I. Scope of Role
The Harm Reduction Specialist provides engagement and support services, particularly to program participants around drug and alcohol use, sexual health and self-harm, using a harm reduction model. The emphasis is on meeting individuals “where they are at” and providing non-judgmental, non-coercive services and resources to individuals engaging in risky behaviors. In addition, the Harm Reduction Specialist provides consultation, training, and support to program staff in their work with program participants engaging in risky behaviors. The intention is that the Harm
Reduction Specialist will be a leader in promoting Community Access’ commitment to providing services using a harm reduction model.
Core Principles
The job responsibilities of all staff extend to understanding and incorporating certain principles into their work and into their relationships with program participants. These principles are:
- Program participants’ right to self-determination;
- Respectful communication;
- Services that support recovery and healing consistent with and nurturing each
participant’s cultural background, experience, identity, and values.
- Clear professional boundaries to support the limits and possibilities of services.
II. Essential Job Functions
• Using the model of harm reduction, assess tenants' needs for services, including outreach,
counseling, education, referral, etc., at program site and plan services accordingly.
• Develop and support strategies to meet the needs of individuals in need of support,
including individuals using drugs/alcohol, people living with HIV/AIDS, individuals
involved in sex work/survival sex, people with diabetes, individuals at risk for violence, etc.
• Attend and participate in Harm Reduction Committee meetings, as scheduled
• Contribute to agency-wide projects of the Harm Reduction Committee, to support the
infusion of harm reduction throughout the agency
• Provide training and education on the harm reduction model, including HIV prevention
strategies, for staff and program participants.
• Provide service coordination to assigned program participants.
• Provide recovery-oriented support services and outreach to assigned program participants,
as defined by program and contractual requirements.
• Develop and assist in implementing person-centered service plans determined by goals of
program participants, including reviewing service plans with program participants,
identifying progress and revising plan as needed.
• Produce and maintain thorough, accurate and timely documentation, including charts and
documentation in service records of interactions with program participants, services
provided, important information and/or events, and contacts with other agencies and
service providers, as required by agency policies, and relevant contracts and regulatory
agencies.
• Assist program participants by advocating for quality care from external service providers,
including educating providers on special issues, etc.
• Assist program participants in maintaining apartment free from unsanitary conditions and
safety hazards, utilizing individualized strategies, e.g. teaching, feedback, demonstration and other forms of hands-on interventions, as needed.
• Maintain a resources list and provide referrals for treatment for psychiatric disabilities,
substance use, and health problems, as directed by program participants.
• Assist program participants in identifying vocational and educational goals and
opportunities, including assessment, support and follow-up, in coordination with Education and Employment Coordinator.
• Assist program participants with conflict resolution, as necessary.
• Provide outreach to program participants who are not indicating their goals or who are not
engaged, to offer services to them, and to incorporate outreach in their service plans.
• Provide crisis intervention, as necessary.
• Provide support and training on skills-building, including assertiveness, self advocacy,
socialization, and other related issues.
• Maintain quality service by establishing and reinforcing program/agency standards in all
interactions with program participants.
• Create or maintain a special project each year with an emphasis on harm reduction.
• Coordinate work orders with operations staff regarding apartment repairs and/or program
participant requests.
• Attend and participate in supervision, meetings and training sessions, as required and as
scheduled.
• Provide holiday, evening and weekend coverage, as necessary.
• Provide coverage for non-assigned program participants, as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
