Harm Reduction Outreach Specialist/Data Coordinator

Who We Are:
Since 1985, BHCHP’s mission has been to ensure unconditionally equitable and dignified access to the highest quality health care for all individuals and families experiencing homelessness in greater Boston. Over 10,000 homeless individuals are cared for by Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program each year. We are committed to ensuring that every one of these individuals has access to comprehensive health care, from preventative dental care to cancer treatment. Our clinicians, case managers, and behavioral health professionals work in more than 30 locations to serve some of our community’s most vulnerable—and most resilient—citizens.

From our earliest days as a program, we have always sought to do work that is transformational: recognizing our shared humanity; centering dignity, compassion, mutual respect and supporting the right of every individual to access the highest levels of health care and every staff member to reach their fullest potential. We continue to be committed to building bridges and breaking down barriers, including systemic racism which harms us all. We provide community-based health care services that are compassionate, dignified, and culturally appropriate, incorporating social determinants of health, with the goal of breaking down the physical and systemic barriers that our patients face.

Bilingual, Bicultural, LGBTQIA identifying, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color are encouraged to apply.
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Job Summary:
Hours:  Full-time: 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM- 5:00 PM
Union:   Yes
Union Name: SEIU
Patient Facing: Yes

Currently, about 60% of those who receive services at BHCHP have a diagnosed substance use disorder (SUD), and drug overdose is the leading cause of death among our patients. We are constantly examining and strengthening our care model to better meet the needs of people struggling with active drug use. We are working toward a practice without stigma, and we recognize the need to expand access to all types of addiction treatment, on demand. We also recognize a parallel need to reduce the harms associated with drug use for people who do not seek treatment or cannot access treatment currently. We do not require people to stop using before we can start helping.

Community Care in Reach (CCiR) is an innovative mobile health program that brings together partners in primary care, addiction medicine, and harm reduction to engage individuals not well-connected to health care, experiencing homelessness and/or living with addiction. Experienced staff from BHCHP and the Boston Public Health Commission’s Access, Harm Reduction, Overdose Prevention and Education (AHOPE) program collaborate to provide a range of services on the van and connect patients to primary care and addiction treatment. 

The Harm Reduction Outreach Specialist/Data Coordinator will work alongside CCiR clinicians and AHOPE staff to provide medical case management and harm reduction services. This role will be a key contact with patients in an outreach setting. Engagement is achieved by making personal connections, acceptance without judgement, and the offering of services as needed and as appropriate. The Harm Reduction Outreach Specialist/Data Coordinator may also provide coverage in BHCHP’s Supportive Place for Observation and Treatment (SPOT) or other BHCHP harm reduction programs, including the Finland Clinic. This position is funded until the end of June 2029 with the possibility for renewal.  If this funding is not renewed, this position will end June 30, 2029.

Responsibilities:
Data Coordination:

• Average of 4 hours a week doing data coordination
• Document syringe exchange activities and Narcan distribution on a spreadsheet at the end of each shift
• Collect and submit data to the Massachusetts DPH on individuals seen on the van for clinical services weekly
• Collect and submit data to the Boston Public Health Commission on individuals seen on the van for clinical services weekly
• Collect and submit data for Opioid Use Disorder cascade of care every 6 months
• Collect and submit data to Brandeis University on summaries of services provided on the van monthly

• Drive CCiR van at least 16 hours a week or 4 sessions or more by discretion of supervisor
• Provide education on harm reduction, overdose prevention, and safer use techniques
• Distribute Narcan rescue kits
• Manage supplies and restock the van prior to each shift
• Support patients in navigating MassHealth, Social Security, and Department of Transitional Assistance-related issues
• Connect longitudinally with patients to evaluate progress, update care coordination plan, and provide support
• Review health care maintenance and immunization coverage, as well as substance use disorder outcomes for patients and conduct outreach to ensure improved quality of care
• Document case management activities in the BHCHP electronic health record (Epic) (MMIS)
• Develop multilingual outreach materials for CCiR to promote and educate BHCHP patients about disease prevention and treatment
• Maintain all clients' privacy and confidentiality, adhering to HIPAA regulations and those policies as implemented by the BHCHP
• Manage supplies including DPH compliance

• Current and valid Massachusetts driver’s license, with no prior motor vehicle violations
• At least two years of experience providing harm reduction services or medical case management with an emphasis on patients not needing to be abstinent to receive care and an openness to recovery being defined by the patient.
• Experience in data management and competency in Excel
• Experience working with people experiencing homelessness, incarceration and/or sexual violence as well as conducting street level outreach with at-risk populations is a plus.
• An understanding of multicultural issues, substance use, mental health and the complex health problems of people experiencing homelessness
• Commitment to equitable and culturally appropriate care for a wide range of diverse populations, including communities of color, LGBTQIA communities, non-English speaking populations, people with substance use disorders and behavioral health challenges and people experiencing homelessness
• Candidates with lived experience are highly encouraged to apply.
• Bilingual Spanish and English is preferred

• The compensation starts at $22.07 per hour and increases based on years of experience.
• 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 compensation of seven thousand five hundred added to your base hiring rate for demonstrated bilingual proficiency and the opportunity to work with local hospitals and community health centers.

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.