Relay Wellness Advocate

Wellness Advocate

The Bureau of Alcohol and Drug Use is seeking a full-time Wellness Advocate for its nonfatal overdose response system called Relay, an initiative providing 24/7 support to individuals transported to hospital emergency departments (EDs) following a non-fatal opioid overdose. Wellness Advocates visit patients in the ED to provide immediate support and overdose prevention training following an overdose event and offer ongoing support and linkage to care for three months following hospital discharge.

Relay is the NYC Health Department's 24/7 non-fatal opioid overdose response system, started in 2017. The initiative aims to reduce opioid overdoses among New Yorkers who are at highest risk. We work to ensure that all people who use drugs have an equal opportunity to achieve their full health potential.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and monitor the implementation of Relay at assigned hospital emergency departments (EDs) and referrals to community services.
• Provide technical assistance and train ED staff on program implementation, policies and procedures.
• Closely collaborates with ED staff and community partnerships on continued integration of Relay.
• Use her/his lived experience with substance use to provide support to patients in the ED following a non-fatal overdose and introduce Relay to patients and obtain consent for follow up services.
• Conduct overdose prevention trainings with patients and their social networks including naloxone distribution.
• Contact and engage patients within 24-hours following hospital discharge.
• Provide patients with support and assist with linkage to care and community resources for a maximum of 90 days following hospital discharge. Accompany patients to appointments as required.
• Provide information on and offer appropriate referral options to harm reduction programs, medication for opioid use disorder, and drug treatment as requested.
• Maintain detailed records of patient contacts and follow-up activities.
• Collect and report program data to evaluate program performance.
• Other duties as assigned to support the overall goals and mission of the department/organization.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor's degree or 6 years of relevant commensurate experience, at a minimum
• Either a recovery coach certification, CRPA/CRPA-P, CARC, or CASAC/CASAC-T or 2 years of commensurate peer experience
• Familiarity and openness to the principles of harm reduction
• Familiarity and openness to a range of drug treatment modalities including medication for opioid use disorder
• Willingness to travel within the five boroughs, work in hospital EDs, and perform street outreach
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Experience working with clients
• Commitment to racial and health equity, recovery, as well as recovery-oriented and trauma-informed services
• Excellent interpersonal and verbal and written communication skills is essential: strong organizational skills
• Proficiency with computer and electronic health records, and Microsoft Word applications including Office, Word, Excel and Access
• Physical Requirements: Ability to stand, walk, and transit for extended periods of time. Reasonable accommodations will be made for qualified individuals with disabilities

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check

Benefits/ Additional Information:

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) policy
• Medical, dental, and life insurance with low or no employee contribution
• A retirement savings plan with generous employer contribution
• Flexible spending medical and commuter benefits plan
• Meaningful work at an organization striving to advance health equity and social justice

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

FPHNY is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

At-Will Employment Statement

Employment with FPHNY is at-will, meaning that either the employee or the company may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause, and with or without notice. This job description does not constitute a contract of employment.

Residency Requirement

You must live in the New York City Tri-state area (NY, NJ, CT) to be considered for a position at FPHNY.

To Apply

Click "Apply Now" and upload an up-to-date resume, including relevant experience for the position.