Job description

HARM REDUCTION SPECIALIST
FULL-TIME / NON-EXEMPT
HOURLY PAY BAND: $29.29 - $31.38
REQUISITION ID – 48115

Working at Larkin Street, no matter what department, means making a real difference in the lives of young people experiencing homelessness. Our team is skilled, diverse, and passionate. Our culture encourages achievement and professional development, as well as teamwork and self-care. Our focus is always on the young people at the heart of our mission and to nurture potential, promote dignity and support bold steps by all.

For more information about us, visit www.larkinstreetyouth.org.

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POSITION SUMMARY: *
Reporting to the Manager of Harm Reduction, the primary role of the Harm Reduction Specialist is to use harm reduction strategies to increase safety and/or reduce clients’ substance use while also providing substance use prevention information and services, and behavioral risk assessments. The Harm Reduction Specialist supports the ongoing efforts of prevention and outreach to transitional-aged youth that are experiencing homelessness or marginally housed. The Harm Reduction Specialist is responsible for substance use screening, crisis intervention and de-escalation, one-on-one support, groups, and linkage and referrals. The Harm Reduction Specialist works from a strength-based model using trauma-informed interventions. This position emphasizes Harm Reduction and Restorative Practices in substance use work with youth and consultation with staff. Performs related work as required.

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ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: *

• Provide on-site substance use screening, prevention information and services, crisis intervention, and support services at sites with the greatest acuity of substance use needs across Larkin Street programs.
• Provide short-term substance use support for youth at various Larkin Street sites including individual and group modalities.
• Participate in street-based outreach services.
• Facilitate and coordinate Collaborative Case Conferences to assist in determining treatment plans for clients with substance use concerns.
• Support youth with linkage to community resources, as needed.
• Support in the creation and ongoing maintenance of harm reduction kits for programs.
• Ensure appropriate data collection and tracking adhering to internal agency policies and procedures.
• Ability to travel independently throughout the community to Larkin Street’s various program and partner agency sites.
• Assist with special projects and other assignments as requested by the Senior Leadership team and the Chief of Programs. Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.

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OTHER DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: *

• Strong Commitment to the agency and philosophy of Larkin Street Youth Services.
• Maintain an awareness of the agency’s mission and work to promote the positive individual and social change goals it embodies.
• Maintain a creative, teambuilding, cooperative approach to job performance and seek to bring a constructive, problem-solving orientation to all tasks using diversity, equity, inclusion, and a restorative practice lens.
• Maintain professional standards of performance, demeanor, and appearance at all times.
• Perform tasks and responsibilities in a complete and timely manner, complying with agency policies and standards and conforming to the scheduling requirements of this job description and program.
• Exercise discretion and professional judgment at all times keeping with the responsibilities carried personally and by the agency for the care and welfare of the youth we serve.
• Actively strive to upgrade professional skills through engaging in appropriate professional training and experience.
• Ability to work with a diverse staff and excel in a multicultural environment.
• Must demonstrate an acceptable level of maturity, good judgment, and emotional stability.
• Ability to comprehend complex materials.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Certified Addiction Treatment Counselor, Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, Certified Addiction Specialist, Certified Advanced Addiction & Drug Counselor, or closely related certification required.
• 2 years of experience in the field required.
• Experience utilizing harm reduction strategies and motivational interviewing required.
• Experience working with transitional-age youth, homeless and/or marginally housed individuals, and people with active mental illness/co-occurring behavioral health and/or substance abuse disorders.
• Experience utilizing harm reduction strategies and motivational interviewing.
• Experience with crisis intervention and de-escalation.
• Experience working collaboratively with other providers.
• Experience providing consultation and support to staff on a range of substance abuse issues.
• Experience training on various topics related to substance abuse.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and Outlook).

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PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS*

• Associate or bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Experience with crisis intervention and de-escalation.
• Bilingual Spanish speaking preferred.

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PHYSICAL *& LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to speak and write in English with excellent written and verbal skills, including public speaking.
• Must be able to communicate effectively with staff, clients, and other providers both orally and in writing.
• Finger manipulation

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PERKS & BENEFITS: *

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Medical, dental, vision, life and disability
• Paid time off (vacation and sick time)
• Paid holidays
• Paid Sabbatical after 5 and 10 years of service
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with employer matching

To apply for this position, please click here.

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This position is represented by SEIU 1021 under a collective bargaining agreement.*

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider employment-qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

All City and County of San Francisco employees are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. For details on how it is applicable to your employment, please click here.

Larkin Street Youth Services is an equal opportunity employer. Larkin Street Youth Service seeks qualified candidates with an interest in the non-profit sector. We are committed to embracing diversity and consider all applicants for all positions without regard to color, ethnic background, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, HIV/AIDS status, veteran status, or any other legally protected class. We encourage applicants of diverse backgrounds to apply for any open position in which they feel qualified.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $29.29 - $31.38 per hour

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