Harm Reduction Services Coordinator

POSITION TITLE: HARM REDUCTION SERVICES COORDINATOR

REPORTS TO:

Prevention Supervisor

SUPERVISES: N/A

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position provides assertive, community based interventions and case management services for high risk HIV- and HIV+ individuals who use drugs (PWUDs) in SW Ohio, N Kentucky, and SE Indiana. Provide outreach, HIV testing, education and intervention services directly to individuals at risk for contracting HIV. Link clients to resources, testing and education; facilitate access to medical care and medications, drug and/or alcohol treatment, syringe exchange programs, and holistic care resources;

provide advocacy and psychosocial interventions.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide outreach, HIV testing and education for high-risk HIV- and HIV+ individuals who abuse or are dependent upon drugs, including injection drug use.
• Provide outreach services onsite in medical, substance abuse and corrections facilities and at syringe service programs.
• Provide education regarding harm reduction, HIV/AIDS, safer sex practices, medication adherence, linkage to medical care and safer IV drug use practices.
• Provide case management intervention services, including testing and education; initial assessments of service needs; and comprehensive individualized service planning, monitoring and revision.
• Utilize bio-psychosocial models related to successful HIV/AIDS care and engagement of PWIDs, with continuous assessment of client, target community and/or family members needs and support systems.
• Provide linkage to HIV/AIDS and/or substance abuse medical care; assistance in obtaining and maintaining health insurance, benefits/entitlement programs, and other sources of support for positive physical health.
• Serve as an advocate for the target populations, including serving as a liaison between clients, providers and the larger community.
• Effectively utilize a broad and comprehensive knowledge of community resources serving those living with HIV/AIDS and addiction, such as syringe exchange programs, use of Narcan, medical and mental health/substance abuse treatment providers.
• Represent Caracole in the community and, develop partnerships and strategies with service providers in the tri-state area.
• Adhere to the harm reduction model as it relates to individual client care and public health. Adhere to Caracole standards of care.
• Participate in quality management activities; individual/group/team supervision meetings and educational/training events.
• Maintain timely and accurate client and statistical records as required by regulatory or funding agencies and Caracole; meet all required deadlines for documentation.
• Maintain a collaborative working relationship with Caracole team members.
• Identify and pursue educational opportunities to promote professional growth.
• Adhere to all rules, policies and regulations pertaining to privacy and confidentiality.
• Drive testing van to sites in community; provide client transportation when needed.
• Other duties assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelors degree in public health, social work, chemical dependency related field and/or 4 years commensurate experience. CDCA or CDC certification a plus. Certification for HIV Test Counselor required within 6 months of hire. Proven ability to work harmoniously with ethnically, culturally, and racially diverse groups of individuals. Has or can build relationships within the community of African American men and women who use drugs and are at risk for HIV.

Basic knowledge of HIV/AIDS, substance abuse service networks, entitlement programs, medical and social community services.

REQUIRED SKILLS:

• Must work well independently and be a strong member of a small team.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality in verbal, print, and electronic communications.
• Basic computer skills, including familiarity with Microsoft Office.
• Read, write, speak and understand English with good verbal and written communication skills.
• Sensitivity to persons living with chronic disease (HIV/AIDS and/or addiction) and co-existing social, mental and physical conditions.
• Strong mental and emotional heath self-care.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

This position includes time spent working in office, remote at home, and…