Program Associate

The SEP Syracuse Program Associate delivers Syringe Exchange Program (SEP) harm reduction services—HIV/STD/hepatitis prevention, sterile equipment access, sharps disposal, outreach, and education across Onondaga County. Requires strong communication, cultural competence, and collaboration with diverse high-risk populations.

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.

• High School Diploma/GED
• A minimum of one year’s 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 Health’s mission, vision, and values.
• Commitment to cultural humility and ability to work respectfully with diverse populations.

• Valid New York State driver’s 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).
• May provide backup coverage for the Syracuse–Oswego SEP Associate during periods of absence, increased program demand, or other operational needs

• Maintain strict confidentiality per Article 27-F, 42 CFR, HIPAA, and ACR Health policies.
• Abide by agency Policies, Procedures, Mission, Vision, and Values per employee handbook.
• Communicate clearly with supervisors, coworkers, clients, and community partners.
• Deliver HIV/STD/hepatitis prevention interventions per program work plans.
• Promote sterile injection equipment access and safe sharps disposal.
• Recruit peer educators and clients for program services.
• Maintain accurate client/service records per SEP policies.
• Complete monthly, quarterly, and annual reports per guidelines.
• Conduct outreach, special arrangements, networking, and educational presentations in Onondaga, Oswego, and Cayuga Counties.
• Participate in drug checking initiative via immunoassay testing strips, sample collection, or FTIR spectroscopy services.
• Develop relationships with community organizations.
• Assist Harm Reduction & Prevention department with projects and agency initiatives.
• Complete minimum 24 hours of curriculum-based training annually.
• Function as culturally competent team member responsive to diverse community needs.
• Maintain agency/program property/equipment and cooperate with IT for security maintenance.
• Perform…