Harm Reduction Outreach Worker

ABOUT RITTER CENTER:

For over 40 years, Ritter Center has been dedicated to preventing and resolving homelessness and improving the health, dignity, and well-being of people living in poverty in Marin.

When you join Ritter Center, you join a highly trained staff that combines national clinical best practices with a whole-person care approach to solving each person’s medical and mental health, housing, and food needs.

We are growing to meet the needs of our community. We are looking for staff who are ready for a career with a mission-driven organization, want to be valued, have diverse experience, and have compassion. If this sounds like you, we would love to have you join us!

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CURRENT OPENING:

Harm Reduction Outreach Worker

Full Time (40 hours weekly), Non-Exempt

Hourly Pay $30.00 + possible 6% Bilingual Differential once you pass Ritter Centers Bilingual Testing. 

All positions at Ritter Center require a background check and Livescan fingerprinting.

Please visit our jobs page on our website for a complete list of our employee benefits.

Ritter Center is currently recruiting a Harm Reduction Outreach Worker for our Harm Reduction Team. This full-time, non-exempt position reports to the Clinic Manager based in San Rafael, CA, and operates out of our main Campus.

Please find the full job description below.

Position Description:

Under the direct supervision of the Harm Reduction Manager, the Harm Reduction Outreach worker will be accountable for assisting and supporting with the provision of harm reduction services. The harm reduction outreach worker will deliver high-quality, harm-reduction-focused prevention and screening services to populations at risk for HIV, STDs, and Hepatitis C. The position also assists with the creation and distribution of harm reduction supplies and other relevant resources as well as providing information and appropriate supports to clients accessing the harm reduction program.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Distribute harm reduction supplies such as safer injection and inhalation materials,      naloxone kits, condoms, and lubricants
• Encourage safer use practices and proper disposal of drug use equipment
• Track, record, and manage inventory of harm reduction and program supplies
• Provide HIV, STI, and Hepatitis C prevention education, risk assessments, and screening support
• Support linkage to healthcare, substance use treatment, harm reduction services, overdose prevention, and community resources
• Build trusting relationships with unhoused and substance-using individuals in a  respectful, non-judgmental manner
• Maintain client confidentiality and uphold strong professional boundaries at all times
• Participate in meetings, trainings, and conferences to stay current on harm reduction practices, infectious disease prevention, and related topics
• Support Ritter Center’s mission by performing other related duties as assigned

Qualifications & Skills

• Strong alignment with a harm reduction approach to service delivery
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work from a sex-positive, trauma-informed, anti-discrimination, and anti-oppressive framework
• Ability to actively listen, accept feedback, and engage with sensitivity and respect
• Ability to work independently while also functioning effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Commitment to client confidentiality and ethical practice

Knowledge & Experience

• Working knowledge of addiction and harm reduction principles
• Knowledge of HIV, Hepatitis C, STIs, bloodborne pathogens, and infectious diseases
• Experience working in harm reduction, outreach, or another relevant community-based frontline program preferred
• Lived experience with drug use, homelessness, or street involvement is strongly valued
• Bilingual or multilingual skills are a plus

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent required

Employment Requirements

• Ability to meet OSHA and Ritter Center employment requirements, including a negative TB  test prior to start date
• COVID-19  vaccination required unless an approved exemption applies, in accordance with state public health orders

Employment Practices:

Ritter Center is an Equal Opportunity institution and does not discriminate against any person in employment or in admission, treatment, or participation in its programs and benefits on the basis of race, religion, color, gender, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran’s status, marital status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by applicable law.