Contracted Harm Reduction Outreach Worker

Principal Responsibilities :

1. Responsible for specific duties as assigned, e.g., Case Manager will:

• advocate, monitor, and help plan for the client (individuals with drug related activity) to enhance the quality of life in areas of family, socialization, work/education, leisure activity, and health care to reduce client from experiencing a drug overdose and recidivism.
• keep continuous data that will be needed and required for the OD2A grant.
• work with the University of Kentucky monthly and give updates as required.
• will run data reports as requested by EMS, JCHD, and UK.
• will report to Harm Reduction Director and work with JCHD Harm Reduction team.
• will work directly with the assigned Peer Support to best serve the client and "meet them where they are at" in terms of reaching recovery.
• works with a Harm Reduction Approach while completing daily tasks.
• Please note that this position may require a company phone and some night shift hours.
• when case load is low, will help JCHD with walk-in clients in the community, connecting them with NARCAN, harm reduction services, and/or treatment centers.
• will, at times, work the Syringe Exchange Program when needed .

• Standard: Assigned duties are completed correctly within specified time frame.
• Measure: Supervisor's review of staff documentation of assigned duties/completion dates.
• Must be a self-starter

2. Other duties as assigned:

• Standard: Assigned duties are completed within specified time frame.
• Measure: Review of supervisor's record of assigned duties.

3. Develop networks and relationships with groups, organizations, and/or agencies with the same vested interest as this grant.

4. Respond to all requests for data and information regarding this grant for JCHD and/or EMS.

5. Plan and/or attend all meetings required by supervisor and/or grant.

6. Community-Level Overdose Prevention

• Independently identify and engage individuals at high risk for overdose in community settings.
• Engage in proactive outreach within high-risk regions, such as encampments, known usage sites, and communities that are underserved.
• Build relationships with individuals not currently connected to services.
• Implement overdose prevention strategies, including:
  • Naloxone distribution and education.
  • Risk reduction education.
  • Linkage to care and treatment.
• Utilize local data, trends, and situational awareness to guide outreach efforts (e.g., overdose spikes, drug supply alerts).
• Develop and maintain community presence to increase trust and engagement among PWUD populations.
• Reduce reliance on passive referral systems by actively generating engagement opportunities.

Minimum Requirements : Bachelor’s degree in social work, Psychology, Community Health, Criminal Justice, and/or related field. Valid Driver's License and Car Insurance.

Working Conditions : Work is spent in the community assisting EMS community paramedic staff with overdose victims. Evaluating, connecting, and referring clients to treatment and/or harm reduction services. Work duties will also be in the office setting with clients and continuously keeping data collection. Case Manager will be assisting with community work at site location. Other duties will be assigned by work site supervisor and/or EMS.

Please note that this position can and will be hazardous at times due to working with overdose victims at the scene and/or in the home setting.

List of equipment necessary to perform the essential functions of the job : Phone, fax, computer, copier, printer, etc. Data collection sheets.

Physical Requirements/Job Hazards:

Current TB skin test indicates no evidence of communicable disease. Possible physical management (lifting, balancing, maneuvering).

Additional Requirements:

This position requires a clean drug screen prior to hire adherence to drug free workplace policies. Must possess a valid driver's license. Background checks are conducted prior to hire and updated annually. Must have reliable transportation.