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Harm Reduction Worker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Two years of experience working with homeless adults and substance abuse issues preferred * Experience with harm reduction and motivational interviewing techniques strongly preferred * Valid NY, NJ, ...

The Harm Reduction Program Manager (HRPM) will coordinate the delivery of essential harm reduction ... Oversees stipend workers' direct service delivery and training as needed. * Create weekly schedule ...

Two years of experience working with homeless adults and substance abuse issues preferred * Experience with harm reduction and motivational interviewing techniques strongly preferred * Valid NY, NJ, ...

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Harm Reduction Worker information

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How much do harm reduction worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 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 is a harm reduction worker?

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:

Infographic showing various Harm Reduction Worker job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,035 per year, or $21.2 per hour.

Harm Reduction Specialist

cxb

Manhattan, NY โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

Locatedย inย lowerย Manhattan,ย theย South Strandย Safe Havenย isย comprisedย of 106 beds forย individualsย who areย not yet ready to transition into permanent housing, as well as those who may have struggled in other housing programs.ย Theย South Strandย Safe Havenย offers an alternative to life on the street: private, safe, clean, and affordable short-termย accommodations.ย On-site case management and clinical services are availableย toย meet the needs of itsย residentsย and to helpย those ready to move intoย secure permanent housing.ย 

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 with mental illness and/or substance use disorders)ย in order to assist the individual in the transitioning to permanent housing.ย  Position responsibilities will include liaising with Peer-Delivered Syringe Exchange; Mobile Provider Syringe Exchange; developing, implementing, and facilitating in-house group programming; and providing and tracking opioid overdose prevention training for staff and clients.ย  They will ensure safe sex education and materials are available to all residents.ย  This individual will be expected to partner with appropriate Harm Reduction Service partners in the community that can provide services to the clients either at the SAFE HAVEN OR IN THE COMMUNITY.

This positionโ€™s hours are Monday-Friday 9:00am โ€“ 5:00pm with one late evening per week e.g. 11:00am โ€“ 7:00 pm; and it has a 35-hour work week

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Create and manage core Harm Reduction based curriculum at the SAFE HAVEN
  • Liaise with external Harm Reduction based partners to help coordinate services
  • Coordinate and facilitate groups with clients
  • Assist program leadership in creatingย trainings for staff that ensure Harm Reduction practices are being taught and exercised by staff
  • Ensure all staff are aware of needle stick prevention methods and agency policy and procedure around responding to needle sticks
  • Ensure that there are adequate syringe disposal containers on site that are strategically located throughout the program site and will ensure that containers are emptied regularly
  • Ensure there are always safer-sex resources available to clients that are accessible in common spaces
  • Liaise with on-site psychiatric and primary care provider, to support treatment planning which includes medications aimed at reducing/eliminating alcohol use
  • Perform other related duties as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelorโ€™s Degree
  • Two years of experience working with homeless adults and substance abuse issues preferred
  • Experience with harm reduction and motivational interviewing techniques strongly preferred
  • Valid NY, NJ, CT, or PA driverโ€™s license with a good driving record, as defined by Breaking Ground is preferred
  • Excellent computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel and the ability to learn new programs
  • Excellent writing and communication skills
  • Bilingual Spanish/English is preferred