Harm Reduction Peer Navigator

Job Description

Job Description

SPECIAL SERVICE FOR GROUPS, INC.
JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

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Title: Harm Reduction Peer Navigator Division: HOPICS
FLSA: Non-Exempt Supervisor: Program Manager
Pay Scale: $24-$27 per hour Revised Date: 06.12.26

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Summary
Under the supervision of the Harm Reduction Supervisor and as part of the Harm Reduction Health Integration Services Program, the Harm Reduction Peer Navigator provides low-barrier, participant-centered harm reduction services, outreach, education, engagement, and navigation support to individuals affected by substance use, homelessness, behavioral health challenges, and other barriers to care.
The Harm Reduction Peer Navigator utilizes lived experience, evidence-based harm reduction practices, and trauma-informed approaches to build trust, reduce health disparities, prevent overdose deaths, promote safer substance use practices, and connect participants to healthcare, behavioral health, housing, treatment, benefits, and other supportive services.

The Harm Reduction Peer Navigator supports outreach activities, overdose prevention initiatives, syringe services, FTIR drug checking services, rapid health screening initiatives, Street Medicine partnerships, CMAA and CalAIM-related activities, health integration services, and other public health initiatives throughout Los Angeles County.
Essential Functions
• Conduct outreach, engagement, education, and participant-centered harm reduction services in office, field, community, and outreach settings.
• Provide overdose prevention education, safer use education, safer sex education, and evidence-based harm reduction interventions utilizing a non-judgmental, low-barrier approach.
• Distribute and educate participants regarding Narcan/Naloxone, overdose response, harm reduction supplies, safer use supplies, educational materials, and health resources.
• Support syringe services activities, harm reduction supply distribution, overdose prevention initiatives, and community- based public health efforts.
• Assist participants with linkages and referrals to healthcare, behavioral health services, substance use treatment, HIV, HCV, and STI testing, rapid health screenings, housing resources, benefits advocacy, Street Medicine services, and other supportive services.
• Conduct participant needs assessments and assist participants in identifying goals, barriers, and service needs.
• Support FTIR drug checking services, health integration initiatives, Street Medicine partnerships, CMAA activities, CalAIM- related activities, and other assigned program initiatives.
• Build and maintain professional, respectful, and supportive relationships with participants utilizing peer support
principles and trauma-informed practices.
• Collect, document, and enter participant encounters, outreach contacts, referrals, services, outcomes, and program activities utilizing Survey123 and other agency-approved systems.
• Support community outreach events, wellness activities, health fairs, overdose prevention events, trainings, and other community engagement activities.
• Assist with preparation, transportation, inventory, distribution, and reconciliation of harm reduction supplies, educational materials, incentives, testing supplies, and outreach resources.
• Operate agency vehicles and travel throughout Los Angeles County to conduct outreach activities, transport participants and staff as authorized, and support program operations.
• Maintain outreach vehicles, equipment, supplies, and program materials in a safe, organized, and operational manner.
• Foster collaborative relationships with community organizations, healthcare providers, local agencies, community
leaders, stakeholders, and other service providers.
• Participate in required trainings, supervision sessions, meetings, collaborations, case conferences, and professional development activities.
• Maintain compliance with HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, agency policies, safety protocols, funder requirements, and applicable laws and regulations.
• Maintain regular attendance and uphold Agency mission statement, values, policies, procedures, and principles.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
Secondary Functions
• Support special projects, outreach campaigns, community events, public health initiatives, and program activities as assigned.
• Provide support during emergency response efforts, community health initiatives, and special outreach events as needed.
• Assist with inventory management, event preparation, supply distribution, and other operational activities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications – Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required
 This position is designated as a peer position. Lived experience related to substance use, recovery, homelessness,
behavioral health challenges, justice involvement, sex work, or other experiences reflective of the populations served
is required.
 A minimum of one (1) year of experience in harm reduction, peer support, outreach, public health, healthcare,
homelessness services, behavioral health services, or other community-based services is required.
 Demonstrated knowledge of harm reduction principles, overdose prevention practices, trauma-informed care,
participant-centered engagement, and low-barrier service delivery is required.
 Candidates must possess the ability to effectively engage and support diverse populations through a non-judgmental,
culturally responsive approach.
 Experience with outreach, participant education, service navigation, referrals, community engagement,
documentation, data collection, and ArcGIS Survey123 is preferred. Bilingual Spanish/English skills are preferred.
 Additional requirements include verification of employment eligibility, successful background clearance, TB
clearance, CPR and First Aid certification within required agency timeframes
 A valid California Driver License, proof of insurance, reliable transportation, and an acceptable driving record.

Supervisory Responsibilities
This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.
Environmental Conditions (Working Conditions)
Work is performed in office, community, field, outreach, encampment, healthcare, and event environments. Position
requires extensive interaction with individuals experiencing homelessness, substance use disorders, behavioral health challenges, and other complex needs. Exposure to high-crime areas, adverse weather conditions, infectious diseases, moving vehicles, aggressive animals, and challenging field conditions may occur.

Physical Requirements
Regular sitting, standing, walking, driving, typing, speaking, listening, bending, lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling up to 25 pounds. Position requires frequent movement between office, outreach, community, and service locations.

Mental Requirements
Must be able to work effectively under pressure, manage multiple priorities, adapt to changing environments, respond to
crisis situations, exercise sound judgment, maintain professional boundaries, process information accurately, and remain effective in unpredictable situations.

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