Wellness Advocate, Bureau of Alcohol and Drug Use

Job Description

The Bureau of Alcohol and Drug Use (BADU) works to close gaps and reduce overall morbidity and mortality related to alcohol and substance use among New Yorkers. BADU develops, implements, and evaluates interventions and prevention strategies through contracting of treatment, recovery and support services; policy analysis and development; epidemiology and surveillance; dissemination of treatment and management guidelines; harm reduction initiatives; public and provider outreach and education; and community involvement and interagency collaboration. The Bureau amplifies the voices of those most impacted and focuses on inequitable structural, social, service, and communication factors that drive disparities. Relay, a nonfatal overdose response system, is 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 a maximum of three months after hospital discharge.

DUTIES WILL INCLUDE BUT NOT BE LIMITED TO:
1. Coordinate and monitor the implementation of Relay at assigned hospital emergency departments (EDs) and referrals to community services.
2. Provide technical assistance and train ED staff on program implementation, policies and procedures.
3. Closely collaborates with ED staff and community partnerships on continued integration of Relay.
4. Using their 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.
5. Conduct overdose prevention trainings with patients and their social networks including naloxone distribution.
6. Contact and engage patients within 24-hours following hospital discharge.
7. 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.
8. Provide information on and offer appropriate referral options to harm reduction programs, medication for opioid use disorder, and drug
treatment as requested.
9. Maintain detailed records of patient contacts and follow-up activities.
10. Collect and report program data to evaluate program performance.
11. Other duties as assigned.

PREFERRED SKILLS:
- Strong communication and organization skills
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively with culturally diverse populations
- Spanish language skills a plus
- 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
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team
- Basic computer skills
- Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC), Recovery Coach (CCAR), or Certified Recovery Peer Advocate
(CRPA) training
- Commensurate experience of at least two years in human service field
- Experience working with clients.

Why you should work for us:

- Loan Forgiveness: As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal/state loan forgiveness and repayment assistance programs that lessen your payments or even fully forgive your full balance. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website (
- Benefits: City employees are entitled to unmatched benefits such as:
o a premium-free health insurance plan that saves employees over $10K annually, per a 2024 assessment.
o additional health, fitness, and financial benefits may be available based on the position’s associated union/benefit fund.
o a public sector defined benefit pension plan with steady monthly payments in retirement.
o a tax-deferred savings program and
o a robust Worksite Wellness Program that offers resources and opportunities to keep you healthy while serving New Yorkers.
- Work From Home Policy: Depending on your position, you may be able to work up to two days during the week from home.
- Job Security - you could enjoy more job security compared to private sector employment and be able to contribute to making NYC a healthy place to live and work.

Established in 1805, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC Health Department) is the oldest and largest health department in the U.S., dedicated to protecting and improving the health of NYC. Our mission is to safeguard the health of every resident and cultivate a city where everyone, regardless of age, background, or location, can achieve their optimal health. We provide a wide array of programs and services focused on food and nutrition, anti-tobacco support, chronic disease prevention, HIV/AIDS treatment, family and child health, environmental health, mental health, and social justice initiatives. As the primary population health strategist and policy authority for NYC, with a rich history of public health initiatives and scientific advancements, from addressing the 1822 yellow fever outbreak to the COVID-19 pandemic, we serve as a global leader in public health innovation and expertise.

Come join us and help to continue our efforts in making a difference in the lives of all New Yorkers!

Commitment to Equity:

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.

The NYC Health Department is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation to all individuals. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, contact Sye-Eun Ahn, Director of the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity, at or View phone number on aiapply.co.

COMMUNITY COORDINATOR - 56058

Qualifications

1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and two years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to the duties described above; or
2. High school graduation or equivalent and six years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to the duties as described above; or
3. Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1" or "2" above. However, all candidates must have at least one year of experience as described in "1" above.

Additional Information

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.

Agency: DEPT OF HEALTH/MENTAL HYGIENEJob Category: HealthSalary Band: $70,000 to $80,000 Compensation: USD 62868 - USD 72298