Peer Aide (Health, Behavior, and Society)

Peer Aide

The Health Behavior and Society Department is seeking a Peer Aide. The SPARC Center is seeking a dedicated Peer Aide to support both drop-in services and mobile outreach programming. SPARC is a harm reductionfocused drop-in center and mobile outreach program serving women and gender-marginalized people in Baltimore, MD.

SPARC provides a wide range of clinical services, social supports, and essential supplies designed to improve the health, safety, and well-being of participants. Clinical and supportive services include reproductive healthcare; HIV, hepatitis C (HCV), and sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing, treatment, and care; addiction management; wound care; case management; counseling; and overdose response training with naloxone distribution.

In addition to these services, SPARC distributes harm reduction and basic needs supplies such as safer drug use kits, fentanyl and xylazine testing supplies, safer sex supplies, wound care materials, hygiene products, clothing, food, and access to laundry services. All services and supplies are provided free of charge. SPARC staff work to create a supportive, low-barrier, and stigma-free environment where participants feel respected and safe accessing care.

The Peer Aide will work closely with a multidisciplinary team that includes case managers, healthcare providers, outreach staff, and volunteers. The role involves regular interaction with program participants, including individuals engaged in sex work and people who use drugs.

This position supports a variety of program activities, including assisting with drop-in services at the center, conducting foot-based and van-based outreach in the community, delivering supplies to participants, engaging individuals in services, and supporting day-to-day program operations. Successful candidates will undergo training sessions before working in the community.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Support daily operations at SPARC, including greeting participants; supporting participant needs; packing supply bags; ensuring the drop-in space is clean and tidy; scheduling appointments.
• Support outreach operations, including participating in van and foot-based outreach shifts; kit making; delivery bag packing; engaging in syringe and litter clean-up efforts.
• Distribute Naloxone, train community members on its use and benefits.
• Provide health education and risk reduction information to SPARC participants.
• Distribute supplies, including safer drug use supplies and safer sex supplies, while providing harm reduction education.
• Engage in community events to promote services and develop rapport with neighbors, business owners, and participants.
• De-escalate conflicts and set and maintain boundaries with participants.
• Support program data collection and data entry.
• Potential to facilitate peer groups and trainings.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Applicants must be at least 16 years of age with relevant lived experience.
• Experience working with diverse populations, interviewing, fieldwork, or outreach preferred.
• No equivalency allowed.

Preferred Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience working with diverse populations, interviewing, fieldwork, or outreach.
• Lived experience with drug use and/or sex work.
• Experience working with diverse populations, including the sex worker population.
• Experience in a harm reduction setting.
• Prior experience with outreach or drop-in work.
• Expertise in de-escalation and conflict management.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to drive a small transit van.