Community Engagement Specialist

Job Title:  Community Engagement Specialist

 Location: Utica Office – 287 Genesee Street, Utica, NY, 13502.

 Salary: $25.00 – $26.40/hr.

Classification: Full-time, Non-Exempt, 35 Hour Workweek (some evenings and weekends expected for outreach, tabling, meetings, workshops, conferences, and seminars).

Position Summary: This role involves an individual with personal experience who is responsible for engaging with the community and clients. They conduct targeted outreach in key locations and work with various partners. The specialist identifies and connects with clients using ODMAPs data, additional data sources, and referrals from network partners. They facilitate access to low-threshold Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) and other care services. Additionally, the specialist is responsible for completing and entering pertinent client documentation into the AIRS system.

Apply:  recruitment@acrhealth.org

Qualifications:

1. A minimum of one year experience in a social service or healthcare environment delivering direct services to individuals who use drugs and other diverse populations, including but not limited to people of color, LGBTQI+ individuals, those facing behavioral health challenges, and those experiencing homelessness.
2. Access to a reliable vehicle with insurance and a valid NYS driver’s license that complies with DMV screening requirements for travel purposes.
3. Excellent communication and documentation skills, along with proficiency in computer software, particularly the Microsoft Office Suite. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and professionally with both internal teams and external community partners and referral agencies.
4. A strong dedication to harm reduction principles and health equity, with the capacity to collaborate successfully with both internal teams and external community partners and referral agencies.
5. Outstanding attention to detail and proficient data entry capabilities.
6. Relevant lived experience concerning substance abuse.
7. Proven ability to deliver stigma-free, non-judgmental, and culturally competent services.
8. Awareness of HIV/AIDS, chronic illnesses, LGBTQ-related issues, and a strong commitment to the mission, vision, and values of ACR Health.

to harm reduction principles, health equity, and the ability

Responsibilities:

1. Incorporate best practices regarding confidentiality into all job duties and communications, in accordance with HIV Confidentiality Law (Article-27F) and HIPAA, ACR Health policies and procedures and protocols.
2. Provide the direct provision of evidence-based interventions, activities, and services to the priority population(s), as outlines in the work plan.
3. Promote low threshold and low barrier services for harm reduction, sterile syringe access, safer injection, safer use, linkage to MOUD, naloxone training, and overdose prevention kits, community education and anti-stigma education efforts.
4. Participate in strategic outreach in communities targeting PWUD and BIPOC communities who experience barriers to accessing healthcare, and experience higher rates of preventable hospitalizations, and are at a higher risk for accidental drug overdoses.
5. Support the availability of and accessibility of the continuum of substance use services and increase access to overdose prevention services, including drug checking services (via immunoassay testing strips and spectroscopy technologies).
6. Conduct outreach efforts and post-overdose follow-up efforts for those individuals who have previously experienced an overdose, have co-occurring disorders and/or substance use disorder with the ORRT (Opioid Rapid Response Team) using OD Maps.
7. Maintain accurate client and service records in accordance with policies and procedures.
8. Complete accurately monthly, quarterly, and /or annual report(s) within agency and departmental guidelines.
9. Participate with providers, providing outreach services in the community.
10. Assist with the general work of the Harm Reduction Department, including special projects and general agency program initiatives.
11. Participate in appropriate and applicable training/professional development opportunities for a minimum of 24 hours of curriculum-based annually.
12. Participate as a culturally competent member of the Harm Reduction Services Department and agency, which includes having the capacity to function effectively as an individual within the context of cultural beliefs, behaviors, and needs presented by clients in their communities.
13. Maintain confidentiality of all agency clients as well as other organizational components.
14. Maintain all agency and program property/equipment in good standards. Cooperate with the IT Department for routine security maintenance of equipment(s).
15. Perform daily checks of agency vehicles ensuring safety and sufficient fuel (IF applicable).
16. Work in a cooperative, collegial style with all other organizational personnel. Conduct oneself in a professional manner as an agency employee and representative.
17. Perform other duties as assigned by the Program Coordinator/Harm Reduction Manager, and/or Director of Harm Reduction Services.