HARM REDUCTION SPECIALIST

The Department of Social Services (DSS) is comprised of the administrative units of the NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA) and the Department of Homeless Services (DHS). DHS’s mission statement is to prevent homelessness, when possible, address street homelessness, provide safe temporary shelter, and connect New Yorkers experiencing homelessness to suitable housing. The New York City Human Resources Administration (HRA) is dedicated to fighting poverty and income inequality by providing New Yorkers in need with essential benefits such as Cash, Food and Rental Assistance as well as Medicaid.

The NYC Department of Social Services (DSS) Health Services Office (HSO) works to improve the health of persons experiencing homelessness and of HRA clients by developing standards of care and protocols, using data to identify needs, develop and implement interventions, provide medical consultations, review hospital referrals, manage substance use and harm reduction services, discharge planning and complex case coordination, food and nutrition services, as well as health insurance access.

The Health Services Office (HSO) is recruiting for two (2) Community Coordinator, to function as Harm Reduction Specialists for the Bronx Hub project, who will:

- Provide outreach and engagement to clients at risk identified through the Bronx Hub project community partners, street outreach teams or in shelter and safe haven to support transitions indoors.

- Collaborate with shelters and safe havens to provide trauma informed onsite risk reduction counseling, safety planning, linkage to services care and treatment, and support with transition to housing for clients at risk.

- Collaborate with community partners, shelters and safe havens to provide people experiencing homelessness with information and referrals to risk reduction services, crisis management, and linkage to transitional and permanent housing.

- Provide training on shelter services available to people experiencing homelessness, substance use risk reduction, overdose prevention and response - including naloxone administration and distribution – to community groups and organizations the target area.

- Collaborate and coordinate services with the Bronx Hub task force community partners, OASAS, DOHMH, OMH and H+H staff and funded programs targeting the same population.

Hours/Shift:
Schedule needs to be flexible; some staff need to be able to work at least some days as early as 7am-7:30am while others would start later and end later.

COMMUNITY COORDINATOR - 56058

1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and two years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to the duties described above; or
2. High school graduation or equivalent and six years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to the duties as described above; or
3. Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1" or "2" above. However, all candidates must have at least one year of experience as described in "1" above.

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.