Harm Reduction Specialist & Care Advocate in Pittsfield, Massachusetts at Berkshire Health Systems
Job Description
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Flexibility needed to help with community weekend events.
Flexibility needed to help in early evening hours to meet the needs of the department.JOB SUMMARY-
The Harm Reduction Specialist & Care Navigator will be responsible for working as part of a team to provide outreach and education to individuals who use drugs. Strategies include overdose prevention education and naloxone distribution, safer injection education, basic wound assessment and care, distribution of syringes and safer injection supplies within a harm reduction framework, and risk reduction education related to transmission of HIV, Hepatitis C and other STIs. The position also serves as a low-threshold, trauma-informed, non-stigmatizing bridge between Berkshire Harm Reduction, BHS hospitals and outpatient services, substance use disorder treatment, pain management, and community-based resources, supporting participants with healthcare navigation, care coordination, advocacy, referral follow-up, and barriers to care. The Harm Reduction Specialist & Care Navigator respects participant autonomy, self-determination, and readiness for change while promoting health, dignity, and equitable access to services
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JOB REQUIREMENTS
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Experience:
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Knowledge of Harm Reduction principles and practices.
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Experience with substance use disorder.
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At least 2 years of direct service experience in harm reduction, peer support, healthcare navigation, substance use disorder services or a related human service setting preferred.
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Education:
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High school diploma required. Must complete all mandatory training required by DPH and BMC.
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Associate’s degree in social work, Public Health or Human Services preferred.
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Licensure & Certifications:
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DRIVER - Valid Driver's license.
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BLS Certification (within the first three months of hiring).
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SKILLS & ABILITIES
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Other Requirements:
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Excellent customer service skills.
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Works independently as well as in a team setting, collaboratively in an interdisciplinary healthcare setting, follow a system protocol to achieve a common goal, and comfortable with change.
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High level of attention to detail, prioritization, organization, and multi-tasking.
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Effectively and respectfully communicates with participants and co-workers both orally and in written format.
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Maintains confidentiality with all aspects of information in accordance with practice, state and federal regulations.
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Deep understanding of harm reduction philosophy, MOUD modalities, and trauma-informed care.
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Familiarity with chronic pain management challenges, specifically stigma and health-system barriers experienced by individuals who use drugs.
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Proficiency in Microsoft-based computer skills.
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WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
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Title of position(s) supervised:
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None
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