Department: Harm Reduction Services
Position Type: Full-Time
FLSA: Non-Exempt

As a member of the Harm Reduction Services team, the Community Health Specialist provides comprehensive risk reduction and syringe access services across the Greater Rochester and Finger Lakes region. This role supports people who use drugs by offering harm reduction education, opioid overdose prevention training, HIV/HCV/STI education and point-of-care testing, and linkage/navigation to healthcare and community-based services. The Specialist builds relationships, locates resources, solves problems, and promotes client independence, health, and wellbeing.

• Harm Reduction & Syringe Service Operations
• Outreach & Engagement Services
• Service Navigation & Care Coordination
• Administrative
• Community Networking
• Miscellaneous

• Maintain clear professional boundaries and engage in respectful, client-centered communication.
• Participate in daily operations of the fixed-site Syringe Services Program.
• Ensure drop-in services occur in a safe, nonjudgmental space.
• Perform evidence-based assessments and use harm‑reduction practices.
• Conduct new participant enrollment conversations.
• Educate individuals on harm reduction techniques, supplies, and available services.
• Provide harm/risk reduction counseling and 1:1 syringe service encounters.
• Provide special arrangement services and scheduled supply deliveries.
• Ensure proper disposal of used syringes per Trillium Health policies.
• Upon required training, provide backup/outreach HIV/HCV/STI screening and testing.
• Assist clients in developing practical, client-centered risk reduction strategies.
• Connect clients to PEP and initiate linkage to Rapid Start ART when applicable.
• Prepare, stock, and inventory supplies.
• Accurately document and enter service data in a timely manner.

• After required training, conduct outreach across the Greater Rochester and Finger Lakes region to identify individuals at highest risk.
• Operate assigned vehicles, including mobile outreach units.
• Communicate professionally with residents, law enforcement, and community stakeholders.
• Integrate harm reduction, overdose prevention, and HIV/HCV/STI/PrEP/PEP education into outreach activities.
• Distribute educational materials during events and 1:1 interactions.
• Serve as an ambassador for Trillium Health and The MOCHA Center.

• Screen and assess clients for social determinants of health and other barriers.
• Develop client-centered plans of care in collaboration with clients.
• Facilitate linkage to primary care, specialty care, HIV/HCV/MOUD treatment, and mental health services.
• Use HMIS to support housing access.
• Assist participants in navigating DSS systems to access entitlements and benefits.
• Maintain Marketplace Navigator status to verify or secure insurance coverage.
• Maintain proactive follow-up with clients and service providers.
• Update plans of care in the EMR and AIRS as required.

• Attend required team, department, division, and organizational meetings.
• Participate in supervision and training/continuing education.
• Compile and report program data in electronic systems.
• Maintain and protect confidential information.
• Navigate Microsoft Office and electronic communication/documentation platforms.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams internally and externally.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives.
• Demonstrate positive communication and teamwork.

• Represent Trillium Health at community events.
• Participate in relevant coalitions, committees, and networks.

• Maintain a compassionate, positive, and respectful attitude toward people who use drugs.
• Support inclusiveness and diversity across all identities and backgrounds.
• Demonstrate commitment to One Trillium values and behaviors.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Meet performance standards and participate in audits, compliance activities, and quality improvement.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

• High School Diploma or equivalent and 4 years of related experience in Harm Reduction, Health Education, Human Services, or a related field.
• Associate’s degree in Health Education, Health and Human Services, or a related field and 2 years of related experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in Health Education, Health and Human Services, or a related field and experience working with underserved populations, including people who use drugs.

• Understanding of and commitment to harm reduction theory and practice.

• Bilingual in Spanish and/or ASL.