Harm Reduction Counselor

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Job Type

Full-time

Description

Title: Counselor, Harm Reduction Services

Department: Behavioral Health

Reports To: Director, Harm Reduction

Location: 166 Port Richmond Ave., Staten Island, NY 10302

Position Status: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Pay Rate / Benefits / Time Off: $41,600-46,000 annually, commensurate with qualifications; excellent benefits package including generous paid time off benefits (4 weeks of vacation plus paid holidays, personal, sick time), employer provided basic life insurance and employee assistance programs, tuition reimbursement and fitness reimbursement after 1 year of employment, a retirement plan that includes employer matching, and more!

Community Health Action of Staten Island (CHASI) drives dramatic improvements in the health of New Yorkers by feeding people who are hungry, healing families broken apart by violence, and bridging the gaps between people and the compassionate health care they deserve. CHASI serves the most vulnerable individuals, families, and communities with critical services and programs. CHASI provides outreach, education, prevention, and direct support services for populations most affected by health disparities - the poor and working poor, low income people with chronic illnesses, persons with criminal justice involvement, substance users, domestic violence survivors, people of color, and the LGBTQ community.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Harm Reduction Counselor is part of the Harm Reduction/Behavioral Health Department which offers support for people with a history of substance use from a harm reduction model. The Counselor conducts outreach to drug using populations to engage persons in services, provides individual education to reduce health-related harm from injection and other drug use, conducts sterile syringe exchange, trains on opioid overdose reversal, and delivers HIV and hepatitis C (HCV) counseling and testing. The Counselor works in the community, on CHASI's mobile health units, and in office-based settings to reach long-term and newer substance users, to partner with them as they set their own goals for improving their health and well-being, and to help them navigate service systems to achieve those goals. The Counselor also facilitates opioid use disorder/substance use disorder groups using the principles of Harm Reduction.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conduct harm reduction-oriented individual and group education encounters with drug users to promote the consistent use of sterile syringes and safe collection of used syringes.

• Distribute naloxone kits to reverse opioid overdose and provide group and individual trainings on their correct use.

• Conduct HIV and HCV counseling, testing, partner notification and linkage services, in accordance with standards set by NYS Department of Health/AIDS Institute and CHASI. Attend trainings and monthly technical assistance meetings to stay current on best practices.

• Provide information, referral, navigation, and coordination assistance that links individuals to health and human services responsive to their individually expressed needs and interests.

• Collaborate with harm reduction staff and other CHASI staff on the identification of new venues for outreach and service provision, trends in local drug use, and service providers that are drug user friendly.

• Facilitate or co-facilitate harm reduction education or support groups for substance using individuals both in a clinical and non-clinical style.

• Have one on one sessions with clients, when indicated.

• Lead CHASI's efforts regarding Medicaid-reimbursable harm reduction services.

• Accurately complete documentation of service provision using hard copy tools and electronic data systems.

• Track inventory of harm reduction supplies and ensure that all CHASI sites providing harm reduction services are stocked. Order harm reduction supplies as needed.

• Oversee "sharps containers" and assist clients in their use. Facilitate pick-up of sharps by Citiwaste or other firm chosen by senior management.

• Provide administrative and/or front-desk support on a periodic basis.

• Complete internal and external training to maintain knowledge and skills related to harm reduction, culturally competent service delivery, and other job-relevant topics.

• Actively participate in staff meetings and other agency activities.

• Encourage a sense of commitment, camaraderie, and accountability among team members by modeling these qualities.

• Perform all functions in alignment with CHASI's Mission, Vision, and Core Values.

• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS:

• At least 1 year of experience working with substance using persons and diverse populations.

• CRPA, CASAC, or CASAC -T certification preferred.

• High school diploma or GED required. Bachelor's degree preferred.

• Conversant with harm reduction practices, philosophy, and interventions.

• Ability to carry out both independent and collaborative responsibilities.

• Demonstrated ability to contribute positively in a team-based work environment.

• Demonstrated proficiency in the use of office computer applications, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.

• Strong oral and written communications skills; ability to manage communications tactfully and professionally with a high attention to detail and accuracy.

CHASI is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to hiring and supporting a diverse staff. People of color, LGBTQ, women, and people with disabilities strongly encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, disability or marital status.