Project Reach Specialist

Equal Opportunity Employer

The mission of the Health Federation of Philadelphia is to promote community health by advancing access to high-quality, integrated, comprehensive health and human services. We believe in and are firmly committed to equal employment opportunity for employees and applicants. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, religion, disability, sex or gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, military or veteran status.  This commitment applies to all aspects of the Health Federation of Philadelphia’s employment practices, including recruiting, hiring, training, and promotion.

JOB SUMMARY

The Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH)’s Substance Use Prevention and Harm Reduction Division is hiring a Project Reach Specialist to support the efforts to maintain clean, safe and healthy spaces while advancing harm reduction and public health goals. This position combines environmental cleanup with compassionate outreach to individuals who use drugs and/or are unhoused, promoting dignity, safety and wellness across communities in Philadelphia most impacted by substance use and environmental hazards.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

Responsibilities/Duties

• Conduct daily and scheduled syringe pickups, environmental cleanups, and waste disposal in assigned areas throughout Philadelphia.
• Provide direct outreach and engagement to individuals who use substances, offering harm reduction supplies such as Narcan, wound care materials and seasonal supplies.
• Document all cleanup and outreach activities accurately using RedCAP or other approved data systems.
• Assist with restocking, assembling and organizing harm reduction and outreach supplies.
• Collaborate with Harm Reduction, Community Engagement and other SUPHR staff to support overdose prevention efforts.
• Maintain professionalism and compassion when engaging community members experiencing homelessness or substance use.
• Support public health emergency response, including outreach and harm reduction activities during cold- and heat-related weather emergencies.
• A valid driver’s license is required. This position requires regular operations of a departmental vehicle to perform job related duties.
• Other duties as assigned

Education·

• HS Diploma or general education degree (GED); or combination of education and 1 + year related work experience.
• OR associate’s degree with two + years’ related work experience

 Skills/Experience

• Knowledge of/and personal experience with substances and substance use, as well as harm reduction.
• Experience and/or knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of outreach, education, and community-based networking.
• Sensitivity to and experience working with ethnically, economically, culturally, and sexually diverse individuals, communities, agencies and organizations.
• Comfortable working with vulnerable populations.
• Comfortable working outdoors in inclement weather.
• Enthusiasm for fieldwork, providing direct service to neighborhood residents.
• Comfort using the following equipment: Push Broom, Rake, Trash Cans, Power Washer, Cleaning/Disinfectant Supplies, Leaf Blower, Tongs, Sharp Containers, Latex Gloves, Work Gloves, Face Mask.
• Ability to analyze and think critically to apply reasonable judgment and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work as part of a team, to prioritize and handle multiple tasks, and work independently in a high-pressure environment.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with people contacted in the course of work

Work Environment:  90% Field Based, 10% Office

Position Type and Work Schedule:  37.5 hours/weekly.  7.5 hours per day (Weekdays and weekend/evening work may be required).

Travel:  Daily local travel to multiple sites, throughout Philadelphia and focused in Kensington area.

Physical Demand:  Ability to lift and move equipment up to 35 lbs. and walk 2+ hours a day

Salary: $25.00 per hour

 Benefits:  Our employees are our most valuable resource, so we offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package, which can include:

• Medical with vision benefits
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending accounts
• Life, AD&D and long-term care insurance
• Short- and long-term disability insurance
• 403(b) Retirement Plan, with a company contribution
• Paid time off including vacation, sick, personal and holiday
• Employee Assistance Program

Eligibility and participation is handled consistent with the plan documents and HFP policy. 

DISCLAIMER

The Health Federation reserves the right to modify, interpret, or apply this job description in any way the Company desires. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by an employee assigned to this position. This job description in no way implies that these are the only duties, including essential duties, responsibilities and/or skills to be performed by the employee occupying this position. This job description is not an employment contract, implied, or otherwise. The employment relationship remains “at will.” The aforementioned job requirements are subject to change to reasonably accommodate qualified disabled individuals.