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Harm Reduction Worker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Harm Reduction Specialist is the main link among clients, agency staff and medical care ... Participates in monthly staff and peer workers development meetings and interventions. Requirements:

Harm Reduction Case Manager Program: In Homes Now Salary Range: $44,000 - $48,000 Program ... Experience working with individuals who are homeless and/or those affected by substance abuse

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Harm Reduction Worker information

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$11

$21

$29

How much do harm reduction worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

More about Harm Reduction Worker jobs

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, 72% Full Time, 22% 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

Housing Works

Manhattan, NY • On-site

$20 - $23/hr

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

Compensation Range: $20/hr - $23/hr commensurate with experience
Benefits:
We have three comprehensive healthcare plans to choose from based on your priorities and budget. Housing Works covers most of the plan; you pay a portion, based on your salary. Staff begins accruing PTO immediately for a total of up to 30 days earned in the first year. We offer employees an educational benefit. This money is available for tuition loan reimbursement, tuition costs, and text books.
Overview:
The Harm Reduction Specialist is the main link among clients, agency staff and medical care providers. This will be done by conducting assessments, enrolling clients into case management programs, providing health education and various other services. HR Specialists build relationships, solve problems and locate resources for program participants. HR Specialists promote, the recovery, independence, health and wellbeing of service users. The HR Specialist must be knowledgeable about agency services and community resources. These include educational, social and emotional supportive services available to clients. Duties may also include client outreach, coordinating care, proper documentation and maintaining patient databases, conducting individual and/or group services, and performing various administrative tasks.
Responsibilities:
Primary:
  • Conducting an initial assessment with each new participating consumer to assess his/her health and wellness status and experience with getting health care.
  • Provide health promotion, health education, and risk reduction interventions as needed.
  • Maintains routine communication and assist with care coordination services for primary care and psych services, including reminder calls.
  • Maintain appropriate and timely communication with all members of the care team.
  • Communicating with clients on a regular basis to keep them engaged and to assess progress as well as tracking the progress of clients including conducting follow-ups.
  • Navigate the medical system including such things as helping the clients make medical appointments, going with the client to appointments, helping the client communicate with medical personnel and/or talking to clients about ways to communicate with medical personnel, helping with any follow-up necessary.
  • Complete and submit documentation of services provided in a timely and efficient manner (e.g., within two business days past the provision of service).
  • Conduct group services for clients on topics including general wellness, overdose prevention, safe injection, sexual risk reduction.

Secondary:
  • Attend meetings as deemed appropriate and related to the scope of service.
  • Adhere to workplace policies and procedures, including confidentiality, documentation, channels of communication, workplace culture, dress code, and conflict resolution.
  • Participate in quality assurance and quality improvement planning project and activities as directed.
  • Participates in monthly staff and peer workers development meetings and interventions.

Requirements:
  • Minimum of a high school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma required.
  • Experience providing care navigation services preferred.
  • New York City Department of Health Peer Certificate Training or the ability to obtain certificate through attendance at an AIDS Institute Authorized training center.
  • Preferable training in the following areas: HIV 101, Viral Hepatitis 101, Motivational Interviewing, LGBT Sensitivity, Syringe Exchange and Harm Reduction Training, HIV confidentiality and risk-reduction counseling, Deescalation
  • Culturally aware and sensitive to PWUD (People Who Use Drugs), PLWHA (People Living with HIV/AIDS), LGBTQAI, YIDU (Young Intravenous Drug Users), SMI (Severe Mental Illness), and MSM (Wen who have Sex with Men).
  • Ability to make data entries into programs database such as AIRS, e-Share, EiCare.
  • Good group facilitation skills and overdose prevention training experience.
  • Skilled with health insurance navigation and documentation.
  • Good verbal, written, communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Use of computer software --Microsoft Office Suite including Word and Outlook calendaring, and Excel.
  • Bilingual in Spanish/English helpful
  • Frequently remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods
  • Occasionally moving around to additional worksites
  • Occasionally lifting and moving objects up to 25 pounds in ordinary office related tasks.

Job candidates should be aware that scammers may pose as employers and create fake job postings in order to extract personal information from individuals for financial gain. Housing Works will never ask job candidates for personal information, such as social security numbers or bank account details, over the phone. If you suspect that a job posting may be fake or wish to confirm that a job posting from Housing Works is genuine, please contact us at recruitment@housingworks.org
Housing Works was founded in 1990; With a long-term commitment to AIDS advocacy. Housing Works established New York State's first harm reduction-based, OASAS-licensed outpatient drug treatment program. Other services include Health Home care management, behavioral health, and syringe exchange programs. A pioneer in the social entrepreneurship movement, Housing Works operates 10 high-end thrift shops in Manhattan and Brooklyn and a much-loved Bookstore Cafe in Soho. For more information, visit www.housingworks.org
Housing Works fights for funding and legislation to ensure that all people living with HIV/AIDS have access to quality housing, healthcare, HIV prevention, and treatment, among other lifesaving services.
Housing Works provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements. Housing Works complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. Housing Works also does not request prior salary information during the hiring process. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
This position is included in a bargaining unit of Housing Works' New York City employees represented by a labor union known as the Retail Wholesale and Department Store Union ("RWDSU"). Accordingly, the RWDSU has the exclusive right to bargain over the terms and conditions of employment related to this position and this position may become covered by the terms of a collective bargaining agreement (a "CBA") between Housing Works and the RWDSU
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.