Harm Reduction Specialist

Job Title: Harm Reduction Specialist 
Office Location: Watertown 
Salary: $20.15 - $22.00/Hourly 

Classification: Full-time, Non-Exempt. Thirty-five (35) hrs. per week; occasional evenings and weekends are expected for workshops, conferences, and seminars. 

Position Summary: The Harm Reduction Specialist provides compassionate, person-centered support to individuals at risk for substance use-related harms. This role focuses on building trust, distributing harm reduction supplies (such as sterile syringes and naloxone), offering education on safer drug use and overdose prevention, and connecting participants to health and social services. The Harm Reduction Specialist engages in outreach, advocates client needs, and works collaboratively with community partners to reduce risks, promote well-being, and empower individuals to make positive changes on their own terms Apply at: recruitment@acrhealth.org 

Minimum Qualifications: 

1. Associates or Diploma/GED with 2+ years’ experience working in non-profit social service agency providing direct client related services to diverse populations (e.g., people who use drugs (PWUD), justice involved individuals, mental health diagnosis, etc.). This is a critical component to the agency and the work that is done in the community. 

2. Case management and healthcare experience 

3. Fluent in both Spanish and English preferred 

4. Computer skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office are a must; Electronic Health Records systems preferred. 

5. Sensitivity to AIDS, chronic illness, substance abuse issues and a strong commitment to the mission, vision, and values of ACR health are essential. 

6. Lived Experience of homelessness, substance use, as well as BIPOC and LGBTQI+ preferred. 

7. This role involves frequent travel for meetings and client visits, so reliable transportation is essential. A valid driver’s license is preferred, or candidates must be able to fulfill the travel requirements. 



Primary Responsibilities: 

1. Incorporate best practices regarding confidentiality into all job duties and communications in accordance with Article 27-F HIV Confidentiality, 42 CFR 

substance use confidentiality, and HIPAA privacy regulatory requirements. 

2. Ensure PWUD have access to telemedical services through ACR Health's medical clinic and partner services across upstate NY. The position will support the clinical team and harm reduction team, conduct individual client assessments, referrals and offer other case management services. 

3. Provide HIV & Hepatitis C screening, testing, linkage to mental health support, prevention services, and facilitate referrals for ongoing primary care, sub-specialty medical care, and substance treatment services for PWUD. 

4. Conduct collaborative outreach in the community, targeting high-risk sub-populations of individuals to promote and facilitate access to preventative health counseling and testing services, individual and group level education and risk reduction counseling, and other prevention interventions and supportive services. 

5. Provide short-term case management via Linkage, Navigation, and Referral Services. 

6. Provide individuals with treatment readiness assessments, links to insurance navigation, and appropriate referrals to treatment facilities. 

7. Maintain accurate client and service records in accordance with the program 's policies and procedures. 

8. Maintain accurate notes of client encounters in AIRS and other designated systems. 

9. Prepare all required reports and support data which relate to specific prevention department activities and as assigned by designated supervisory staff. 

10. Identify and develop networking relationships with community-based organizations. 

11. Assist with the general work of the department, including special projects and general agency programs/initiatives. 

12. Participate in appropriate and applicable training/professional development opportunities for a minimum of 24 hours of curriculum-based training annually. 

13. Participate as a culturally competent member of the department and agency, which includes having the capacity to function effectively as an individual within the context of cultural beliefs, behaviors, and needs presented by consumers and their communities. 

14. Maintain confidentiality of all agency clients as well as other appropriate organizational components. 

15. Work in a cooperative, collegial style with all other organizational personnel. Conduct oneself in a professional manner as an agency employee and representative. 

16. Perform other duties assigned by the Clinical Services Manager, Director of Harm Reduction Services, Chief Program Officer and/or Chief Executive Officer.