Public Health Advocate I - Mobile Sharps Team (Bureau Of Recovery Services)

• Provides outreach, education, advocacy, referral and support services to active injection drug users in Boston. Refers clients to relevant services, including, but not limited to: needle exchange sites, health insurance, health resources, parenting programs, housing, educational opportunities, job training and support, public assistance programs, substance abuse treatment and counseling services and HIV/AIDS services.

• Maintains current knowledge base of new and existing harm reduction, needle exchange, and social service programs for active drug users.

• Establishes a positive, productive relationship with clients around safe disposal of needles and drug paraphernalia.

• Performs outreach to client base, including engaging high risk clients, and providing information/ education about needle exchange services available.

• Educates and informs clients about self-help activities; facilitates and advocates for client access to services; implements outreach strategies to engage clients in community based services; distributes prevention materials to clients; teaches clients how to reduce exposure to hazards.

• Conducts community outreach to reduce discarded needles in Boston communities. Responsds to calls from the Mayors Health Line to remove discarded needles. Facilitates call to Boston Fire Department or Boston EMS for large pick-up of needle waste in public areas.

• Maintains accurate, legible and current documentation; documents outreach/needle pick up activities.

• Develops and implements strategies for "hard to reach" individuals.

• Develops and maintains good working relationships with community agencies, health care providers and other BPHC depts.

• Represents the program at community events and health fairs. Attends required meetings.

• Delivers services according to established program protocols.

• Performs other duties as required.

• Please note flexibility is required as hours and schedule vary; some weekends and evenings may be required.

• Performs other duties as required.

This job description is based on the Public Health Advocate series. May be required to perform any and all duties and responsibilities of Public Health Advocate I, as set forth in the BPHC Public Health Advocate I Series.