Harm Reduction Specialist

Full Job Description

NorthPoint Health & Wellness Center is seeking a Harm Reduction Specialist. This position will support participants engaged in the Harm Reduction & Testing Services program.

This role operates from an educational, non-judgmental, and person-centered framework, ensuring all individuals receive services grounded in dignity, compassion, and respect.

The Harm Reduction Specialist will be responsible for providing education on safer injection and smoking practices, guidance on the use of testing strips, naloxone training, and overdose response education.

The position also includes conducting community outreach and connecting participants with additional resources and referrals as needed.

Current Hennepin County employees who refer a candidate hired into an open competitive position may be eligible for a $500 referral bonus. For more information visit employee referral program.

Find us here at upcoming career fairs!

While the full salary range for this position is listed above, the maximum starting salary for this grant-funded position will not exceed $55,000 per year and will depend on the candidate's qualifications.

Location and hours:
This position will be performed on-site at the main clinic at NorthPoint Health & Wellness Center at 2220 Plymouth Avenue North, Minneapolis, MN 55411, at the Harm Reduction & Testing Services site at 710 West Broadway Avenue North, Minneapolis, MN 55411, and out in the Hennepin County community providing outreach. Work hours will be Monday through Friday, with typical hours of 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. New Employee Orientation (NEO) for all new benefit-earning employees is in-person in downtown Minneapolis. Details about NEO will be provided upon hire.

About this position type:
This is a grant funded, limited duration (temporary), full-time benefit earning position expected to last up to 2 years.

This position is internally classified as a Community Health Worker, Senior.
Click here to view the job classification specification.

In this position, you will:

• Provide intakes for participants, assess needs, educate, provide referrals, and input data.
• Exchange syringes and supplies, counsel participants on safer injection practices, educate participants and distribute testing strips, and provide naloxone education, overdose awareness, and correct administration.
• Assist in packing safer sex kits, cotton baggies, cookers, alcohol pads, period products, etc.
• Conduct outreach in the community to identify individuals in need of services, focusing on underserved populations.
• Collaborate with local organizations, faith-based groups, and community leaders to raise awareness of available services.
• Represent the program at community events and forums to promote harm reduction and available services.
• Provide education to participants and families on harm reduction and available resources.
• Advocate for participants by helping them navigate healthcare systems and address systemic barriers.
• Collect and report data on outreach and service outcomes to inform program improvements.

Need to have:

• One of the following:
  • Completion of two years or more of college in social/behavioral sciences or another field related to the area.
  • Two years or more of experience working in a community outreach or public health setting.
• A valid driver's license and daily access to reliable transportation sufficient to visit community sites throughout Hennepin County.

Nice to have:

• Two or more years of experience in harm reduction or related programming, providing education and understanding barriers impacting people who use.
• Experience performing face-to-face education and/or outreach within diverse communities.
• Experience working in a syringe services program, chemical health program, or other behavioral health program.
• Strong connection to and/or familiarity with the North Minneapolis community.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office.
• Knowledge of health care systems and local resources for relevant referrals.
• Ability to:
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, community agencies, and culturally/socioeconomically diverse clients.
  • Communicate information to people with different levels of understanding and diverse backgrounds.
  • Execute outreach plans, collect data, and prepare monthly reports.
• Effective verbal, written, and group communication skills.

Candidates with fluency in another language(s) in addition to English are encouraged to apply. Bilingual candidates who pass a language assessment may qualify for additional bilingual pay and duties.

About the department:
NorthPoint Health & Wellness Center is a multi-specialty medical, dental and mental health center and human service agency located in North Minneapolis. NorthPoint strives to improve the physical and socio-economic health of the North Minneapolis community through an integrated model of health and human services.

About Hennepin County:
Hennepin is the largest county government organization in Minnesota. Our employees work every day to improve the health, safety and quality of life for our residents and communities. All of our jobs align with our mission to serve residents through transformative services that eliminate disparities, eliminate inequities, and create opportunity for all and our vision of a community where all people are healthy, all people are valued, and all people thrive.

Our employees receive a combination of competitive benefits and positive workplace culture not found at other organizations. This includes meaningful work that impacts our community, competitive pay, work-life balance, a variety of benefits and opportunities to grow. Learn more at The Bridge(login as Guest).

Hennepin County envisions an organization where our commitment to diversity and the elimination of disparities is fundamental in providing excellent service to our community.

Your future. Made here.

This posting may be used to fill current and future vacancies.

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If you have any questions, please contact:
Rebecca Maddaus
Rebecca.Maddaus@hennepin.us