Outreach Specialist

Company Overview Since 1986, the AIDS Center of Queens County (ACQC) has grown to become the largest provider of HIV/AIDS services in the borough of Queens, serving over 10,000 clients and 30,000 community residents across three sites. Our mission is to enhance the quality of life for individuals and families living with or at risk for HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C, and other chronic conditions. We are committed to providing comprehensive healthcare and social support services at no cost to our clients. Position Summary The Outreach Specialist supports ACQC’s Harm Reduction program by conducting mobile and street outreach across designated Queens neighborhoods. This role focuses on engagement of PWUD and individuals with SUD, providing low-threshold harm reduction education, distributing supplies, offering naloxone training, and facilitating immediate referrals and linkages to internal and external services. The Outreach Specialist helps expand outreach coverage in neighborhoods identified as high-need areas (Jamaica, Far Rockaway, Long Island City, Jackson Heights, Corona, Flushing) and maintains strong collaboration with the Case Manager and Peer Specialists Key Responsibilities Outreach & Engagement Conduct twice-daily street outreach Monday–Thursday in designated high-risk neighborhoods (per project plan). Engage with people who use drugs (PWUD) using trauma-informed, person-centered approaches. Provide harm reduction education, including safer use, safer sex, overdose prevention, and wound care basics. Conduct naloxone and fentanyl/xylazine strip distribution with training. Provide real-time referrals and linkages to ACQC’s internal programs (Syring Services Program (SSP), mental health treatment (MHOTRS) clinic, medication assisted treatment (MAT) services, case management, legal services, housing services, etc.). Assist clients with access to external providers (hospitals, shelters, substance use disease (SUD) treatment programs). Document all outreach encounters, supply distribution, and referrals in the agency’s approved data systems. Participate in weekly meetings with the Outreach Supervisor. Work closely with three Peer Specialists and the Case Manager to ensure warm hand-offs and clientcentered follow-up. Participate in team training and annual refreshers as required by ACQC. Other duties as assigned by the Program Supervisor or Harm Reduction Manager. Qualifications Required Minimum 2 years of experience in street outreach, harm reduction, or peer support. Experience working with PWUD and populations with high social vulnerability. Training in harm reduction models is preferred; ACQC provides additional training during onboarding. Strong communication and engagement skills; bilingual preferred – English/Spanish. Must be culturally competent and able to work with individuals from non-traditional backgrounds in terms of gender identity and sexuality. Must be able to convey sensitivity in a non-judgmental manner. ACQC offers rewarding work in a collegial environment, and comprehensive benefits, which include medical, dental, vision, retirement, paid time off, and commuter benefits. ACQC provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Qualifications Required Minimum 2 years of experience in street outreach, harm reduction, or peer support. Experience working with PWUD and populations with high social vulnerability. Training in harm reduction models is preferred; ACQC provides additional training during onboarding. Strong communication and engagement skills; bilingual preferred – English/Spanish. Must be culturally competent and able to work with individuals from non-traditional backgrounds in terms of gender identity and sexuality. Must be able to convey sensitivity in a non-judgmental manner. Strong communication and organizational skills Ability to work independently and in a team Proficiency in basic computer systems and electronic records Driver’s license Residents of Queens neighborhoods are strongly encouraged to apply. The OASAS Outreach Specialist position is a full-time, non-exempt position, based at two sites: Richmond Hill, Queens, and Woodside, Queens. #J-18808-Ljbffr AIDS Center of Queens County, Inc.