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Syringe Exchange Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Housing Works

Community Navigator

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$21 - $24/hr

Syringe exchange, harm reduction, overdose prevention * HIV confidentiality * Risk-reduction counseling * Ability to make introductions and connections with members of the community * Safer injection ...

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Syringe Exchange information

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$122K

$185.5K

$312K

How much do syringe exchange jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for syringe exchange in the United States is $185,482.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $154,500.00 and $197,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Syringe Exchange Program Worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Syringe Exchange Program Worker, you need knowledge of harm reduction principles, public health practices, and often a background in social work or related fields. Familiarity with data collection tools, case management systems, and safe handling protocols for biohazardous materials is typically required. Strong interpersonal communication, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to build trust with diverse and sometimes marginalized populations are essential soft skills. These competencies are crucial for providing safe, nonjudgmental services that reduce health risks and connect individuals to additional support resources.

What is the difference between Syringe Exchange vs Harm Reduction Specialist?

AspectSyringe ExchangeHarm Reduction Specialist
CredentialsTypically requires training in public health or social work, sometimes certification in harm reductionRequires similar credentials, often with additional certifications in substance use counseling or public health
Work EnvironmentCommunity outreach settings, mobile clinics, health centersCommunity-based programs, health clinics, outreach events
Employer & IndustryPublic health departments, non-profits, community health organizationsPublic health agencies, non-profits, harm reduction programs
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared due to overlapping roles in harm reduction and public healthRelated but broader role involving education, advocacy, and direct services

While both roles focus on harm reduction and community health, a Syringe Exchange primarily provides sterile syringes to reduce disease transmission, whereas a Harm Reduction Specialist offers a broader range of services including education, counseling, and advocacy to support individuals with substance use issues.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in syringe exchange programs, and how are they addressed?

Professionals in syringe exchange programs often encounter challenges such as building trust with clients, addressing stigma, and ensuring the safety of both staff and participants. These programs typically provide training on harm reduction principles, de-escalation techniques, and cultural competency to help staff engage effectively with diverse populations. Additionally, strong support networks, clear protocols, and collaboration with local health and social services contribute to overcoming these challenges and fostering a supportive work environment.

What are syringe exchange programs?

Syringe exchange programs (SEPs) are community-based initiatives that provide clean needles and syringes to people who inject drugs, helping to reduce the spread of infectious diseases like HIV and hepatitis C. These programs also safely collect used syringes for disposal. In addition to supplying clean equipment, SEPs often offer access to health education, treatment referrals, and other harm reduction services. Their main goal is to promote public health, safety, and support for vulnerable populations.
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Syringe Exchange jobs near you
Harm Reduction Specialist

Harm Reduction Specialist

Alliance for positive health

Glens Falls, NY • On-site

$20 - $21/hr

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago

Job description


Job Summary: Work as a member of the Harm Reduction team to provide comprehensive risk reduction services to program participants to improve the health of people who use drugs. Conduct syringe exchange activities along with providing additional support to services under the Harm Reduction program including conducting and or referring to HIV/Hepatitis C

counseling, testing and referral and opioid overdose prevention training. Harm Reduction Specialist will work to motivate and ensure engagement in programs, education, prevention, community, and support services.

Major Areas of Focus: SEP with a focus on people who are pregnant and parenting

Major Activities:

  1. Incorporate best practices regarding confidentiality into all job duties and communications in accordance with Article 27-F, HIPAA, Alliance for Positive Health policies and procedures and other applicable regulations. Observe and abide by the HIV Confidentiality Law.
  2. Comprehension and ability to apply of harm reduction as evidence-based practice.
  3. Complete detailed progress notes and monthly reports.
  4. Complete documentation in the agency electronic health record up to standard for billing purposes.
  5. Collect, maintain, and report up to date client health indicators, contact, and history data. Utilize indicator data to address barriers and improve individual health outcomes. Implement strategies to communicate client health information among internal and external interdisciplinary teams.
  6. Incorporate the Transtheoretical Model of Behavior Change and Motivational Interviewing, as applicable, into all aspects of programming.
  7. Conduct syringe exchange activities and syringe retrieval in designated community settings according to agency policies and procedures. Follow safe handling guidelines established by the Alliance for Positive Health, NYS DOH, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
  8. Essential responsibility includes traveling regularly utilizing agency vehicle when available throughout the designated multi-county catchment area to meet clients, conduct assessments, deliver services, etc. up to multiple times per week.
  9. Maintain accurate records in accordance with New York State regulations and agency protocols. Maintain documentation and statistics on activities to comply with reporting requirements.
  10. Develop and implement strategies to engage hard-to-reach IDU populations including enhanced outreach. Network with community service providers serving IDUs to increase accessibility of syringes and maintain and implement effective referral mechanisms.
  11. Document and remain current on HIV, STIs, HCV, substance use, and related information. This includes required an self-directed trainings.  
  12. As applicable conduct confidential HIV/Hepatitis C counseling, testing, and referral as applicable according to NYS DOH guidelines.
  13. Incorporate comprehensive pre and post-test counseling, individual level risk reduction counseling, and/or other assigned interventions into test counseling sessions.
    • Provide referrals to care, support, and partner services as required by NYSDOH for all positive/reactive results, including follow up to referrals.
    • Incorporate referrals, regardless of test results, to meet identified needs.
    • Monitor 24-hour hotline as applicable.
  14. As applicable, develop individualized treatment and adherence plans that include community linkages for services, such as primary care, housing, entitlements, substance treatment, mental health, employment, and care coordination including areas of client self-identified goals to support lessening the harm and risks associated with IDU.
  15. As applicable, facilitate presentations on various topics with community members and targeted populations. This includes Harm and Risk Reduction, HIV and Hepatitis C and cultural humility.
  16. As applicable, facilitate opioid overdose prevention training to clients and the general community as applicable.
  17. As applicable, conduct activities to support the MATTERS network, including coordination with organizations to link individuals being discharged within the region, facilitate stakeholder meetings, and leading the expansion efforts.
  18. Support vending machine initiatives and associated portals.
  19. Supporting agency identified events such as pride activities, tabling networking events, which will require some evenings and or weekend hours.
  20. Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

  • Experience working with targeted populations.
  • Must have a valid, unrestricted driver’s license and independent means of transportation for travel to designated program sites, per programmatic needs.
  • Spanish speaking a plus

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

  • Good oral and written communication skills; good listening skills.
  • Attention to detail, well-organized
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality
  • Ability to maintain strong boundaries within agency and grant guidelines
  • Ability to interact with people from diverse backgrounds within a climate of mutual respect, inclusion, enrichment, and growth
  • Ability to remain flexible, supportive, and adaptable