Harm Reduction Outreach Specialist/Data Coordinator

Who we are:
Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program’s (BHCHP) mission is to ensure unconditionally equitable and dignified access to the highest quality health care for all individuals and families experiencing homelessness in our community. Currently, about 60% of those who receive services at BHCHP have a diagnosed substance use disorder (SUD), and drug overdose is the leading cause of death among our patients. We are constantly examining and strengthening our care model to better meet the needs of people struggling with active drug use. We are working toward a practice without stigma, and we recognize the need to expand access to all types of addiction treatment, on demand. We also recognize a parallel need to reduce the harms associated with drug use for people who do not seek treatment or cannot access treatment currently. We do not require people to stop using before we can start helping.

Community Care in Reach (CCiR) is an innovative mobile health program that brings together partners in primary care, addiction medicine, and harm reduction to engage individuals who are not well-connected to health care, experiencing homelessness and/or living with addiction. Experienced staff from BHCHP and the Boston Public Health Commission’s Access, Harm Reduction, Overdose Prevention and Education (AHOPE) program collaborate to provide a range of services on the van and connect patients to primary care and addiction treatment.

Job summary:
Hours: Full-time, Monday – Friday 8:30am – 5:00pm.
Union: Yes
Union Name: 1199 SEIU
Patient Facing : Yes

We are looking to hire a Harm Reduction Care Specialist/Data Coordinator to work alongside CCiR clinicians and AHOPE staff to provide medical case management and harm reduction services. You will be a key contact with patients in an outreach setting. Engagement is achieved by making personal connections, acceptance without judgement, and the offering of services as needed and as appropriate. In this role, you may also provide coverage in BHCHP’s Supportive Place for Observation and Treatment (SPOT) or other BHCHP harm reduction programs, including the Finland Clinic.

Responsibilities:
Essential Duties (Data Coordination):

• Average of 4 hours a week doing data coordination
• Document syringe exchange activities and Narcan distribution on a spreadsheet at the end of each shift
• Collect and submit data to the Massachusetts DPH on individuals seen on the van for clinical services weekly
• Collect and submit data to the Boston Public Health Commission on individuals seen on the van for clinical services weekly
• Collect and submit data for Opioid Use Disorder Cascade of care every 6 months
• Collect and submit data to Brandeis University on summaries of services provided on the van monthly

Essential Duties (Outreach Harm Reduction Specialist):

• Driving the CCiR van to/from mobile outreach sites, for at least 4 sessions per week
• Provide education on harm reduction, overdose prevention, and safer use techniques
• Distribute Narcan rescue kits
• Manage supplies and restock the van prior to each shift
• Support patients in navigating MassHealth, Social Security, and Department of Transitional Assistance-related issues
• Connect longitudinally with patients to evaluate progress, update care coordination plan, and provide support
• Review health care maintenance and immunization coverage, as well as substance use disorder outcomes for patients and conduct outreach to ensure improved quality of care
• Document case management activities in the BHCHP electronic health record (Epic) (MMIS)
• Develop multilingual outreach materials for CCiR to promote and educate BHCHP patients about disease prevention and treatment
• Maintain all clients' privacy and confidentiality, adhering to HIPAA regulations and those policies as implemented by BHCHP
• Manage inventory including DPH compliance
• Obtain phlebotomy competency and provide phlebotomy services as necessary to patients on the van

Qualifications:

• Current and valid Massachusetts driver’s license, with no prior motor vehicle violations
• At least two years of experience providing harm reduction services or medical case management with an emphasis on patients not needing to be abstinent to receive care and an openness to recovery being defined by the patient.
• Experience in data management and competence in Excel
• Experience working with people experiencing homelessness, incarceration and/or sexual violence as well as conducting street level outreach with at-risk populations is a plus.
• Phlebotomy skills must be demonstrated within 60 days after onsite training. Additional compensation of 3% will be added to hourly base once proficiency has been demonstrated.
• An understanding of multicultural issues, substance use, mental health and the complex health problems of people experiencing homelessness
• Commitment to equitable and culturally appropriate care for a wide range of diverse populations, including communities of color, LGBTQIA communities, non-English speaking populations, people with substance use disorders and behavioral health challenges and people experiencing homelessness
• Candidates with lived experience are highly encouraged to apply.
• Bilingual proficiency in Spanish and English is preferred

Compensation and Benefits:

• The compensation increases based on years of experience and ranges from $22.25 - $35.60 hourly.

• BHCHP full time employees are eligible for our competitive time off program, health, dental and vision insurance, 403B retirement savings plan, pre-tax MBTA pass program with 40% discount, additional compensation for demonstrated bilingual proficiency and more. Benefits are prorated for part-time employees.

Does this amazing opportunity interest you? Then we'd love to hear from you.

As an equal opportunity employer, Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified individuals and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy, parental status, genetic information or characteristics, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

Covid-19 Vaccination: Proof of Covid-19 vaccination(s) is optional for employment. Candidates who are offered employment will be given details about how to demonstrate receipt of vaccination if they choose to.

Please Note: Employment at Boston Health Care for the Homeless is at-will. Boston Health Care for the Homeless does not sponsor work authorization visas.