Harm Reduction Specialist

Overview Job: Harm Reduction Specialist Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt Location: New Brunswick, NJ Salary: $53,500 - $64,000 (the majority of candidates will start at the lowest end of this salary band) New Jersey Harm Reduction Coalition (NJHRC) operates a Middlesex County Harm Reduction Center (HRC) located in New Brunswick, NJ. The Middlesex County HRC is a full-service syringe access program with three service lines: a drop-in center, mobile outreach and delivery, and healthcare kiosks. The Harm Reduction Specialist is a key member of the team and will provide support across service lines. Who We Are Incorporated in January 2020, NJHRC is a growing and fast-paced nonprofit organization whose mission is to create a New Jersey that values the safety and dignity of all people who use drugs, and to make evidence-informed harm reduction public health resources widely available to everyone in our state. We are working toward a world where there is no drug war or stigma against people who use drugs, and where all people have all the resources needed to stay alive and thrive. NJHRC accomplishes this through direct harm reduction services, training and technical assistance, and policy advocacy. Our direct services are focused on two Harm Reduction Centers: the Middlesex Harm Reduction Center and the Statewide Harm Reduction Center (which is mail-based and uses nontraditional digital outreach and engagement methods). This job is based in the Middlesex Harm Reduction Center. What You’ll Do The Harm Reduction Specialist will support all service lines of the Middlesex County HRC while having either a primary focus on mobile outreach (including delivery and kiosks) or on-site services. The primary focus will be determined by the HR Specialist’s skills, strengths, and team composition; but the HR Specialist will be required to flex into other service lines, as needed. Mobile Outreach and Delivery Attending and contributing to program meetings Facilitating mobile syringe exchanges and harm reduction counseling with community members Organizing outreach supplies Stocking and driving the mobile van Conducting crowd engagement Facilitating syringe sweeps Delivering harm reduction supplies to members’ households Delivering harm reduction supplies to Middlesex County kiosks Responding to overdoses and other critical incidents in the community if they occur during outreach shifts Collecting and entering data On-site Syringe Access Services Attending and contributing to program meetings Facilitating syringe exchange and harm reduction counseling with community members within our offices at 18 Abeel Street Facilitating syringe sweeps Conducting participant engagement Facilitating group participant activities and/or workshops Organizing and stocking on-site supplies Playing a key role in responding to overdoses and critical incidents if they occur within our building Collecting and entering data Who You Are and Keys to Success (Must-Haves) Job-Specific Must-Haves Driver license: You hold a valid driver license, the ability to drive NJHRC’s two outreach vehicles (Ram Promaster and minivan), and meet the guidelines for drivers of agency-owned vehicles Lived/Living experience: Personal experience with drug use or harm reduction is required. The ability to connect with clients through shared experience is critical to this role Relationship-building: You develop and maintain strong, collaborative working relationships with a diverse group of stakeholders, including people seeking Harm Reduction Center services, staff, neighbors, and organizational partners Comfort responding to overdoses: You have experience and demonstrated ability in responding to overdoses in a community setting Commitment & experience with Harm Reduction best practices: You have a demonstrated commitment to harm reduction, racial justice, health equity, and the dignity and autonomy of people who use drugs. You have prior experience and training in harm reduction and implementing harm reduction best practices within an organization Must-Haves for all NJHRC staff Problem-solving skills: You demonstrate initiative when approached with a problem and have experience successfully leading others through problem-solving Self-awareness & emotional intelligence: You engage in self-reflection of your own behavior and demonstrate emotional intelligence Comfort in a changing environment: You have the ability to navigate change externally with participants and with internal operations. You have the ability to lead change management projects internally Embody teamwork: You have a demonstrated ability to work well with others toward shared goals, have difficult conversations, and help others master their professional responsibilities Time management & prioritization skills: You have the ability to manage your time effectively, while supporting others to prioritize appropriately A Note to Potential Candidates Studies have shown that women, trans, non-binary people, and BIPOC candidates are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications as described in a job description. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organization, and we are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job. That candidate may be one who comes from a background less traditional to our field of work, and we welcome the opportunity for new insight into our work. We would strongly encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of the qualifications described. Salary and Benefit Details Salary: Salary is based on NJHRC’s Level 2 salary band of $53,500 to $64,000, with starting salary determined by salary band guidelines as they relate to the incoming employee’s demonstrated experience and “must have” and “nice to have” skillsets identified for this role. The majority of candidates will start at the lowest end of this salary band. We expect the Harm Reduction Specialist to grow in their experience, skillsets, and corresponding salary over time in the role Benefits: NJHRC’s employee benefits package includes 100 percent employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and 80 percent family coverage; 20 paid vacation days, 15 paid holidays, and half day “Summer Fridays” in July and August; an Employee Assistance Program; and an annual discretionary professional development fund as well as organization-wide professional development opportunities. NJHRC is starting a retirement plan with five percent employer match shortly Equal Opportunity Employment NJHRC is an equal opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. NJHRC encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, ethnicity, personal appearance, political affiliation, family responsibility, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status and record of arrest or conviction. NJHRC is particularly interested in hiring people who have been directly harmed by the War on Drugs #J-18808-Ljbffr