Harm Reduction Specialist (Senate)

Intro/Program Description: The Senate is a permanent supportive housing residence for 135 formerly homeless adults, many with mental health, substance abuse/dependence, and co-morbid medical diagnoses. Onsite services include case management, medication monitoring, money management, entitlement assistance, medical and psychiatric care, harm reduction and substance abuse counselling, tenant group activities, and 24 hour/7 day per week front desk staff. Work as part of our dedicated, on-site team to help our tenants maintain permanent housing and address substance use via among other models, harm reduction. Utilize client-centered approach assist tenants with working towards their goals.

Purpose of Position: The Senate is seeking a dynamic individual to both carrying a reduced caseload and support tenant and the program around their substance abuse/dependence. This person will utilize a harm reduction perspective along with other recovery models work with tenants towards their goals.

Schedule: Monday-Friday (9:00am-5:00pm)

Salary Range: $53,000-$58,500

Candidates must have the required qualifications to be considered for the position. The salary offer will be based on the candidate’s number of years experience in the exact or comparable position and additional preferred qualifications will be taken into account.

1. Harm Reduction Specialist:

• Provide substance use assessment and counseling utilizing different recovery models and monitor medication intake
• Develop and maintain linkages to substance abuse treatment centers including detox, inpatient and outpatient care
• Assist with referrals to substance abuse treatment including methadone programs
• Maintain resource guide for harm reduction services
• Conduct harm reduction groups at least twice a month & conduct weekly Narcan training
• Maintain harm reduction supplies including Narcan, wound care kits, and other supplies as needed
• Replenish Narcan throughout the building weekly or as needed
• Work with established Narcan distributors to maintain sufficient onsite inventory. Establish new contacts as needed
• Assist with overdose response protocols
• Continuing to work with Program Director and Assistant Director around Harm Reduction development

2. Case Management

• Provide case management to a group of assigned clients; identify short and long-term treatment goals and help clients achieve them, including linkages to community programs such as medical, psychiatric and drug treatment services
• Maintain all necessary statistics and required documentation of services including assessments, service plans and progress notes
• Track and maintain all data outcome measures on tenants physical, mental and behavioral health with a result orientated framework
• Assist clients to apply and maintain entitlements
• Assist clients with maintaining permanent housing such as maintaining subsidies, passing room inspections, addressing rental arrears, following building rules, and making APS referrals as needed
• Escort clients on visits to doctors, entitlement offices, housing court, or other community services
• Maintain case records with documentation of services provided and outcomes, according to specific program policies and procedures
• Conduct room inspections
• Collaborate with staff in other GRCC programs to coordinate client service
• Attend staff meetings, case conferences, training programs and supervision meetings

3. Other Duties as required in accordance with agency, program and funding source requirements

Qualifications/Educational Requirements

• Bachelors’ degree required/CASAC preferred
• Prior experience in mental health/homelessness/addiction preferred
• Bilingual a plus (English/Spanish)

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

• Proficient in Microsoft Outlook and Excel
• Able to use or learn computer databases such as AWARDS
• De-escalation skills
• Knowledge of substance abuse and recovery modalities
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Understanding of harm reduction model, motivational interviewing, trauma informed care, and other best practices

Physical Requirements

• Some walking and travel to escort clients to various appointments throughout the city
• Visits to hospitals, medical rehabilitation centers and other sites as needed

Work Environment

• Mostly indoor offices, occasionally in the community room during groups.
• Regular visits to clients’ onsite apartments are also required.

We are committed to building an inclusive workplace community grounded in respect for differences. We support hiring a broadly diverse team of qualified individuals who will contribute to our organizations.

Goddard Riverside and Isaacs Center provide equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of duties and responsibilities that will be required of this position and title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be requested to perform job related task other than those specifically presented in this description. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.