Harm Reduction Environmental Specialist

Harm Reduction Environmental Specialist

The Harm Reduction Environmental Specialist (HRES) plays a vital role in enhancing the city's image by keeping public areas welcoming, safe, and clean for everyone - residents, businesses, and visitors. A core function of the HRES is to build trust with community members, especially people who actively use drugs, to encourage engagement with supportive services. This involves providing nonjudgmental, trauma-informed information and referrals to harm reduction services.

The HRES will also focus on promoting public health and safety by identifying root causes and implementing creative, community-informed strategies. This includes participating in brainstorming and implementing innovative solutions specifically aimed at reducing syringe litter. The scope of work includes, but is not limited to, the remediation of biohazards, clothing, litter, and other biological hazards.

These positions will be working in various departments:
Building Department, Department of Public Works and the Police Department.

This is a grant-funded position. Continued employment is contingent upon the availability of ongoing funding, with the current grant scheduled to end in 2036. The position's funding will be reviewed annually from the date of hire.

SALARY: $49,140 - $58,240 annually, commensurate with experience

Full-time, 35 hours per week, benefited, non-union position

REPORTS TO:

Department Head/Based on location

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:
None

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Responsible for maintaining the cleanliness, appearance, and safety of assigned exterior areas within the city. This includes sidewalks, city-owned parking lots, building entrances, and surrounding public spaces.
• Serve as a liaison between the city, outreach teams, and individuals experiencing homelessness or substance use disorder.
• Sharps Disposal:
  Primary responsibility for the safe collection and disposal of discarded syringes, needles, and drug-related paraphernalia in parks, walkways and encampments.
• Biohazard Remediation:
  Cleaning and disinfecting public areas affected by public drug use to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases.
• Strategic Harm Reduction Partnership:
  Collaboration with BAMSI COPE Center and the Brockton Neighborhood Health Center to include expansion of ongoing coordination and partnership.
• Environmental Triage:
  Identifying and remediate environmental "concealment" factors (e.g. overgrown brush or poor lighting) that specifically enable unsafe drug use in public corridors.
• Other duties as assigned or required.

Requirements:

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED AT HIRE:
High School diploma or equivalent; a minimum of one (1) years of relevant work experience in outdoor cleaning, facilities maintenance, or similar work; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job. A valid driver's license is required.

Training will be provided in harm reduction fundamentals, substance use disorder, overdose response, naloxone administration and other areas identified as necessary.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Physical ability to perform manual labor outdoors, including bending, lifting, walking, and standing for extended periods in all weather conditions.
• Flexibility to adjust to changing priorities, work environments, and seasonal demands.
• Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and complete assigned routes or tasks without direct supervision.
• Basic knowledge of cleaning tools, equipment, and chemical safety, including proper usage, storage, and disposal.
• Strong attention to detail to ensure thorough cleaning and to identify safety hazards, maintenance issues, or areas needing additional attention.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for building relationships with community members, partner organizations, and people accessing services.
• Documentation of the number of syringes picked up and reporting issues to supervisors clearly and promptly.
• In addition to tracking syringe pickups, specialists are expected to document observations and community interactions in a report to supervisors.
• A commitment to harm reduction principles and compassionate engagement.
• Ability to support and create a welcoming culture of diversity, equity and inclusion amongst diverse audiences
• Brockton residency is preferred

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. The City of Brockton provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, genetic information, pregnancy or a pregnancy-related condition, or membership in any other protected class or any other basis covered by appropriate law.

The City of Brockton complies with all…