmond Hill, NY 11416339 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY 11211 serving ...

Breaking Ground

Harm Reduction Specialist

New York, NY · On-site

$25.85/hr

Reporting to the Assistant Program Director, the Harm Reduction Specialist for S2H Queeens will be located at 100-30/32 Atlantic Ave. Richmond Hill, NY 11416339 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY 11211 serving ...

cxb

Harm Reduction Specialist

New York, NY

Reporting to the Assistant Program Director, the Harm Reduction Specialist for S2H Queens will be located at 100-30/32 Atlantic Ave. Richmond Hill, NY 11416339 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY 11211 serving ...

Breaking Ground

Harm Reduction Specialist

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$25.85/hr

Reporting to the Assistant Program Director, the Harm Reduction Specialist for TRANSITIONAL HOUSING will be located at TRANSITIONAL HOUSING LOCATION serving people experiencing homelessness (some ...

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Harm Reduction Specialist information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a harm reduction specialist?

To thrive as a Harm Reduction Specialist, you typically need a background in social work, public health, or counseling, combined with knowledge of harm reduction principles and relevant community resources. Familiarity with case management systems, data entry tools, and sometimes certifications like Certified Peer Support Specialist or naloxone administration training are valuable. Strong interpersonal skills, cultural competency, active listening, and non-judgmental communication are essential to connect with diverse populations. These skills enable specialists to effectively support clients, build trust, and provide critical services while navigating complex social and health challenges.

What does a harm reduction specialist do?

A harm reduction specialist works to reduce the negative health and social consequences of substance use through education, outreach, and support services. They often provide resources like clean needles, overdose prevention training, and counseling, and may collaborate with community organizations to promote safer practices. The role typically requires knowledge of addiction, strong communication skills, and relevant certifications or training.

How much does a harm reduction specialist make?

The average salary for a harm reduction specialist typically ranges from $40,000 to $60,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer. Many roles require knowledge of substance use treatment, counseling skills, and relevant certifications.

What is a harm reduction specialist?

A Harm Reduction Specialist is a professional who provides support, education, and resources to reduce the negative consequences of substance use and other high-risk behaviors. They work with individuals and communities to promote safer practices, connect people to healthcare and social services, and advocate for policies that prioritize public health and dignity. Their role may include distributing harm reduction supplies, offering counseling, and conducting outreach to marginalized populations. The goal is to meet people where they are without judgment and empower them to make safer choices.

What types of organizations and settings employ harm reduction specialists?

Harm Reduction Specialists are commonly employed by community health organizations, non-profits, public health departments, homeless outreach programs, and substance use disorder treatment centers. Many professionals in this role work in field-based environments, such as mobile outreach teams, drop-in centers, or syringe exchange programs, while others may be based in clinics or support service offices. Depending on the setting, you may collaborate closely with social workers, medical providers, peer navigators, and law enforcement to deliver a coordinated and compassionate approach to client care. This diversity of work environments allows for meaningful impact across various communities and offers opportunities to develop specialized expertise within different populations.

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What states have the most Harm Reduction Specialist jobs?

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What job categories do people searching Harm Reduction Specialist jobs look for?

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Harm Reduction Specialist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Harm Reduction Specialist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Harm Reduction Specialist

New Jersey Harm Reduction Coalition

New Brunswick, NJ • On-site

$53K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago

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