Harm Reduction Specialist

Job Title:  Harm Reduction Specialist

Dept:  Harm Reduction Services
Reports to:  Harm Reduction Services Manager
Salary Range:  $20.00 – $22.00 hourly

Position Summary: The Part-Time Harm Reduction Specialist supports the day-to-day operations of the Syringe Exchange Program (SEP) and advances the organization’s harm reduction mission by providing low-threshold, person-centered services to people who use drugs (PWUD). This position assists with syringe exchange transactions, participant engagement, and the delivery of harm reduction supplies, education, and referrals.

Authority and Independence

The Harm Reduction Specialist works under general supervision and exercises independent judgment within established policies and procedures. The position requires maintaining confidentiality, prioritizing multiple projects, and managing community outreach and client interactions with professionalism.

Minimum Qualifications

 Education and Experience

• High School Diploma/GED and/or at least 2 years of experience in delivering stigma-free, non-judgmental and culturally responsive services to diverse populations.

• A minimum of one year’s experience in a social service or healthcare environment delivering direct services to individuals who use drugs and members of marginalized communities, including BIPOC and LGBTQI+ individuals, is highly desirable.
• Experience working with diverse populations such as people who use drugs (PWUD), individuals with justice involvement, those facing mental health challenges, or experiencing homelessness is highly preferred.
• Lived experience with homelessness, substance use, justice involvement, and/or overdose is preferred.
• Experience-based knowledge of drug use, issues affecting people who use drugs , and the unregulated drug supply is highly preferred.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong written, communication and documentation skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Electronic Health Record systems.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across departments and with external community partners.
• Commitment to cultural humility and ability to work respectfully with diverse populations.

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).
• Willing and able to travel to other offices.
• Fluency in both Spanish and English preferred.

Primary Responsibilities

• Incorporate best practices regarding confidentiality into all job duties and communications in accordance with Article 27-F, 42 CFR, HIPAA, and ACR Health policies and procedures and other applicable regulations. Protect agency data in accordance with confidentiality procedures and protocols.
• Abide by ACR Health’s Policies, Procedures, Mission, Vision, and Values; provided in employee handbook.
• Communicate clearly and directly with supervisors, coworkers, consumers and community partners.
• Provide low-threshold, non-judgmental, and trauma-informed engagement with people who use drugs (PWUD), including distributing harm reduction supplies (sterile syringes, safer use materials, naloxone, and educational resources) and delivering overdose prevention, safer use, and risk reduction education to support participant safety and well-being.
• Assist with inventory tracking, supply preparation, and maintaining adequate stock of harm reduction materials.
• Assist with program outreach activities and special events, including community events, outreach initiatives, health fairs, and other program-related functions as assigned.
• Maintain accurate client and service records in accordance with the Syringe Exchange Program’s policies and procedures.
• Assist with the general work of the Harm Reduction & Prevention department, including special projects and general agency programs/initiatives.
• Participate in appropriate and applicable training/professional development opportunities for a minimum of 24 hours of curriculum-based training annually.
• Participate as a culturally competent member of the Harm Reduction & Prevention 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 consumers and their communities.
• Maintain confidentiality of all agency clients as well as other appropriate organizational components.
• Maintain all agency and program property/equipment in good standards. Cooperate with the IT department for routine security maintenance of equipment(s).

Perform daily checks of agency vehicles ensuring its safety and sufficient fuel.

• Work in a cooperative, collegial style with all other organizational personnel. Conduct oneself in a professional manner as an agency employee and representative.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Program Management, Chief Program Officer and/or Chief Executive Officer.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off and holiday pay
• 403(b) retirement savings plan with agency contributions
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

FLSA Status:  Non-Exempt | Location:  Watertown Office  Hours per week:  20   Work Schedule:  Part 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.