Syringe Access Program Coordinator

Syringe Access Program Coordinator

The Syringe Access Program Coordinator is responsible for coordination of syringe access operations and direct supervision of SEP staff and peers. Under the supervision of the Managing Director, Syringe Access Services, the Syringe Access Program Coordinator is responsible for maintaining the department's readiness for welcoming individuals into our brick and mortar, mobile, and peer delivered services providing safer use supplies. Hours for this position are Monday Friday, 8:00AM4:00PM or 9:00AM5:00PM.

The Syringe Access Program Coordinator is responsible for providing an array of harm reduction services to marginalized, street-based populations including people living with HIV, people who actively use and inject drugs, people with Hepatitis C, people who engage in sex work, and individuals experiencing homelessness. In addition to assisting with direct service to clients, the Syringe Access Program Coordinator also provides oversight of program operations.

Syringe access services are conducted utilizing a team-based, harm reduction approach that supports the client in identifying their own goals around substance use, sexual health, and engagement in additional services. This position supports the efforts of the Managing Director, AVP, and Senior Clinical Director to strengthen staff members' clinical skills around client engagement and motivational interviewing.

Essential Job Functions

The following duties are mandatory requirements of the job:

Program Operations

• Working with the Managing Director, coordinate and schedule staff to cover in-house and field-based syringe service shifts, lunch breaks, and delivery of services in an effective and safe manner.
• Track inventory of program supplies, assist with placing supply orders, and discuss new supply needs with Managing Director. Work with other department programs to ensure collaboration on ordering and supply use.
• Communicate of issues/problems relating to syringe access program delivery to the Managing Director.
• Serve as a team lead when working in the field, including assistance with safety and de-escalation, reporting incidents, and communicating challenges with management in regard to the any issues with the site of service.
• Maintain knowledge of vehicle maintenance and upkeep, including timely reporting to supervisor of any problems with the vehicle (i.e. leaks, oil, break flasher). Maintain communication with Program Director, Outreach Services regarding challenges, concerns, or needs with vehicles, gas cards, documentation, etc.
• Ensure SEP vehicles are routinely cleaned and presentable. Maintain cleaning supplies in the vehicles and in the parking lot to ensure these tasks can be completed by staff.
• Work with staff team to stock vehicle with program paperwork that is up to date to ensure smooth service delivery.

Syringe Access Services

• Assist the Managing Director, Syringe Access Services in working with community members, CBOs, the local NYPD precinct, and others in our catchment areas around harm reduction education, overdose prevention, and informational/educational sessions aimed at increasing access to safer syringe disposal and access to harm reduction services.
• Participate in meetings with funders, community provider networks,
• Conduct intakes and develop brief service plans in collaboration with the client.
• Make referrals as needed to primary care, mental health services, HIV/HCV/STI testing services, drug treatment and detoxification programs, case management, housing services, food pantry, benefits, emergency needs and other services.
• Support syringe exchange services in accordance with state, city, and agency regulations that include monitoring disposal of used syringes; distributing safer injection supplies; adhering to needle stick prevention guidelines; and providing HCV education, overdose education, and buprenorphine education.
• Provide community members and participants with information on harm reduction and substance use treatment services available.
• Distribute harm reduction materials including safer sex kits, educational literature, and brochures.
• Conduct overdose prevention training with clients and the community, including the dispensing of naloxone.
• Complete all data entry into eSHARE and AIRS for individual services completed; assist the team in data entry related to deliverables completed by IHR peers.
• Ensure the maintenance of appropriate, accurate, and clear documentation of all SEP, outreach, education, and escort activities.
• Maintain a strong knowledge of substance use, including treatment information and developments that affect clients' access to care.
• Maintain a strong knowledge of HIV/AIDS, including treatment information and developments that affect clients' access to care.

Supervision

Supervision of Staff

• Evaluate staff monthly by conducting Data Driven Supervision sessions.
• Facilitate 90 Day and Annual Evaluations of staff.
• Conduct observations of staff engagement with clients.
• Regularly identify and celebrate staffs' strengths.
• Regularly identify areas for staff improvement and work with them to develop tools to support their professional growth and the demands of the program.
• With the guidance of the Program Director, utilize Progressive Discipline when the efforts above are not met with skill enhancement or behavior change from staff, or when there is a violation of the agency's policies and procedures.
• Enhance and maintain morale of team.
• Recruit, hire (with guidance from supervisor) and train new staff members when needed.

Supervision of Peer Educators

Supervision of peer educators who volunteer for the department by providing services in the department by conducting outreach at our mobile sites, assisting syringe exchange efforts, engaging new clients, and assisting with administrative needs of the program.

• Meet monthly in individual meetings with SEP and PDSE peers in which peer assignments are reviewed, successes are celebrated and areas for improvements are identified; and to discuss challenges to performance, behavioral challenges, or time and attendance.
• Identify training needs for the peer educators to encourage professional development. Work with Peer Coordinator and Program Director to address training needs and peer performance.
• Participate in monthly meetings/trainings as part of peer supervision in collaboration with Peer Coordinator.
• Model professional behavior and demeanor for peers and other staff; provide feedback in the field to peer educators about developing and maintaining professional boundaries and communication.
• Support interns and volunteers during their hands-on training experience.

Other Responsibilities

• Attend data driven and clinical supervision, as well as departmental, divisional and staff meetings.
• Ensure files are up to date and accurate; conduct periodic community surveys to ensure the program is following community trends.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education and Certification

• This position requires a high school diploma and two years' experience in harm reduction, specifically with active injection and other drug users. CASAC certification a plus. Work experience and lived experience can substitute for education. Candidate should be familiar with substance use services and social services agencies within New York City.
• Valid New York State driver's license required.

Special Skills and Knowledge

• Experience working with street-based populations, such as people who use drugs, people experiencing homelessness, and sex workers.
• Knowledge of harm reduction and the risks associated with injection drug use and sexual health.
• Ability to listen to and communicate clearly and respectfully with people who use drugs, community members, peers, volunteers and agency staff.
• High level of self-motivation.
• Commitment to working as a member of a team.
• Able to work with a team with different attitudes and personalities.
• Flexibility and willingness to work outdoors, including inclement weather conditions, and weekends as needed.