Harm Reduction Outreach Worker

Current employees: Please apply through the employee portal to be considered for this opportunity. Pay Range: $26.85 - $32.85 Hourly Department: Health Department Job Type: Regular Represented Exemption Status: United States of America (Non-Exempt) Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified): October 02, 2024 The Opportunity: THIS WORK MATTERS! We seek leaders, achievers and doers who bring skill and passion to a challenging and evolving environment. At the Multnomah County Health Department we are all inspired by the mission: We work with communities to advance health equity, protect the most vulnerable, and prompt health and wellness for everyone and we uphold the values: Compassion and Care, Empowerment, Racial Equity, Creativity and Integrity. We create a culture of respect, trust and understanding for the highly diverse population we serve in our communities. Multnomah County's Harm Reduction program is a vital initiative aimed at mitigating the negative consequences of drug use. We employ a compassionate, non-judgmental approach, prioritizing the health and well-being of individuals struggling with substance use. Our program focuses on providing: syringe exchange and disposal services, overdose prevention and response, harm reduction education and counseling, and outreach and community engagement. Multnomah County Health Department is seeking a compassionate and dedicated Harm Reduction Outreach Worker to join our team in addressing the needs of individuals impacted by substance use. The ideal candidate will have a strong commitment to harm reduction principles and experience working with marginalized populations. As the Harm Reduction Outreach Worker, you will: Outreach and Engagement: Build relationships and trust with individuals who use drugs, particularly those experiencing homelessness or other vulnerabilities. Provide non-judgmental support, information, and resources related to harm reduction strategies, including safer drug use practices, overdose prevention, and access to treatment and social services. Conduct outreach in various settings, including streets, encampments, shelters, and community centers. Housing Navigation and Case Management: Connect clients to appropriate housing services, and provide ongoing support and advocacy. Assist clients in navigating the housing process, including completing applications, gathering documentation, and advocating for access to housing resources. Work collaboratively with housing service providers, community organizations, and government agencies to ensure clients receive comprehensive care and support. Harm Reduction Services: Distribute harm reduction supplies, such as sterile syringes, naloxone, and basic living supply packs. Provide education and training on overdose prevention and response, including naloxone administration. Assist individuals in accessing health care, substance use treatment, and other social services. Data Collection and Reporting: Maintain accurate and complete records of outreach activities and client interactions. Collect data on program outcomes and contribute to program evaluation efforts. Prepare reports and presentations as needed. Multnomah County offers an exceptional benefits package, including employer-funded retirement savings; health and dental insurance at very low cost to full-time employees and their dependents; paid parental leave; wellness programs; a focus on work-life balance; and much more. Find more details on our benefits website. TO QUALIFY: We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific about how your background is relevant. For details about how we typically screen applications, review our overview of the selection process page. Required Minimum Qualifications: Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade Three (3) years of experience in community outreach services providing health information, advocacy, social support and assistance in using the health care system to groups and families BLS / CPR certification is required and will be provided by the County within 90 days of hire Phlebotomy, specimen collection, rapid testing (Certification may be required and will be provided by the County.) Driver's license and must be comfortable driving a large van. Preferred Qualifications/ Transferable Skills*: You do not need to have the following preferred qualifications/ transferable skills to qualify. However, keep in mind we may consider some or all of the following when identifying the most qualified candidates. Please clearly explain on your application how you meet any of the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills. Person-oriented and passionate about empowering people who use drugs to improve their health and wellness. Experience providing housing services, such as navigation and case management Experience providing syringe services, naloxone distribution or overdose prevention training. Experience providing HIV, STI, Hepatitis C testing Understanding of services and resources available in the Portland-metro region, including substance use treatment, housing, understanding of the criminal justice system, child welfare, etc. Experience with community engagement, community organizing, or providing education and training to community stakeholders Transferable skills: Your transferable skills are any skills you have gained through education, work experience (including the military) or life experience that are relevant for this position. Be sure to describe any transferable skills on your application and clearly explain how they apply to this position. SCREENING & EVALUATION: The Application Packet: You must submit ALL requested items below. Failure to do so will be deemed as an incomplete application. 1. Submit an online application; 2. Attach a Resume demonstrating you meeting minimum qualifications; AND 3. Attach a Cover Letter that expands on your resume, addressing how you qualify for the position, and why you are interested in the role. Note: The application, resume and cover letter should demonstrate your work experience/skills and how it is related to those shown in the ‘Overview’ and ‘To Qualify’ sections of the job announcement. Please be thorough, as these materials will be scored and determine your eligibility to advance in this recruitment process. The Selection Process: For details about how we typically screen applications, review our overview of the selection process page. We expect to evaluate candidates for this recruitment as follows: Initial review of minimum qualifications An evaluation of application materials to identify the most qualified candidates Consideration of top candidates/interviews Background, reference, and education checks Note: Application information may be used throughout the entire selection process. This process is subject to change without notice. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Type of Position: This represented position is eligible for overtime Type: Represented FLSA: Non-exempt Note: The eligible list created from this recruitment may be used to fill regular, full or part time, temporary, and limited duration assignments for other available Community Health Specialist 2 (Harm Reduction Outreach Worker) positions. Salary/Pay: Please be advised that the pay range listed for this position is intended to provide general guidance on the earning potential for the role. However, actual compensation will be determined in accordance with the Oregon Equal Pay Law and will take into account factors such as the candidate's relevant experience and education. Candidates should expect that initial offers will be made within the listed pay range and may not be at or near the top of the range. Our Commitment to Safety, Trust and Belonging: Multnomah County is committed to developing, nurturing and continually improving workforce equity by identifying and addressing the structural and policy barriers to equal employment opportunity faced by our employees and communities. County employees across the organization have stepped forward to develop a strategic plan and help create a workplace where everyone can reach their full potential. Learn more by reading our Workforce Equity Strategic Plan and exploring our Core Competencies for all County employees Serving the Public, Even During Disasters: Everyday, Multnomah County staff work together to serve as a safety net for our communities. During a disaster, this safety net becomes even more critical. All County employees have a role in serving the public during inclement weather, natural disaster, or other types of community emergency response. During these emergency responses, while typically there begins with a call for volunteers, county employees may ultimately be reassigned from their current position to a role in the emergency response in order to support the critical needs presented by our communities. For more information, please visit the Disaster Service Worker Information page. Diversity and Inclusion: At Multnomah County, we don't just accept difference; we value it and support it to create a culture of dignity and respect for our employees. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran or protected veteran status, genetic information and other legally protected characteristics. The EEO Know Your Rights poster is available for your reference. Multnomah County is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. We request priority protected veteran referrals. Veterans’ Preference: Under Oregon Law, qualifying veterans may apply for veterans’ preference. Review our veterans’ preference page for details about eligibility and how to apply. Accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act: We gladly provide reasonable accommodation to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing an application or participating in this recruitment process. Please contact the recruiter below in advance to request assistance. Individuals with hearing or speech impairments may contact the recruiter through the Telecommunications Relay Service by dialing 711. Questions? Recruiter: Rebecca Richko Email: rebecca.richko@multco.us Phone: Application information may be used throughout the entire selection process. This process is subject to change without notice. Disclaimer: This announcement is intended as a general descriptive recruitment guide and is subject to change. It does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract. Job Profile: 6047 - Community Health Specialist 2