Harm Reduction Counselor

Job Details

Level

Experienced

Job Location

New York, NY

Position Type

Full Time

Education Level

MSW

Salary Range

$64800.00 - $67500.00 Salary / year

Description

Department

Mental Health Services

Reports To

Health Services Coordinator

Education Requirement

Masters Degree or Undergraduate degree and 3+ years of commensurate experience providing direct services to PWUD CASAC preferred.

Lived experience in community with PWUD and participation in mutual aid / community care work is highly valued.

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Salary

$64,800 - $67,500

Schedule

35 hours / week ; 4 weekdays and 1 weekend day, 1 remote day

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW

The Ali Forney Center (AFC) is dedicated to protecting LGBTQ+ youth from the harms of homelessness and empowering them with the tools needed to live independently. Founded in 2002, AFC provides comprehensive services, including housing, healthcare, and educational support to over 2,000 youth annually. AFC's mission is to create an affirming and supportive environment where LGBTQ+ youth can thrive.

POSITION OVERVIEW

This position is responsible for providing direct harm reduction counseling to young (16-25 years old) unhoused LGBTQ people who use drugs.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Clinical Engagement

• Provide short-term counseling and support to an assigned caseload of clients, focusing on substance use
• Provide crisis counseling and emergency referrals to clients seeking urgent support around their drug use
• Work collaboratively with clients to identify non-judgemental, culturally-competent risk reduction strategies based around their current risk factors and needs, including safer injection practices, overdose prevention, safer sex practices, HIV / HCV treatment and prevention, and other topics relevant to PWUD.
• Refer and escort clients to detox, inpatient, and outpatient substance use treatment programs as needed and coordinate with care teams to provide any necessary support.
• Collaborate with care teams to develop comprehensive treatment plans
• Conduct safety assessments as needed for drop-in center clients
• Develop and facilitate supportive group programming centered around harm reduction skills and drug use
• Harm Reduction Programming Support
• Provide support in further developing the agency's harm reduction programming
• Assist in the development of materials, ordering, and distribution of supplies needed to reduce harm (naloxone, fentanyl / xylazine testing strips, etc.)
• Create and provide training for staff around harm reduction, substance use, and best practices working with LGBTQ folks who use drugs.
• Continually and proactively educate self about new developments in the field of harm reduction and substance use, including attending trainings to further develop skills, knowledge, and understanding of available resources to support PWUD. Share knowledge with colleagues.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with NYC service providers, including but not limited to those addressing medical, mental health and housing needs.

Supporting Ali Forney Center Programs

Qualifications and Benefits

QUALIFICATIONS

Competencies

Harm Reduction Expertise

Clinical & Therapeutic Engagement

Cultural Humility & LGBTQ Competency

Program Development & Facilitation

Communication & Documentation

Crisis Management & Problem Solving

Qualifications & Skills

Technical Skills

FULL-TIME BENEFITS & PTO

Multilanguage speaking candidates are encouraged to apply (Spanish, French, etc.). Transgender and gender non-conforming people are encouraged to apply. People with lived experience of homelessness encouraged to apply. Black, Indigenous, and People of Color encouraged to apply.

The Ali Forney Center is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. We encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply.