HEALTH EDUCATOR – Harm Reduction and Community Outreach
JOB SUMMARY
The Health Educator (Harm Reduction/Community Outreach) will implement program activities that meet contractual agreements set by Bienestar and its partners on behalf of participants.
Will support efforts to reduce the spread of infectious diseases (COVID-19, HIV, Viral Hepatitis) and help increase the rate of preventable drug overdose.
Will provide services at multiple locations, storefront, fixed mobile sites and backpack outreach.
Will educate drug users, adults, youth and/or specialized demographic groups by providing harm reduction information and developing skill-building strategies with individual and groups served by Bienestar.
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1.
Conduct outreach to underserved communities of drug users who experience homelessness and are impacted by social determinants of health.
2.
Follow the principles of Harm Reduction when providing one-on-one or group educational risk reduction, assessment, planning and support for managing drug use; assist in preventing the spread of COVID-19, HIV, viral Hepatitis, STI’s, drug overdose and response.
3.
Assist in developing and/or modifying contractual goals and objectives.
Develop educational program materials, including brochures with comprehensive lists of services, transmission and prevention information regarding safer drug use and safe sex practices.
4.
Prepare and distribute information kits that promote safe injection and safe sex; collect used syringes in accordance with public health regulations to decrease the harm associated with drug use (i.e., spread of infectious disease, injection related wounds, and overdose).
5.
Conduct training on overdose prevention and response.
Prepare overdose prevention and response kits.
Distribute Naloxone, and Fentanyl Test strips.
Collect data around peer-to
– peer distribution, incidences of overdose and overdose reversals.
6.
Provide referrals, linkage to care, and ongoing participant follow-ups to community organizations, medical care, MAT, drug use counseling, support groups and other services aiding in improving the quality of life.
7.
Create a safe space where participants can provide feedback on their experiences when accessing care.
Track this feedback and advocate on behalf of participants to ensure referrals comply with the principles of Harm Reduction.
8.
Collect individual data at each participant encounter consistent with all program activities.
Prepare weekly/monthly/quarterly program reports and keeps accurate up-to
– date, records and documentation to meet contractual obligations.
9.
Build alliances by conducting outreach with unhoused communities and other appropriate service providers to educate them on services provided by the Syringe Service Program and build access to care.
10.
Train other program personnel, or volunteers, in Principles of Harm Reduction and techniques for approaching the target groups and participants.
EXPERIENCE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS
❖ Knowledge of the principles of Harm Reduction, familiar with person-first language, and strong customer service skills.
❖ Lived experience and a strong desire to empower the homeless strongly preferred.
❖ Bachelor’s degree or comparable knowledge in Psychology, Sociology, Social Work,
Health Sciences or related fields.
❖ Strong interpersonal skills working with culturally and socially diverse, underserved community groups including people who use drugs, inject drugs, or are impacted by
COVID-19, HIV, HCV.
❖ Experience designing and presenting educational materials and a personal comfort level with public speaking.
❖ Bilingual in English/Spanish with strong verbal and written communication skills preferred.
❖ Ability and willingness to work in a team-oriented work environment with professionals and paraprofessionals from different disciplines, as well as volunteers and clients.
❖ Able to work weekend/evening work hours when needed, use personal vehicle for transportation to worksites, and able to lift 50lbs in equipment and supplies.
WORK HOURS: 40 Hours weekly (10:00am to 5:00pm
– Monday through Friday)
LOCATION: 5326 E.
Beverly Boulevard, East Los Angeles, CA 90022
COMPENSATION: $18.00 to $20.00 hour (or depending on experience)
ABOUT BIENESTAR HUMAN SERVIVCES
Bienestar is a community-based health care and social services organization with expertise in identifying and addressing emerging health issues faced by the Latino and LGBTQ populations.
Bienestar reaches these populations through innovative and compassionate peer-to-peer modeling that is 100% culturally relevant to the communities we serve.
We have a diverse staff that meets clients with both understanding and acceptance, building trust and fostering a unique sense of community for those who use our services.
Bienestar’s programs include full service medical care, HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention, sexual health, mental health services, substance use counseling and medication assisted treatment.
BIENESTAR HUMAN SERVICES IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.
MEMBERS OF THE LGBTQ COMMUNITY ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO
APPLY!
Job Types: Full-time, Contract
Pay: $18.00
– $20.00 per hour
Benefits:
Dental insurance
Health insurance
Schedule:
8 hour shift
Monday to Friday
Night shift
Weekend availability
License/Certification:
Driver’s License (Preferred)
Work Location: Multiple Locations