Syracuse & Oswego SEP Program Associate

Job Title:  Syracuse & Oswego SEP Program Associate
Dept:  Harm Reduction Services
Reports to:  Harm Reduction Manager
Salary Range:  $21.23 – $24.08 hourly

 Apply & Submit Resume: recruitment@acrhealth.org

 Position Summary: The SEP Syracuse & Oswego Program Associate delivers Syringe Exchange Program (SEP) harm reduction services—HIV/STD/hepatitis prevention, sterile equipment access, sharps disposal, outreach, and education across Onondaga and Oswego Counties. Requires strong communication, cultural competence, and collaboration with diverse high-risk populations.

Authority and Independence: The SEP Program Associate works under general supervision of the Harm Reduction Services Manager/Director, exercising independent judgment within policies and confidentiality protocols. Prioritizes outreach, manages client interactions, and networks professionally across counties.

Minimum Qualifications

 Education and Experience

• High School Diploma/GED
• 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.
• Harm reduction ethos, equity focus, HIPAA expertise, cultural humility, and sensitivity to HIV, chronic illness, LGBTQI+, TGNCNB, and BIPOC communities.
• 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

• Effective communication and documentation skills.
• Computer skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Experience delivering stigma-free, non-judgmental, and culturally competent services.
• Sensitivity to HIV/AIDS, chronic illness, LGBTQ issues and strong commitment to ACR Health’s mission, vision, and values.
• 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).
• Must be willing to travel between Onondaga and Oswego Counties twice per week.

Primary Responsibilities

• Maintain strict confidentiality in compliance with Article 27-F, HIPAA, and ACR Health policies. Protect agency data per confidentiality procedures.
• Provide direct HIV/STD/hepatitis prevention interventions to target populations per assigned program work plans.
• Promote access to sterile injection equipment and safe sharps disposal.
• Recruit peer educators and clients for program services.
• Maintain accurate client and service records per Syringe Exchange department policies.
• Complete accurate monthly, quarterly, and/or annual reports within agency guidelines.
• Conduct mobile outreach to PWUD and networking in Oswego County and facilitate educational lectures/presentations.
• Participate in drug checking initiative via immunoassay testing strips, sample collection, or FTIR spectroscopy services.
• Identify and develop relationships with community-based organizations.
• Assist with Harm Reduction department work, special projects, and agency-wide initiatives.
• Participate in a minimum of 24 hours of curriculum-based training annually.
• Function as a culturally competent team member responsive to diverse community needs.
• Maintain agency/program property/equipment and cooperate with IT for security maintenance.
• Perform daily checks of agency vehicles for safety and fuel.
• Work cooperatively with all organizational personnel and represent ACR Health professionally.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Manager/Director of Harm Reduction Services, Chief Officers, and/or Chief Executive Officer.

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.