Harm Reduction Specialist

For consideration for this position, please submit a resume and cover letter detailing your interest in WNCAP and this position. Western North Carolina AIDS Project’s (WNCAP’s) mission is to provide equitable access to care and reduce harm from HIV, Hepatitis C, and drug use. WNCAP provides case management, prevention education, STD testing, and harm reduction services to people living across 18 counties of western North Carolina. WNCAP employs approximately 40 people and has 2 locations. As a member of WNCAP’s Harm Reduction (HRed) team, the Harm Reduction Specialist (HRS) will primarily provide services to people who use drugs. As such, the HRS should understand and practice the principles of Harm Reduction. The HRS will prioritize program participant autonomy without judgment and will only engage in the discussion of SUD treatment options if requested by the participant. This is a full-time nonexempt position operating out of WNCAP’s Asheville, NC office. Regular work hours are 9am-5pm Monday-Friday with 1 hour paid lunch, but candidate should have the ability and willingness to work nights and weekends, infrequently and with advance notice, as needed. Duties Job duties include, but are not limited to: Create a welcoming, judgment-free, and friendly environment for clients. Provide non-coercive and confidential services based on Harm Reduction philosophies, creating positive rapport while maintaining healthy boundaries. Complete intakes with Harm Reduction (HRed) clients and orient them to all services available at WNCAP. Operate mobile and fixed-site syringe services program, dispensing HRed supplies to clients, including but not limited to: sterile syringes, cookers, tourniquets, naloxone/overdose reversal kits, etc. Use accessible realistic language to convey complex pertinent information. Educate HRed participants on laws relating to HRed in NC. Provide information and education regarding safer drug use, HIV, Hepatitis, local resources, and other subjects to clients. Offer HIV, HCV, & syphilis tests to participants, and provide testing, post-test counseling, and referrals, as appropriate. Follow mandated safety precautions and procedures at all times. Refer/enroll HRed participants to/in WNCAP’s Community Navigation program. Track dispensed supplies by maintaining database & sign out sheets, and assist in preparation of reports to NCDHHS. Perform data entry using Excel and any other relevant software, and complete paperwork timely and accurately. Receive/document inventory shipments. Safely dispose of collected syringes, track syringe return rate, and develop strategies to improve return rate. Develop relationships with community partners. Light office cleaning may be required at times, including organizing supplies, dusting furniture, wiping surfaces, straightening up, etc. Travel as needed for training, meetings, and workshops. Communicate effectively with teammates and clients. Work well independently and in a team setting. Perform other tasks as needed. Requirements: Qualified candidates must have a demonstrated understanding of the principles of Harm Reduction, and at least one of the following: North Carolina Peer Support Specialist Certification and/or eligibility for certification; or 1 year of experience in Harm Reduction work; or 1 year of experience in customer service or administrative work; or 1 year of higher education in a related field; or Equivalent combination of education and experience. Additional Qualifications: Willingness to be trained on HIV, Hepatitis C, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis counseling, testing and referral procedures, including phlebotomy training and collecting other specimens as needed Proficiency with computers, including Microsoft Office (Excel and Word experience required), Google Drive, Gmail, creating digital slide presentations, and data entry/tracking Punctuality and reliability Ability to read, write, and speak English fluently, bilingual ability is a plus Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment Precision and attention to detail Ability and willingness to work under challenging situations Ability to de-escalate contentious interactions Ability to maintain client confidentiality according to HIPAA regulations Respectful interaction with diverse populations and marginalized communities, including people who use substances Team player with ability to work independently Willingness to travel as needed for training and workshops Willingness to complete required trainings Ability and willingness to work remotely as needed, requiring internet access at home Safe driving skills, valid driver’s license, vehicle liability coverage, comfort with and willingness to operate large vehicles, and use of reliable personal vehicle during scheduled work hours are all required for this position North Carolina Peer Support Specialist Certification and/or eligibility for certification, strongly preferred but not required Knowledge of local community resources (preferred but not required) In order to protect the wellbeing of our clients and staff, a pre-employment criminal background check is required. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude employment and will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Physical Requirements Must be willing and able to spend long periods of time in stationary position working at a computer Must be able to lift and carry at least 25 pounds regularly. Must have no significant restrictions in bending, stooping, or lifting Compensation and Benefits The Harm Reduction Specialist is a full-time nonexempt position based out of WNCAP’s Asheville, NC office, located at 554 Fairview Rd, Asheville, NC 28803. In-office and remote working capabilities are required for this position. Starting salary range is $42k-45k/year at full time hours. Regular work hours are 9am-5pm Monday-Friday with 1 hour paid lunch. Dress code is business casual. WNCAP is a certified living wage agency. Benefits include: Partial employer-sponsored health and dental insurance Vision insurance Employer-sponsored life insurance Employer-sponsored Short Term Disability insurance Partial employer-sponsored Long Term Disability insurance 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan with Employer Contributions Paid time off Paid holidays Employee Assistance Program WNCAP is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to foster a workplace that supports and amplifies a diverse array of voices and experiences. We strongly encourage women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, people living with HIV, and veterans to apply. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition or any status protected under local, state or federal laws. To Apply For consideration for this position, please submit a resume and cover letter detailing your interest in WNCAP and this position. Job Type: Full-time Pay: $42,000.00 - $45,000.00 per year Work Location: In person