Syracuse & Oswego Program Associate

Apply & Submit Resume: recruitment

Position Summary:

The SEP Syracuse & Oswego Program Associate delivers Syringe Exchange Program (SEP) harm reduction services

HIV/STD/hepatitis prevention, sterile equipment access, sharps disposal, outreach, and education across Onondaga and Oswego Counties. Requires strong communication, cultural competence, and collaboration with diverse high-risk populations.

Authority and Independence:
The SEP Program Associate works under general supervision of the Harm Reduction Services Manager/Director, exercising independent judgment within policies and confidentiality protocols. Prioritizes outreach, manages client interactions, and networks professionally across counties.

Education and Experience:

High School Diploma/GED, a minimum of one year experience in a social service or healthcare environment delivering direct services to individuals who use drugs and members of marginalized communities, including BIPOC and LGBTQI+ individuals, is highly desirable. Experience working with diverse populations such as people who use drugs (PWUD), individuals with justice involvement, those facing mental health challenges, or experiencing homelessness is highly preferred.

Harm reduction ethos, equity focus, HIPAA expertise, cultural humility, and sensitivity to HIV, chronic illness, LGBTQI+, TGNCNB, and BIPOC communities. Lived experience with homelessness, substance use, justice involvement, and/or overdose is preferred. Experience-based knowledge of drug use, issues affecting people who use drugs, and the unregulated drug supply is highly preferred.

Effective communication and documentation skills. Computer skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office. Experience delivering stigma-free, non-judgmental, and culturally competent services. Sensitivity to HIV/AIDS, chronic illness, LGBTQ issues and strong commitment to ACR Healths mission, vision, and values. Commitment to cultural humility and ability to work respectfully with diverse populations.

Valid New York State drivers license and reliable access to a vehicle with current insurance for work-related travel, training, outreach, and occasional client transport (personal vehicle ownership is not required but consistent access is necessary).

Must be willing to travel between Onondaga and Oswego Counties twice per week.

• Maintain strict confidentiality in compliance with Article 27-F, HIPAA, and ACR Health policies. Protect agency data per confidentiality procedures.
• Provide direct HIV/STD/hepatitis prevention interventions to target populations per assigned program work plans.
• Promote access to sterile injection equipment and safe sharps disposal.
• Recruit peer educators and clients for program services.
• Maintain accurate client and service records per Syringe Exchange department policies.
• Complete accurate monthly, quarterly, and/or annual reports within agency guidelines.
• Conduct mobile outreach to PWUD and networking in Oswego County and facilitate educational lectures/presentations.
• Participate in drug checking initiative via immunoassay testing strips, sample collection, or FTIR spectroscopy services.
• Identify and develop relationships with community-based organizations.
• Assist with Harm Reduction department work, special projects, and agency-wide initiatives.
• Participate in a minimum of 24 hours of curriculum-based training annually.
• Function as a culturally competent team member responsive to diverse community needs.
• Maintain agency/program property/equipment and cooperate with IT for security maintenance.
• Perform daily checks of agency vehicles for safety and fuel.
• Work cooperatively with all organizational personnel and represent ACR Health professionally.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Manager/Director of Harm Reduction Services, Chief Officers, and/or Chief Executive Officer.