Service Navigation Specialist

Job Title: Service Navigation Specialist

Status: 40 hours per week requiring flexibility / Permanent

Compensation: $45,000; Medical, dental, vision, and short and long-term disability insurance covered at 100% by Prevention Point Pittsburgh, access to an employee assistance program, and approximately 20.5 days of PTO and 13 agency holidays.

There are no formal educational requirements for this position.

People with experience of substance use, the criminal (in)justice system, homelessness, sex work; people of color, women, LGBTQIA+ individuals; and people living with HIV/AIDS and/or Hepatitis C are strongly encouraged to inquire about this opportunity.

Applicants will not be asked personal details about citizenship, arrest or incarceration history, or drug use but must have a valid and unrestricted PA driver’s license for duration of employment and be insurable under agency’s policy.

Organization Description: Prevention Point Pittsburgh (PPP) is a non-profit organization that seeks to improve the health and safety of individuals who use drugs through the provision of public health services. PPP is the longest running legal syringe service program and one of the largest providers of community-based naloxone distribution services in Western PA. By both practicing and advocating for harm reduction approaches to substance use, PPP aims to empower individuals and communities to respond to substance use with compassion and understanding. For more information, visit: www.pppgh.org.

Position Summary: The Service Navigation Specialist is responsible for assisting participants of PPP’s services with accessing health and social services, identifying relevant resources in the region, and acting as a support to program participants and in the community. The Service Navigator will coordinate with fellow site staff to provide participants with resources and referrals. This position is supported by the Allegheny County Department of Human Services.

Travel Requirements: This is an in-office and on site position. After 1 year of employment, the position will be reviewed to identify possible opportunities for remote work.

Reporting Relationship: The Service Navigation Specialist will report to the Harm Reduction Services Director.

Responsibilities:

• To help reduce barriers, build skills, and facilitate participant participation in services such as substance use disorder treatment, medical care for physical and behavioral health, insurance and other benefits, and basic needs such as housing, food, transportation, etc.
• Support program participants in establishing an individualized plan to reach their self-identified goals in a genuine, trustworthy, and engaging manner.
• Answering office calls and checking and responding to online requests on a regular basis.
• Conduct ASAM (American Society of Addiction Medicine) Assessments. Training is available.
• Establish and maintain professional working relationships with community partners and organizations.
• Keep consistent and accurate records of referral tracking and program participant goals.
• Regularly attend meetings within the organization and with partner organizations.
• Provide direct services, including driving outreach vehicles to site, stocking supplies, and regular upkeep of work areas on a weekly basis.
• Assist with the Community Advisory Board (CAB)
• Coordinate transportation for program participants to medical appointments, court, community programs, and other events as needed.
• Use ethical professional practices in all aspects of work as defined in policies and procedures of the organization.
• To be accountable and responsive to program participants, partners, coworkers, and agencies.

Requirements and Qualifications:

• Commitment to harm reduction philosophy and practice and organizational mission.
• Knowledge of regional service providers, public benefits, and available resources; one year or more of case management, counseling, or other relevant experience preferred.
• Understanding of safer substance use practices, overdose prevention, disease transmission, and general substance use topics; willingness to learn.
• Ability to manage a high volume of incoming phone calls and text messages during work hours and respond in a timely manner.
• Demonstrated ability to remain calm in crisis situations, work independently and cooperatively, recognize personal limitations, and relate positively and with empathy to all persons regardless of age, race, creed, gender or sexual orientation.
• Strong organizational skills with ability to work independently and within team-based projects and provide consistent and open communication.
• Ability to handle confidential and protected information with discretion and in compliance with applicable laws.
• Lifting 25 pounds, driving, sitting, standing, and climbing stairs are frequently necessary.
• Basic computer skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, email, and other core applications.
• Must have a valid and unrestricted PA driver’s license for duration of employment and be insurable under agency’s policy (disqualifications generally include DUI/DWI or other reckless driving convictions in the last five years or more than two at-fault accidents in the last three years).
• Must complete all required training and certifications within required time periods.

Our hiring team will begin reviewing applications on September 8th.

Qualified applicants will be invited to interview on a rolling basis.

To apply, complete this initial questionnaire: https://forms.gle/6Q3nXGujg2ttNQ3h9

This form will close on Sunday, September 28th.

Applications will not be accepted in-person or via mail.

Inquiries regarding this posting may be directed to hire@pppgh.org

– please do not call or drop by the office or service locations.