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How much do harm reduction worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for harm reduction worker in the United States is $21.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $25.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a Harm Reduction Worker typically collaborate with healthcare providers and community organizations?

Harm Reduction Workers frequently partner with healthcare professionals, social services, and community organizations to ensure clients receive comprehensive support. This collaboration may involve coordinating referrals to medical care, mental health services, housing assistance, and addiction treatment programs. Regular team meetings and case conferences are common, allowing for the sharing of insights and strategies to best address clients' needs. Building strong relationships with partner organizations is essential for providing holistic care and improving outcomes for individuals facing substance use challenges.

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

To thrive as a Harm Reduction Worker, you need a solid understanding of public health principles, addiction, and harm reduction strategies, often supported by relevant training or a degree in social work or public health. Familiarity with data collection tools, client management systems, and knowledge of naloxone administration or other harm reduction supplies is typically required. Exceptional interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and nonjudgmental communication help build trust with clients from marginalized populations. These skills and qualities are crucial for effectively supporting individuals, reducing risk, and promoting health and safety within communities.

What is the difference between Harm Reduction Worker vs Outreach Worker?

AspectHarm Reduction WorkerOutreach Worker
CredentialsCertifications in substance use, counseling, or public healthCertifications in social work, community outreach, or public health
Work EnvironmentCommunity clinics, harm reduction programs, sheltersCommunity centers, street outreach, shelters
Employer & IndustryPublic health agencies, nonprofits focused on addictionNonprofits, government agencies, social service organizations

Harm Reduction Workers focus on providing services like safe injection education and distributing supplies to reduce drug-related harm. Outreach Workers engage with vulnerable populations to connect them to resources and support. While both roles involve community engagement and public health, Harm Reduction Workers specifically target substance use harm reduction strategies, whereas Outreach Workers have a broader scope in social services and community support.

What are harm reduction workers?

Harm reduction workers are professionals who support individuals in reducing the negative health and social consequences associated with drug use and other risky behaviors. They provide non-judgmental, evidence-based services like distributing clean needles, offering overdose prevention education, connecting clients to health and social resources, and advocating for safer practices. Harm reduction workers often work in community organizations, shelters, or outreach programs, and their goal is to promote health and dignity while respecting each person's choices.
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What cities are hiring for Harm Reduction Worker jobs? Cities with the most Harm Reduction Worker job openings:
What states have the most Harm Reduction Worker jobs? States with the most job openings for Harm Reduction Worker jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Harm Reduction Worker jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Harm Reduction Worker jobs are:
Harm Reduction Worker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Harm Reduction Worker job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 89% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,035 per year, or $21.2 per hour.
Harm Reduction Specialist

