Job Title: Outreach Responder
Location: Syracuse
Dept: Prevention & Harm Reduction Services
Reports to: Harm Reduction Manager
Salary Range: $21.00 – $23.00 hourly
Apply & Submit Resume: recruitment@acrhealth.org
Position Summary: The Outreach Responder delivers harm reduction services in rural areas to people who use drugs, providing nonjudgmental education on safer use and overdose prevention, distributing naloxone/sterile supplies, reducing stigma, and connecting individuals to health/treatment resources through community partnerships to prevent overdoses and improve outcomes.
Authority and Independence
The Outreach Responder works under general supervision and exercises independent judgment within established policies. This role requires maintaining confidentiality, conducting street outreach, engaging high-risk populations, and providing culturally sensitive harm reduction services professionally.
Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience
- High School Diploma/GED or higher, plus lived experience connecting authentically with PWUD; OR
- 2+ years direct client services in social service/health care to diverse populations (BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, PWUD, mental health).
Skills and Competencies
- Cultural humility; sensitivity to HIV/AIDS, chronic illness, LGBTQ/GNC, BIPOC communities.
- Strong commitment to ACR Health mission, vision, values.
- Effective verbal/written communication; stigma-free, non-judgmental, culturally sensitive services.
Other Requirements
- Valid New York State driver’s license and reliable access to a vehicle with current insurance for work-related travel, training, outreach, and occasional client transport (personal vehicle ownership is not required but consistent access is necessary).
Primary Responsibilities
- Maintain confidentiality per Article 27-F, HIPAA, ACR Health policies/regulations; protect agency data/HIV Confidentiality Law.
- Conduct enhanced outreach in rural communities with Outreach Engagement Specialist/Coordinator, targeting high-risk PWUD for syringe exchange, overdose prevention, MOUD access.
- Perform strategic street outreach to PWUD/BIPOC facing healthcare barriers, preventable hospitalizations, overdose risk.
- Complete 24+ hours annual curriculum-based training/professional development.
- Function as culturally competent team member engaging clients per their cultural beliefs/behavior/needs.
- Work collegially with all personnel; represent ACR Health professionally.
- Perform other duties as assigned by Outreach Coordinator, Program Manager/Director, CPO, or CEO.
Benefits
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
- Generous paid time off and holiday pay
- Life Insurance.
- 403(b) retirement savings plan with agency contributions.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Location: Syracuse Office Hours per week: 35 Work Schedule: Full Time in Office, occasional evenings and weekends may be required for meetings, workshops, outreach, and events.
Disclaimer: This job description provides an overview of primary duties and responsibilities. It is not exhaustive; additional consistent tasks may be assigned.
