Special Projects Specialist

Special Project Specialist

The Special Projects Specialist will provide technical assistance and programmatic support to new and ongoing special projects related to opioid overdose prevention and response, naloxone distribution, and community engagement, with the goal of preventing overdose deaths in New York City.

Under general direction from the Special Projects Manager, with wide latitude for independent initiative and judgment, the Special Projects Specialist will:

• Support the implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and expansion of the Public Health Vending Machine Pilot Initiative, using a research and equity-informed approach.
• Support funded Opioid Overdose Prevention Programs by providing technical assistance, and conduct research efforts for the development, implementation, and evaluation of strategies to increase naloxone access in priority settings and neighborhoods.
• Support ongoing research efforts to enhance and expand pharmacy naloxone distribution and engagement
• Provide technical assistance and programmatic support around community engagement across Overdose Education and Naloxone Distribution Unit projects
• Collaborate with other Overdose Education and Naloxone Distribution Unit and Bureau of Alcohol and Drug Use staff for ongoing development and enhancement of materials and resources aimed at preventing overdose and expanding strategic naloxone distribution efforts
• Provide support for packing and mailing naloxone kits and training related materials and maintain appropriate records for all kits and material mailed and dispensed
• Participate in Overdose Education and Naloxone Distribution Unit meetings, including facilitation on a rotating basis
• Participate in bureau- and agency-wide activities for advancing racial, gender, and social equity and support efforts to center equity in Overdose Education and Naloxone Distribution Unit's work
• Represent Overdose Education and Naloxone Distribution Unit in intra-Bureau and Divisional workgroups and meetings and liaise and present to community coalitions
• Occasional travel throughout New York City.
• Other duties as assigned on an as-needed basis to support the overall goals and mission of the department/ organization.

For Assignment Level I (only physical, biological and environmental sciences and public health): A master's degree from an accredited college or university with a specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological or environmental science or in public health.

To be appointed to Assignment Level II and above, candidates must have:

• 1. A doctorate degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological, environmental or social science and one year of full-time experience in a responsible supervisory, administrative or research capacity in the appropriate field of specialization; or
• 2. A master's degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological, environmental or social science and three years of responsible full-time research experience in the appropriate field of specialization; or
• 3. Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1" or "2" above. However, all candidates must have at least a master's degree in an appropriate field of specialization and at least two years of experience described in "2" above. Two years as a City Research Scientist Level I can be substituted for the experience required in "1" and "2" above.

Preferred Skills:

• Knowledge of substance use and harm reduction practice and theory, including syringe exchange, overdose prevention and education for HIV and Hepatitis C prevention.
• Be able to work independently, have excellent oral and written communication and organizational skills, and be a flexible team player. The candidate will also be detail-oriented with outstanding organizational skills.
• Sensitive to various ethnic, racial, and cultural backgrounds, gender identities, sexual orientations, and socioeconomic conditions.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Access, Outlook, and Word.
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced, high-volume environment, managing multiple projects and task at once.

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check

Benefits include Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility, generous Paid Time Off, 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, and meaningful work at an organization striving to advance health equity and social justice.

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.

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.

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