Harm Reduction Specialist

Job Description Summary:

 The Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) Harm Reduction Specialist is responsible for administering non-clinical testing and resources to support participants in decreasing the risks associated with contracting HIV, Hepatitis C, and other STIs. Additional responsibilities include collecting data around, and promoting, broad range of low-barrier, trauma informed harm reduction services that support people who use drugs. This includes applying harm reduction theory in the delivery of syringe services, education, street outreach, and other resources/services to mitigate harms associated with drug use.    

This position provides you the opportunity to work for a county that thrives on working collaboratively and overcoming challenges in a solution-focused manner. Jefferson County Public Health Department provides employment opportunities in compliance with all pertinent federal, state, and local laws. We value and respect employee participation in the delivery of quality services to and on behalf of our community.  We strive to embody a culture of humility and are constantly striving to be more inclusive in who we are, and how we operate. Read more at JCPH About Page!     

The Ideal Candidate:  

The Harm Reduction Specialist possesses a strong commitment to public health, sexual health and Harm Reduction principles. They should have experience working or volunteering with diverse communities, excellent communication skills, and an understanding of the structural, interpersonal and community issues surrounding drug use and sexual health. As a harm reduction program, we leverage the experience of people who use drugs in all facets of our programming including planning, implementation and evaluation. To that end, while lived or living experience with drug use is not a requirement, this experience is considered a significant plus.  

The ideal candidate will have a background in sexual health, harm reduction, social work, peer support, community engagement, advocacy, public health, or a related field, develop skills to facilitate a non-judgmental approach when working with people who use drugs and maintain a commitment to evolving cultural competency. Proficiency in program/project coordination, outreach, and the ability to collaborate with stakeholders is preferred. The candidate will be guided and mentored by a passionate team providing support and training in facilitating education, initiative management, resource navigation and non-clinical counseling to ensure their success in the role.   

To learn more about Points West and what our program does, click the link below:    

https://www.pointswestjeffco.com/  

 Schedule: 

This position typically operates on a Monday- Friday, 40hrs/week schedule.   Requires regular on-site/in-office work in support of our clients; however, work from home one day per week is possible once training has been completed. This position also requires 1 day per week conducting street outreach activities in a variety of weather conditions year-round.  

Compensation:

Anticipated Hire Range: $21.00 – $24.00 USD Hourly 

Compensation will be determined based on education, experience, and skills. 

Benefits: Jefferson County offers a generous benefits package that supports your personal and professional life. Benefits include medical, dental and vision insurance, paid time off and holidays, retirement matching, wellness programs, tuition reimbursement, options and more. For more information, click here for our Total Rewards summary.   

Essential Duties:

•  Provide direct service delivery using a person-centered and harm reduction approach to participants accessing syringe services. Assess participants to help meet immediate basic needs to make appropriate referrals to health and support services. This includes the exchange of used syringes and drug injection equipment for safe drug use and safer sex supplies.   

• Perform HIV/HCV/STI counseling services using motivational interviewing to educate individuals on methods to prevent and reduce the risk of contracting HIV, hepatitis C, and other STIs.  Refers participants for additional testing services and resources as indicated.   

• Administer appropriate testing for HIV/HCV/STIs at the fixed site and outreach locations.   

• Provide medically accurate counseling for positive and negative HIV/HCV/STI test results that include referral to linkage to care or appropriate prevention services.  

• Provide education in methods and practices to reduce the harms associated with drug use.   

• Educate participants and community members on overdose prevention strategies and distributes naloxone and other OD prevention supplies.   

• Serve within a street outreach team to expand program services and resources to meet individuals experiencing homelessness where they are at.   

• Provide information and referrals to community resources and support services, such as medical services, medicated assisted treatment options, mental health services, food bank, and housing resources.    

• Provide general programmatic support, such as prepping and packaging of supplies and assistance with inventory and stocking.   

• Participates in harm reduction team meetings.  Provides input in programming development, evaluation, and quality improvement.   

• Participates in agency level, state, local, or community-based workgroups, committees, and meetings.   

• Other duties as assigned.  

Qualifications:  

Research shows that women and other underrepresented and historically marginalized groups tend to apply only when they check every box in the posting. If you are reading this and hesitating to click “apply” for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! A true passion and excitement for making an impact is just as important as work experience.  

Minimum Qualifications:  

• High School diploma or GED and 

• 2 years work and/or volunteer-related experience 

• Or any combination of education and experience  

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:  

•  Associate degree or bachelor's degree in arts, Science or Applied Science  

• Work Experience in sexually transmitted infections (STI) prevention, testing, and/or sexual health; harm reduction related to drug use; counseling; street outreach; health education and/or resource navigation   

• Experience with data collection and analysis    

• Lived or living experience with drug use  

• Experience with or interest in providing Peer Support Services  

• Spanish speaking highly preferred   

• Strong leadership and mentorship skills     

• Independent critical thinking and analysis     

• Demonstrating initiative, innovation, and resiliency     

• Ability to articulate clearly and effectively to a diverse range of program participants  

• Experience with Microsoft Office/Microsoft 365    

• Ability to work well with diverse and different personalities  

• Ability to remain calm and when necessary, deescalate conflict when working with people in crisis  

• Ability to accurately compile, format, and file electronic data.   

Additional Information:  

• Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CHPHE) Standards of HIV Prevention Services required HIV testing and counseling trainings within six months of date of hire.  

• Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CHPHE) Standards of HIV Prevention Services required syringe access trainings within six months of date of hire.  

• Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CHPHE) Standards of HIV Prevention Services required outreach trainings within one year of date of hire.  

• Offer of employment contingent upon successful completion of criminal history, motor vehicle report, education verification, and/or references.    

• Please note that supplemental questions requiring a written response will serve as a writing sample.    

 How to Apply:    

Applications will be accepted electronically at Jefferson County Colorado Career Opportunities.   

Applicants complete an online form and have the option to provide a resume and detailed cover letter that describes why you are the best candidate for the position. Applications are reviewed for minimum qualifications listed in the qualifications section of the job bulletin, and applicants are contacted directly by the hiring team regarding next steps. To view the status of your application or direct communication from the hiring team, please log into your candidate portal.    

For more details on the recruitment process, please visit https://www.jeffco.us/1860/FAQs   

Questions:   

• County Recruitment Team: 303-271-8400 or careertalent@jeffco.us  

• Library Recruitment Team: 303.275.6168 or talent@jeffcolibrary.org  

• Sheriff Recruitment Team: 303.271.5332 or sheriff.recruiting@co.jefferson.co.us