Project Reach Specialist

The mission of the Health Federation of Philadelphia is to promote community health by advancing access to high-quality, integrated, comprehensive health and human services.

We believe in and are firmly committed to equal employment opportunity for employees and applicants. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, religion, disability, sex or gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, military or veteran status. This commitment applies to all aspects of the Health Federation of Philadelphia’s employment practices, including recruiting, hiring, training, and promotion.

The Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH)’s Substance Use Prevention and Harm Reduction Division is hiring a Community Remediation Specialist to support the efforts to maintain clean, safe and healthy spaces while advancing harm reduction and public health goals. This position combines environmental cleanup with compassionate outreach to individuals who use drugs and/or are unhoused, promoting dignity, safety and wellness across communities in Philadelphia most impacted by substance use and environmental hazards.

• Conduct systematic collection of discarded injection equipment in streets, sidewalks, parks vacant lots, transit areas, and public facilities.
• Utilize approved PPE and always follow established biosafety protocols.
• Safely transport and dispose of collected materials in accordance with city and public health regulations.
• Identify and report environmental hazards requiring escalation.
• Maintain accurate field logs, supply tracking, and daily collection metrics.

• Interact respectfully with individuals who use drugs, residents, business owners, and community stakeholders.
• Provide basic harm reduction education when appropriate.
• Distribute approved safety materials and information as directed.
• Support linkage-to-care efforts by providing referrals to social services, medical, treatment.
• Comfortable in administering Naloxone and in the event of an overdose and providing training in the field to community members/organizations /businesses.

• Adhere strictly to needle-stick prevention protocols and exposure response procedures.
• Participate in regular safety trainings and team briefings.
• Maintain professional conduct consistent with HFP/PDPH standards
• Operate assigned vehicles safely and in compliance with HFP policy.

• HS Diploma or general education degree (GED); or combination of education and 1 + year related work experience.
• OR associate’s degree with two + years’ related work experience

• Ability to work outside in varied weather conditions.
• Ability to lift and transport collection equipment and materials.
• Valid driver’s license and clean MVR report.
• Comfortable working in high impact neighborhoods with situational awareness and professionalism.

• Knowledge of/and personal experience with substances and substance use, as well as harm reduction.
• Experience and/or knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of outreach, education, and community-based networking.
• Sensitivity to and experience working with ethnically, economically, culturally, and sexually diverse individuals, communities, agencies and organizations.
• Comfortable working with vulnerable populations.
• Comfortable working outdoors in inclement weather
• Enthusiasm for fieldwork, providing direct service to neighborhood residents.
• Comfort using the following equipment:
  Push Broom, Rake, Trash Cans, Power Washer, Cleaning/Disinfectant Supplies, Leaf Blower, Tongs, Sharp Containers, Latex Gloves, Work Gloves, Face Mask.
• Ability to analyze and think critically to…