Harm Reduction Specialist

THE FORTUNE SOCIETY INC

Queens, NY • On-site

$30.22/hr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Title: Harm Reduction Specialist
Unit: Treatment Services
Reports to: Senior Director, Behavioral Health
Status: Full-Time, Regular, Non-Exempt
Salary Range: $30.22 per hour [Approximately $55,000 annually]
Location: Long Island City
Days/Hours: Monday - Friday, generally 9 AM-5 PM, 35 hrs/wk
Organization Overview:
The Fortune Society, Inc. (Fortune) has been working for over 57 years in service to our mission: to support successful reentry from incarceration and promote alternatives to incarceration, thus strengthening the fabric of our communities. The organization has evolved into one of the nation's preeminent reentry and justice-informed service organizations, providing formerly incarcerated people with the skills and wrap-around services needed to break the cycle of crime and incarceration and to build productive lives in their communities.
Fortune has grown steadily over the years to an agency with close to $90 million in annual budget with just under 600 staff. We anticipate that we will keep growing, both in size and depth of service. Fortune has a dual mission: both advocacy and service. The advocacy portion of our mission focuses on building a more just criminal legal system and reducing the barriers to reentry into society. The service side of Fortune has evolved to encompass a broad range of programs that started with employment and education and now includes a robust array of services, among them: alternatives to incarceration, supervised release, court advocacy, discharge planning within correctional facilities, licensed substance use and mental health treatment, a housing continuum ranging from emergency and transitional through permanent congregate and scattered site housing, assistance in obtaining benefits, a care management unit, HIV services, a food and nutrition program, and an arts program. Each service we provide is informed by the needs of the population we serve. Fortune currently serves approximately 14,000 people a year. Our program models are recognized, both nationally and internationally, for their quality and innovation. We have locations in Brooklyn, The Bronx, Manhattan, and Queens.
Position Summary:
The Harm Reduction Specialist (HRS) provides nonjudgmental, participant-centered services to justice-impacted individuals affected by substance use, homelessness, or other vulnerabilities. The HRS focuses on reducing harm associated with high-risk behaviors, promoting health and safety, and empowering participants through education, support, and advocacy. This position plays a vital role in fostering trust and engagement with underserved populations.
Core Competencies:
Mission and Fit: Embodies Fortune's mission and values and will be an effective member of the team in furthering both. The candidate should exhibit compassion and understanding for our participants (wherever they are in their re-entry process) and embrace Fortune's core value that none of us should be measured against the worst things we have done.
Engagement & Productivity: This person shall demonstrate an ability to engage clients in a welcoming and client-centered way that teaches and encourages them to address and minimize risks thereby reducing harm without judgement or the expectation of complete abstinence. The manager will ensure that all billable core services are in line with Fortune's policies and at or above our standard of excellence.
Time Management & Personal Organization: This person will demonstrate excellent time management skills including making, keeping and/or rescheduling appointments on their own personal calendar as well as navigation support appointments for clients on their caseload. The successful candidate will be excellent at maintaining personal organization in pursuing numerous tasks in parallel, managing his/her/their time to maximize efficiency, and will be good at completing paperwork accurately and in a timely manner. All of this requires good computer navigation skills as well as effective typing speed.
Communication Skills: The successful candidate will possess strong interpersonal skills and communicate effectively to build trust with clients who may be marginalized and/or stigmatized to effectively connect them with access to community resources such as healthcare, addiction services, housing, and social services. The HRS will also provide emotional support to help navigate individuals through potentially high-risk situations by providing harm reduction materials such as naloxone kits, test strips, and condoms. The successful candidate will be able to analyze problems to come up with effective solutions for their clients while remaining resilient in response to changing circumstances.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Screen new candidates for potential enrollment in Fortune's Harm Reduction program, with a particular focus on those recently released from a carceral setting;
  • Enroll a minimum of 125 individuals per year in the Harm Reduction program and provide internal and/or external connections to vital resources with the goal of maintaining at least 60% reaching 90 days of programmatic retention;
  • Provide one-on-one harm reduction counseling and education tailored to clients' unique needs and goals;
  • Maintain accurate records of participant interactions and services provided and coordinate regularly with the data team to ensure accuracy of all documentation;
  • Distribute harm reduction supplies such as sterile syringes, naloxone kits, drug test strips, and educational resources to reduce risk behaviors.
  • Conduct overdose prevention education and train participants on naloxone administration;
  • Facilitate group sessions on harm reduction topics, including safer substance use practices and health management;
  • Conduct street outreach to engage individuals as needed;
  • Identify and address barriers to care, including stigma, transportation, and systemic challenges;
  • Assist participants in navigating access to medical care, substance use treatment, housing, and other supportive services;
  • Collaborate with community partners to expand resource networks and coordinate referrals;
  • Contribute to the planning and implementation of harm reduction programming and events;
  • Monitor supply inventory and ensure timely ordering and distribution of materials;
  • Stay informed about current harm reduction strategies, policies, and emerging trends;
  • Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local reporting requirements, including data entry into case management systems;
  • Perform other duties as needed.

Qualifications:
  • High school diploma/GED with at least one year of relevant experience in harm reduction, social services, or public health
  • Minimum of 1-2 years of experience working with marginalized or underserved populations
  • Strong understanding of harm reduction principles and practices
  • Knowledge of health issues impacting marginalized communities, including substance use, HIV, and hepatitis C
  • Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with a nonjudgmental approach.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
  • Flexibility to adapt to dynamic environments and participant needs
  • Basic proficiency in Microsoft 365 and case management systems
  • Familiarity with NYC mental health, health, housing, and social service providers
  • Certification in overdose prevention and naloxone administration (training will be provided if not certified)
  • Bilingual English/Spanish strongly preferred
  • Knowledge and experience working with vulnerable populations; possess cultural competency skills
  • Enthusiasm for assisting New Yorkers of diverse backgrounds, particularly those who are justice-impacted

We seek talented, dedicated individuals from all walks of life who possess a strong commitment to this mission. Relevant personal experience is a plus.
Physical Demands:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The responsibilities and requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skills, minimum education, training, licensing, experience, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
The Fortune Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of conviction history, race, religion/creed, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, military status, predisposing genetic characteristics, victim of domestic violence status or marital status.

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