Harm Reduction Technicians - EMT Trained

HEALTH CARE THAT MATTERS

We’re at a challenging time in health care with the dueling epidemics of the overdose crisis and COVID-19.

Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program is proud to be part of the solution. As such, we have been providing care at Mass/Cass for the past three years. Our patients have some of the most complex health conditions, exacerbated by larger systems and the experience of homelessness, and we marvel at their resilience.

Do you want to provide Health Care that Matters? That’s what we aim to do. Every day. In our clinics, in shelters, on a mobile van and on the streets of Boston.

If you are a motivated, compassionate skilled care giver and you want to:

• Learn complicated, trauma-informed medicine and a harm reduction approach to care.
• Develop your clinical skills in a unique environment
• Work in varied and interesting settings and fields of practice
• Join a strong, cohesive team with deep expertise
• Accompany your patients as they seek to meet their goals and
• Become part of the future of health care

…then, BHCHP is the place for you.

Boston Health Care for the Homeless is seeking a full-time technician to work in our harm reduction roles at our sedation monitoring programs at low-threshold shelters throughout the city.

Based on the needs of the Program, Technicians may be required to be available at other harm reduction locations as needed, including but not limited to:

• The Engagement Center Clinic, located within a drop-in day center for homeless individuals of Boston
• SPOT (Supportive Place for Observation and Treatment), our sedation monitoring program, including daytime and overnight coverage
• The RIZE Room (a Harm Reduction site located at St. Francis House)
• Outreach, working in pairs to provide care to persons living on the streets

The ideal candidate for this role is a compassionate and self-motivated individual who embraces the mission of BHCHP and is committed to delivering high quality clinical care utilizing a harm reduction approach in a low-threshold community environment.

 Bilingual, Bicultural, LGBTQIA identifying, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color are encouraged to apply. 

Job Summary: 

Hours:     Full Time, 7am – 7:30pm / 7pm - 7:30am - majority overnight shifts, 7p-7:30a, with some day shifts available (additional 4 hours shifts at other threshold sites)

While working at the sites you will provide in-the-moment, low-threshold medical access to patients who may otherwise not present to shelter clinics. In instances of sedation monitoring, you will ensure that sedated patients are triaged and safely monitored in a supportive and compassionate environment. Services provided will include clinical assessments, clinical case management, medical monitoring, intervention in the case of overdose and immediate linkages to addiction treatment and primary care.

While monitoring sedated patients, you will ensure that sedated patients are triaged and monitored safely in a supportive and compassionate environment in which the intent is to reduce harm from drug use. The services provided will be medical monitoring, intervention in the case of overdose and immediate linkages to addiction treatment and primary care. The goals of this approach are to address an existing problem for BHCHP patients, to decrease overdose deaths and to connect patients more effectively to addiction treatment.

Responsibilities:

Direct Clinical Care:

• Direct clinical care to ensure that all needs of the patients are met, conforming to established policies and procedures, as well as Department of Public Health regulations
• Serve as the first responder in the case of a medical emergency at all sites
• Provide supportive and non-judgmental clinical support for patients with substance use disorder in a manner consistent with Harm Reduction Principles
• Provide basic wound care and skin assessment
• Accurate assessment of sedation and documentation and clinical intervention as appropriate
• Reaches out to clinical supports for care coordination and to provide high standards of patient care
• Provide risk reduction counseling and connection to treatment programs
• Responsible for updating and maintaining accurate treatment records, flow sheets and other documentation; responsible for ensuring that the medical aspects of the engagement center are fully equipped and operational daily

Communication:

• Maintains a direct line of communication with harm reduction staff, engagement center BPHC staff, and shelter staff; timely communication with supervisor regarding shift change needs
• Maintains a professional approach
• Maintains the standards of accurate and complete recording and reporting ensuring that the clinical record for each patient is current and accurate

Team Based Collaboration:

• Functions as part of a team that includes the Director(s) of Harm Reduction Services, BPHC engagement site staff, Rapid Response Team, St. Francis House staff and Southampton Shelter staff and clinic staff
• Open to job sharing

Qualifications:

• Commonwealth of Massachusetts EMT Certification
• Minimum of 2 years EMT experience strongly preferred
• Strong assessment skills, self-directed, motivated, and flexible with the ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Pharmacological understanding of medications or drugs that cause sedation, knowledge of opioid overdose management and brief interventions
• Understanding of substance use disorder and behavioral health issues
• Interest and experience with under served population preferable
• Interest in public health, primary and preventive nursing/medicine and working with disadvantaged groups
• Bilingual candidates encouraged to apply
• Individuals with lived experience encouraged to apply

Compensation and Benefits:

 Compensation is $31.11 per hour.

BHCHP full time employees are eligible for our competitive time off policy of 4 weeks’ vacation, health, dental and vision insurance, 403B retirement savings plan and employer retirement contribution, and pre-tax MBTA pass program with 40% discount. In addition, eligible employees will receive yearly increases, additional annual compensation of seven thousand five hundred dollars for demonstrated bilingual proficiency and the opportunity to work with local hospitals and community health centers.

Whether you are a new grad looking to build your skills or an experienced EMT looking for a change, we need YOU.

Are you ready to meet this challenge with us?

“Be the change you wish to see in the world.”-Gandhi

Does this amazing opportunity interest you? Then we'd love to hear from you.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, BHCHP pledges not to discriminate against and encourages those from underrepresented and underserved backgrounds to apply, particularly Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), LGBTQIA identifying, first generation college students and adults without a college degree, Bilingual and Bicultural persons; and individuals from low economic backgrounds.

Covid-19 Vaccination: Proof of Covid-19 vaccination(s) is optional for employment. Candidates who are offered employment will be given details about how to demonstrate receipt of vaccination if they choose to.

Please Note: Employment at Boston Health Care for the Homeless is at-will. Boston Health Care for the Homeless does not sponsor work authorization visas.