Field Registered Nurse - Winnebago

Background:

Based in East Harlem, two long-standing and well-regarded harm reduction organizations in

New York City are seeking a Field Registered Nurse. The non-profits, the process of completing

a merger, are innovative organizations serving low-income people who use drugs and other

marginalized individuals. The wide range of mobile and center-based services are delivered

by upwards of 80 staff and peer workers, and include syringe access, overdose prevention,

public health, care coordination, medical care, holistic, peer education, and advocacy

services. The organizations have a combined $7 million budget made up of mainly government

grants.

Position Summary:

NYHRE is looking for a part-time Registered Nurse (RN) who will work in a non-traditional,

street- based, mobile outreach setting to provide patient assessments, physical examinations,

wound care, medication management, HIV and HCV testing, referrals and follow up to

treatment and prevention such as PrEP, PEP, and buprenorphine. Additionally, the RN provides

ongoing health services using low-threshold, nonjudgmental, and culturally relevant

methodologies.

This position at NYHRE is NOT office based. Services are rendered from a street-based

outreach mobile unit stationed in neighborhoods of high need. This individual must be

comfortable providing services on a mobile outreach unit, in public spaces such as parks and

under bridges during all weather conditions.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct HIV testing in the field on mobile outreach vehicles and at street-side tabling events.
• Promote client safety and wellness by assessing their ability to reduce risk associated with using drugs. Delivering non-judgmental education around: overdose prevention/ naloxone, safer injection practices, mixing medications and different drugs, infectious disease prevention and/or management, basic wellness/hygiene, hydration/nutritional education, etc.
• Liaise with HIV treatment/PrEP/PEP providers to ensure immediate (preferably same day) linkage to care. Facilitate linkage, benefit navigation and linkage to other services (such as syringe exchange, HCV testing and treatment, buprenorphine, housing support, etc.).
• Manage all service data including tracking all encounters using SOAP notes in electronic health record online, form completion and monthly reporting requirements for the contract. Support will be provided by Data Specialist and Program Directors.
• Conduct case conferences quarterly and case closure as needed.
• Attend relevant meetings, trainings and events associated with contracts as designated.
• Works to increase the capacity of health services delivered by peers and staff (such as health education, overdose reversal, and rapid testing). Provides on-site staff development and training.
• Conduct follow up communication to ensure linkages are complete.
• Provide education specific to overdose prevention and naloxone (Narcan®) administration in individual and group training sessions.
• Work as part of the Winnebago Team to ensure continuity and consistency of services for participants.
• Attend daily morning meetings, in addition to all staff meetings and trainings as directed by supervisor.
• Must maintain a safe work environment, adhering to all WHCP/NYHRE as well as Covid-19 safety policies and procedures, at all times.

Knowledge and Skill Requirements

• Graduate from an accredited nursing program, current NYS RN license
• Experience working in community health with marginalized populations preferred. Including HIV positive individuals, active drug users, unstably housed individuals, sexworkers or formerly incarcerated individuals.
• Must have excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Must be organized, detail-oriented, self-motivated, and committed to working in a diverse environment.
• Must be a team player and able to work effectively with a large variety of personalities and abilities, pragmatic with excellent problem solving and conflict resolution skills.
• Must be familiar with and believe in a harm reduction philosophy.
• Great attitude and people skills are a must.
• Spanish language skills preferred.
• Familiarity the North Bronx neighborhoods and NYC in general, an asset.
• Maintains respect and compassion for all clients being served, regardless of their active drug use or treatment compliance.
• Commitment to harm reduction and social justice as it pertains to individuals who use drugs or engage in survival sex work in a multi-cultural multi-racial environment, in a non-judgmental way.