TITLE: Harm Reduction Specialist

DEPARTMENT: Programs

REPORTS TO: Program Manager

Employment Status: Full Time

Reg. Hours Worked: 40 / Week, non-exempt

Hourly Rate: 24.04/hr

JOB SUMMARY:

The Harm Reduction Specialist provides engagement and support services, particularly to program participants engaging in behaviors that may pose risks from drug and alcohol use, sexual practices, and self-injury, using a harm reduction approach. The emphasis is on meeting individuals “where they are at” and providing non-judgmental, non-coercive services, and resources to individuals. In addition, the Harm Reduction Specialist provides consultation, education, harm reduction supplies, training, and support to program staff in their work with participants.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS INCLUDE, but are not limited to the following:

• Conducts outreach activities to engage chronically homeless individuals toward pursuing permanent housing options.

• Receives, assesses and triages referrals from walk-ins and other collaborative partners.

• Conducts standardized screening and triages chronically homeless individuals.

• Support clients and staff in navigation and linkage to substance use disorder treatment programs. Assists individuals with collecting documents necessary for applying for permanent supportive housing.

• Provides harm reduction education to homeless individuals who are using drugs, alcohol and/or engaging in other risky behaviors.

• Distribute harm reduction supplies to homeless individuals

• Attends case conferencing meetings to coordinate services with other providers. Provides substance abuse counseling and linkage to related resources if indicated, using a harm reduction philosophy as basis for interventions

• Connects individuals to other supportive services as needed such as mental health, health, substance abuse, legal, employment, etc.

• Document services and complete data entry into HMIS database.

• Provide linkage to mainstream resources, such as DPSS or Social Security Disability.

• Provide transportation assistance.

• Conduct follow-up activities to ensure completion of the crisis housing plan.

• Identify appropriate interventions to address and resolve the homeless status of program participants.

• Assists individuals with accessing permanent housing opportunities including permanent supportive housing, move-in assistance, shared housing, affordable housing, etc.

• Other duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Primarily outdoors in weather and driving conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

• Stand and sit for long periods of time; move and walk to various locations; climb stairs, stoop, kneel, reach, pull, push, bend, twist, and occasionally lift and or move objects. Use hands to finger, handle or feel.

• See, hear, and speak clearly in order to give and receive information and instructions.

• Ability to interact with other employees, clients, customers, and members of the public.

• Ability to work effectively under time constraints, prioritize work, multi-task, and adapt to changing work demands.

• Gather, analyze, synthesize, and classify information. Transcribe, enter, and post data.

• Ability to respond effectively to sensitive inquiries or complaints.

• Requires use of a computer keyboard.

• Travel to off-site meetings.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of harm reduction, trauma informed care and housing first principals.

• Knowledge of emergency housing, transitional and permanent housing resources throughout Los Angeles County.

• Knowledge of housing issues in San Gabriel Valley preferred.

• Knowledge of HUD guidelines and experience working with subsidized housing programs such as Section 8, Shelter Plus Care and others.

• Current knowledge of social work practices and principles related to best practice standards.

• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

• Proficient in use of laptop computer and Microsoft Windows and Office software programs (Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint, G-Mail).

• Ability to accurately enter client data and notes in HMIS Homeless Management Information System.

• Proficient with office communication equipment and machines (telephone, copier, calculator, fax machine, personal computer, computer printer and scanner).

• Possess valid California driver's license and have access to properly registered vehicle.

• Bilingual Spanish preferred.

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

• 1 year of experience working with homeless individuals, preferably in an outreach/navigation capacity

• 1 year full-time experience counseling or substance abuse counseling, or case management service to individuals with mental or substance abuse disorders or co-occurring mental health issues.

UNION STATION HOMELESS SERVICES EMBRACES DIVERSITY

We embrace our differences and are committed to furthering our culture of inclusion and belonging. Our commitment to racial equity within the organization is crucial to who we are and the clients we serve. Committed to being an anti-racist organization and sharing the unique cultural experiences from our networks, we offer annual racial equity training, host ongoing learning experiences through our lunch n' learns, and participate in on-going mental health trainings.

We promote acceptance, respect, teamwork, and fosters diversity in the workplace. We believe every individual has a story, past, and a unique set of skills that shape who we are and through this network, we can learn from each other to become better versions of ourselves personally and professionally. Through our staff-led network focusing on diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging and accessibility, we work to communicate, educate, and express diverse cultivation through our eight Diversity Networks. We are honored that the Diversity Network has been recognized as part of the Community Impact Awards presented by the Los Angeles Business Journal.

**Union Station Homeless Services (USHS) requires all new hires to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 prior to your first day of employment at USHS, unless a documented medical or religious accommodation is approved as determined on an individual case by case basis by USHS’s Human Resources Executive.**

Union Station Homeless Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer