NLCC Harm Reduciton Center Specialist at Alliance for Living Inc – New London, Connecticut

POSITION: New London County CARES (NLCC) Harm Reduction Center Specialist

PURPOSE: The primary responsibility of this position is to staff the NLCC Harm Reduction center and provide peer support, Harm Reduction education and linkage to services within the HRC and in the community for people who use drugs and/or at risk for overdose.

CLASSIFICATION: Non-exempt, at-will position. Full-time, benefits eligible.

POSITION REPORTS TO: Director of Harm Reduction

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES: (Examples – not an all-inclusive listing)

· Operate and actively participate within the Harm Reduction model.

· Engage in conversations with people about their drug use and their individual needs.

· Conduct low barrier intakes.

· Available to explore different treatment options with participants, with a focus on expanding awareness of and connection to medication-based treatment programs.

· Facilitate timely referrals and linkages to community providers, connecting participants to the larger community of care.

· Educate and assist community members regarding substance use disorder as well as emerging drugs in the community.

· Provide overdose response education including the use of Naloxone.

· Work in collaboration with clinical staff to ensure access to care and treatment.

· Participate in ongoing training and education

· Assist in the Syringe Services Program (SSP), as needed.

· Other duties as required or requested.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

· Lived experience with drug use/substance use disorder.

· Knowledge, acceptance, and adherence to Harm Reduction and application of Harm Reduction principles and strategies.

· Familiarity and experience with local support services and resources.

· Ability to develop trust, rapport, and respect with participants, project staff, and community partners.

· Cross-cultural skills and experience with diverse populations.

· Strong communication and time management skills.

· Demonstrated skill in active listening and conflict management, including de-escalation.

· Proven ability to maintain appropriate boundaries.

· Ability to honor confidentiality requirements during both employment and post-employment periods.

· Skillful in multi-tasking, working in a high-volume environment, and eager to cross-train for other assignments/programs.

· Basic computer skills

· Bi-lingual ability preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

· Frequent movement throughout the building to interact with participants and staff as well as monitor HRC spaces.

· Frequent lifting, carrying, and moving inventory weighing up to 20 pounds between floors.

· Occasional bending, stooping, kneeling and/or crouching for maintenance of the HRC spaces.

· Occasional outdoor exposure to conduct outreach and participate in community events.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Those with lived experience with substance use disorder and knowledge of current drug supply, as well as individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds, life experiences, and identities are encouraged to apply. Being able to connect with the community on these levels has shown to be effective in managing both diverse programs and client base.

Revised 1/21/2026