Public Health Advocate II (Outreach)

Public Health Advocate II

The Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) Recovery Services Bureau (RSB) offers comprehensive programming and resources aimed at reducing harm associated with substance use, including providing treatment services, recovery support, and prevention services. RSB operates across the continuum of care, spanning outreach and engagement, drug user health, naloxone distribution, residential treatment, referral services, and more. Staff in RSB's Outreach and Recovery Support Services (ORSS) works closely with colleagues across RSB programs, City of Boston departments, and community partners to engage individuals in the community and at designated RSB sites. Their work focuses on preventing overdose and the spread of disease, facilitating access to housing and treatment services, providing substance use and health education and information and safely removing drug-related waste.

The Public Health Advocate II position is responsible for establishing relationships, referring and connecting individuals with substance use disorder(s) and experiencing homelessness to emergency shelters, behavioral health services and helping to address barriers to housing. This team works in collaboration with City businesses, providers and organizations and are required to enter program data into the applicable data system as well as attend recovery and substance use related trainings.

Duties:

• Provide peer recovery support services to clients with substance use disorder (SUD) and to achieve sustained recovery in outreach and RSB day space settings as assigned.
• Facilitate client access to recovery-oriented substance use disorder treatment, resources, and community recovery groups.
• Work with PAATHS staff on determining appropriate level of care, community resources, and placement opportunities.
• Develop ongoing relapse prevention plan for clients.
• Monitor client progress in treatment and advocate for services. Assist client in navigating the healthcare system and social service systems. Accompany clients to appointments and court. Provide transportation as needed.
• Provide support in acute care and emergency department settings as needed. Work with hospital and BEST team staff as needed.
• Facilitate communication between client and treatment providers and medical providers.
• Provide support and referrals to families and friends supporting client through recovery process.
• Provide overdose prevention training and safety planning as needed.
• Educate individuals on harm reduction and safe injection practices.
• Provide crisis management, collection and safe disposal of needles, drug trash, and paraphernalia found near needles and distribute communication, brochures and educational materials.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records/data entry documenting program services delivered during mobile outreach and/or day space locations.
• Maintains security of all physical areas of the program site.
• Attend clinical and programmatic supervision and team meetings with ORSS and with other RSB teams as directed
• Manages and exercises sound judgment in conflict situations.
• Identifies and intervenes in actual and potential conflict situations using a trauma informed and de-escalation methods..
• Works to help BPHC advance as an antiracist organization by meeting or exceeding the standards set by the BPHC Anti-Racism Policy.
• Performs other duties as required.

Qualifications:

• Strong interpersonal, facilitation, and leadership skills.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong advocacy skills along with knowledge of community-based services, resources, and local recovery community.
• Comfort with multiple pathways to recovery and willingness to embrace a client centered approach that recognizes an individual's preferences and autonomy.
• Comfort in working in both medical and social service settings.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with clients/families, treatment programs, and team members.
• Effective use of the Internet and Microsoft Office programs such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
• Ability to handle confidential information.
• Knowledge of public health, substance use, HIV, outreach and education.
• Understanding and appreciation of HIV/AIDS programs and services in the context of the community.
• Knowledge in the area of substance use and/or previous experience working with people who use drugs.
• Minimum 2 years in community outreach/case management activities required and/or customer service experience.