Community Health Specialist
5 days ago
Rochester
Job DescriptionJob Title: Community Health Specialist Department: Harm Reduction Services Position Type: Full-Time FLSA: Non-Exempt Job Summary 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. Key Responsibility Areas • Harm Reduction & Syringe Service Operations, • Outreach & Engagement Services, • Service Navigation & Care Coordination, • Administrative, • Community Networking, • MiscellaneousDetailed ResponsibilitiesHarm Reduction & Syringe Service Operations, • 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.Outreach & Engagement Services, • 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.Service Navigation & Care Coordination, • 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.Administrative, • 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.Community Networking, • Represent Trillium Health at community events., • Participate in relevant coalitions, committees, and networks.Miscellaneous, • 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.QualificationsMust meet one of the following:, • 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.Required, • Understanding of and commitment to harm reduction theory and practice.Desired, • Bilingual in Spanish and/or ASL. Physical Requirements While performing the duties of this job the employee is required to stand, sit, walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms, talk and hear. Occasionally the employee must stoop, bend and lift or move up to 25 lbs. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. In support of the Americans with Disabilities Act, this job description lists only those responsibilities and qualifications deemed essential to the position.