Harm Reduction Technician (EMT)

Who We Are:
Since 1985, BHCHP’s mission has been to ensure unconditionally equitable and dignified access to the highest quality health care for all individuals and families experiencing homelessness in greater Boston. Over 10,000 homeless individuals are cared for by Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program each year. We are committed to ensuring that every one of these individuals has access to comprehensive health care, from preventative dental care to cancer treatment. Our clinicians, case managers, and behavioral health professionals work in more than 30 locations to serve some of our community’s most vulnerable—and most resilient—citizens.

From our earliest days as a program, we have always sought to do work that is transformational: recognizing our shared humanity; centering dignity, compassion, mutual respect and supporting the right of every individual to access the highest levels of health care and every staff member to reach their fullest potential. We continue to be committed to building bridges and breaking down barriers, including systemic racism which harms us all. We provide community-based health care services that are compassionate, dignified, and culturally appropriate, incorporating social determinants of health, with the goal of breaking down the physical and systemic barriers that our patients face.

Job Summary:
Hours: Part-time: 36 hours per week; 9:00am-9:30pm, weekend and holiday rotation
Union: Yes
Union Name: 1199SEIU
Patient Facing: Yes

Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program (BHCHP) is seeking a part-time Harm Reduction Technician to work at the Barbara McInnis House (BMH), our 103-bed medical respite facility in Boston. While working in respite, the EMT will be required to provide harm reduction-centered education and support, monitor sedation, and provide compassionate engagement with patients in collaboration with the Behavioral Health team. The role includes offering frequent, non-judgmental check-ins within the respite milieu, assisting with behavioral concerns in partnership with the nursing team, and ensuring that sedated patients are triaged and safely monitored using a supportive, person-centered, and trauma-informed approach.
Services provided will include clinical assessments, case management support, triage, medical monitoring and intervention, and ongoing harm reduction education tailored to each patient’s goals and readiness for change. The EMT will also assist with the respite methadone protocols and coordinate with outside MAT programs as needed.

Responsibilities:

• Provide direct clinical care to meet patient needs in accordance with established policies and procedures, as well as Department of Public Health regulations
• Deliver supportive, compassionate, and non-judgmental care to individuals with substance use disorders, fully aligned with harm reduction principles
• Collaborate closely with the medical and interdisciplinary staff to ensure patients receive

high-quality, comprehensive, and coordinated care

• Conduct accurate assessments of sedation levels and document all clinical interventions appropriately
• Provide risk-reduction counseling, overdose prevention education, and connection to treatment programs based on patient choice
• Update and maintain clear and accurate treatment records, flow sheets, and all other required documentation

Qualifications:

• Commonwealth of Massachusetts EMT Certification
• Minimum of 2 years EMT or paramedic experience strongly preferred
• Strong assessment skills
• Understanding of substance use disorder and behavioral health issues
• Interest and experience with underserved population is preferable
• Bilingual candidates encouraged to apply

Compensation and Benefits:

• The compensation is 31.11 per hour.
• 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.