Harm Reduction Specialist

Job Overview

Are you searching for a fulfilling place to develop your career and make an impact? Join Integrity House, New Jersey’s oldest active nonprofit provider of compassionate care for individuals and families experiencing addiction and mental health conditions. We’ve been a trusted source in our field since our founding in 1968, and our goal has remained constant: to provide our clients with comprehensive, whole-person care options under one unified system of care. Integrity House operates 16 licensed treatment programs across New Jersey as well as community outreach and prevention programs, and serves over 3,000 individuals every year.

Reporting to the Senior Director of Community Engagement, The Harm Reduction Specialist collaborates with the Harm Reduction Coordinator to facilitate access to a range of services and supplies for Integrity Harm Reduction Center participants, including health education and risk reduction education. Experienced in trauma-informed, culturally competent service delivery, the Harm Reduction Specialist engages participants with non-judgement, empathy, and care. This is a full-time (35 hours per week), non-exempt position. The schedule is Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm, however evening and/or weekend hours may be required.

Job Responsibilities:

• Assess participants to determine their wellness status and services needed.
• Distribute a range of harm reduction supplies according to community members’ requests.
• Provide health promotion and risk reduction education to community members.
• Facilitate groups on overdose prevention and response, safer substance use practices, harm reduction and the law, self-care, and other topics of interest and benefit to participants.
• Engage in outreach to educate community members on harm reduction and center services, and promote enrollment in services.
• Contribute to the cultivation of a safe and welcoming environment for participants.
• Maintain and replenish supply inventory.
• Coordinate participant care by establishing partnerships with organizations providing mental health, housing, food services, mobile showers, laundry, and other relevant services.
• Attend NJ Department of Health Harm Reduction Coordinators meetings and other external meetings as required.
• Maintain timely data entry of service information into the funder database.
• Work with the Senior Director of Community Engagement and team members to promote the center's services within the community.
• Adhere to organizational policies and procedures, including those related to confidentiality, documentation, incident reporting, and conflict resolution.
• Engage in ongoing training and professional development to maintain and enhance knowledge and skills related to harm reduction and the health of individuals who use drugs.
• Complete other relevant tasks as needed.

Qualifications:

Required Education and Experience:

• High school diploma required.
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience providing direct services to individuals who use drugs or other marginalized populations (e.g., harm reduction drop-in center, syringe services program, etc.).

Specialized Skills, Abilities and Knowledge:

• Culturally competent in engaging marginalized communities, including people who use drugs (PWUD), People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), LGBTQIA+ members, and men who have sex with men (MSM).
• Training in harm reduction, HIV/AIDS services, viral hepatitis, syringe exchange/distribution, motivational interviewing, risk-reduction counseling, and/or de-escalation.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care principles and ability to provide services in a way that recognizes and responds to the impact of trauma on participants’ lives preferred.
• Knowledge of and experience navigating healthcare and social service systems, and the ability to make appropriate referrals.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport and engage with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite including Word and Excel.
• Ability to maintain accurate and up-to-date records and documentation.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and operate within a dynamic environment.
• Experienced in program management.
• Preference for candidates who are bilingual in Spanish.
• Community outreach experience a plus.

Who We Are?

Since 1968, Integrity House has provided comprehensive and compassionate addiction treatment services for individuals with substance use disorders. Integrity is accredited from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), an independent, nonprofit accreditor of health and human services, at its highest level, Integrity House is recognized statewide as a treatment leader. Integrity House is committed to best practice and has expanded its program and services throughout the years to remain a practical resource for those who need help. We currently offer inpatient, residential, and outpatient, levels of addiction treatment, including medication-assisted treatment; treatment for co-occurring disorders; outpatient mental health services; recovery programs; education and workforce readiness opportunities; and supportive housing.

Apply today! Be part of an amazing interdisciplinary team committed to rebuilding lives, families and communities.

Integrity is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates. Integrity House openly supports and fully commits to recruitment, selection, placement, promotion and compensation of individuals without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), genetic information, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.