Overdose Prevention Navigator

City of New Haven
Within Local 884 Range 11: $53,589 - $57,613 annualized
United States, Connecticut, New Haven
165 Church Street (Show on map)
Jan 22, 2025
Introduction We are excited to announce an amazing and important opportunity within the City of New Haven Health Department - the position of Overdose Prevention Navigator. This role embodies a vital mission: linking individuals facing substance use challenges with essential support services. You will play a pivotal role in enhancing the well-being and safety of those affected by substance use. Through compassionate outreach and expert guidance, you will connect individuals to a range of services, including medical care, substance use treatment programs, housing assistance, and more. If you are passionate about making a tangible impact in the lives of those struggling with substance use, we invite you to join our dedicated team. Together, we can make a difference in our community. Those with lived experience in recovery from substance use and/or with familial substance use are encouraged to apply. To learn more about Overdose Prevention, visit the New Haven Harm Reduction Taskforce page. PRIMARY FUNCTIONS This is a full-time position in the City of New Haven Health Department that is responsible for linking people who use drugs to support services. This dynamic and impactful role focuses on enhancing the well-being and safety of individuals facing substance use challenges. Your primary responsibility will be to establish meaningful connections with individuals who use drugs, guiding them towards essential support services that encompass medical care, substance use treatment programs, housing assistance, food services, and more. This position occasionally requires work to be performed in the evenings and on weekends. TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Conducts street outreach to people who use drugs to link individuals to support services. Helps clients access medical and non-medical resources, including medical care, substance use treatment programs, housing programs, food services, etc. Develops relationships with local service providers and makes referrals. Provides harm reduction supplies and trainings to people who use drugs. Reviews and analyzes health data to identify individuals who have experienced an opioid overdose. Conducts trainings on overdose prevention, stigma, and naloxone administration for community members, organizations/businesses (e.g., local substance use treatment providers, social services agencies, emergency departments, schools, and faith-based organizations), and public safety agencies. Coordinates with partner agencies to conduct outreach to their clients. Trains medical providers and pharmacists on best practices related to pain opioid prescribing. Supports the development of communications materials and social media posts to educate the public. Collects data and produces relevant reports. Participates in meetings, coalitions, and workgroups as assigned. Handles inventory of outreach project materials, equipment, and supplies. Maintains confidentiality and complies with HIPAA regulations. Performs other related duties, as needed. EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE Possession of an Associate's Degree in Public Health, Social Work, or related field required; a Bachelor's Degree in Public Health, Social Work, or related field preferred. Minimum 2 years of experience working with individuals who have a substance use disorder, mental health challenges, or experiencing homelessness and the necessary knowledge, abilities, and skills listed below. Bilingual English/Spanish strongly preferred. We encourage applicants with lived experience in recovery from substance use and/or with familial substance use to apply. KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE, SKILLS & ABILITIES Knowledge of the principles, practices, and regulations applied in public health, particularly in the context of community health and substance use challenges. Ability to interact with compassion, respect, and cultural competence, ensuring inclusivity and understanding when working with diverse populations experiencing a range of social conditions. Ability to analyze health data to identify trends and individuals at risk, allowing for targeted outreach and tailored interventions. Skill in designing and delivering training sessions on overdose prevention, stigma reduction, and naloxone administration, catering to diverse audiences including community members, healthcare providers, and public safety personnel. Ability to engage a compassionate approach to working with individuals who have substance use disorders, mental health concerns, or are experiencing homelessness, coupled with the ability to provide non-judgmental support and build trust. Ability to communicate effectively in a professional manner, both verbally and in writing. Bilingual (English/Spanish) is highly desirable. Ability to work cooperatively and establish effective working relationships with other staff members, community organizations, and the public. Self-motivated, organized; able to work independently and as part of a team. Strong time management skills including organization, prioritization, and multitasking. Ability to use discretion, maintain confidentiality, and maintain ethical standards. Ability to develop concise records and prepare reports. Proficiency in the use of computers including data entry, database management, Word, Excel, and similar programs. Common knowledge of the cause, transmission, and prevention of vaccine preventable diseases. NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Flexibility of schedule (position will include evenings/weekends/early morning hours). Possession of, and ability to maintain, a valid State of Connecticut driver's license and own transportation. Frequent in-state travel required. This position is aligned with current Core Competencies for Public Health Professionals published by The Council on Linkages between Academia and Public Health Practice: Communication Skills Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions. Ability to prepare accurate and concise reports. Ability to communicate in a respectful manner both written and orally, in person, and through electronic means, with linguistic and cultural proficiency. Leadership and Systems Thinking Skills Advocates for individual, team, and organizational learning opportunities within the organization. Contributes to the development of a vision for a healthy community. Policy Development/Program Planning Skills Implements plans and programs consistent with policies. Implements strategies for continuous quality improvement. Collaborates in and contributes to individual, team, and Departmental performance management, quality improvement and evaluation activities. Cultural Competency Skills Ability to work with diverse people and cultures within the community. Interacts with clients, community partners, and coworkers with fairness and equity and delivers services free of bias or prejudice. Ensures the health and safety of the community and treats diverse customers with thoughtful listening and respect. Community Dimensions of Practice Skills Ability to develop cooperative relationships with state and local partners, businesses, and the public. SALARY, BARGAINING UNIT & TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT This is a Special Fund, "Non-Tested" position. This grant is anticipated to be funded through 08/31/2028. This position is included in a collective bargaining agreement with Local 884, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. Bargaining agreements available to review HERE. Special Funded employees shall not be covered by the City pension but shall continue to be covered by Social Security. Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of: (1) a pre-employment background check, (2) a pre-employment physical examination, including pre-employment drug screening in accordance with the City's Drug Free Workplace Policy, and (3) a 90-day probationary period. Instructions and information on this pre-employment process are included in Conditional Offer of Employment. Pursuant to the Federal Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988, The City of New Haven has a adopted a Drug Free Workplace Policy. The City of New Haven requires a pre-employment drug test, which includes screening for marijuana. Selection Plan Applications will be reviewed by the Department of Human Resources. Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the minimum requirements as listed within the job description; failure to do so may result in disqualification. It is critical that you complete the application thoroughly, as the information you provide will be used to ascertain if you are eligible to move forward in the selection process. Your application and resume should indicate that you meet the minimum requirements as listed. This information may be used to determine the eligibility list. Submissions may be evaluated prior to a posted closing date, and a hiring decision may be made prior to the removal of the job posting. Information regarding the employment and selection process can be found HERE. Please note that the only method of communication with applicants for this position will be by email. You must provide a valid, working email address and you will need to monitor your email, including spam/junk folders, for correspondence from the New Haven Human Resources Department. We reserve the right to extend an application deadline or close a job posting early to ensure we can attract and identify the best candidate(s) for a position. 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