Public Health Advocate I - Mobile Sharps Team, Bureau of Recovery Services

Mission Statement

The mission of the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) is to work in partnership with communities to protect and promote the health and well-being of all Boston residents, especially those impacted by racism and systemic inequities. The BPHC sets an expectation that all staff and leadership commit, individually and as part of the BPHC team, to hold ourselves accountable to establishing a culture of anti-racism and advance racial equity and justice through each of our bureaus, programs, and offices.

Job Description

• Provides outreach, education, advocacy, referral and support services to active injection drug users in Boston.
• Refers clients to relevant services, including, but not limited to: needle exchange sites, health insurance, health resources, parenting programs, housing, educational opportunities, job training and support, public assistance programs, substance abuse treatment and counseling services and HIV/AIDS services.
• Maintains current knowledge base of new and existing harm reduction, needle exchange, and social service programs for active drug users.
• Establishes a positive, productive relationship with clients around safe disposal of needles and drug paraphernalia. Performs outreach to client base, including engaging high-risk clients, and providing information/ education about needle exchange services available.
• Educates and informs clients about self-help activities; facilitates and advocates for client access to services; implements outreach strategies to engage clients in community based services; distributes prevention materials to clients; teaches clients how to reduce exposure to hazards.
• Conducts community outreach to reduce discarded needles drug trash, and paraphernalia found near such needles in Boston communities.
• Works in close coordination with program leadership, other team members, and the City of Boston to deliver services, including location, removal, and safe disposal of needles/drug trash
• Conducts regular sweeps of schools, parks and other areas to locate, remove, and safely dispose of drug trash, and paraphernalia found near such needles (“needles/drug trash”).
• Responds to calls from the Mayors Health Line to remove and safely dispose of discarded needles/drug trash. Facilitates call to Boston Fire Department or Boston EMS for large pick-up of needle waste in public
• Maintains regular communication during the shift with other mobile sharps unit members and program leadership using designated communication devices and technology.
• Maintains accurate, legible and current documentation; documents outreach and needles/drug trash. collection activities. Develops and implements strategies for "hard to reach" individuals.
• Develops and maintains good working relationships with community agencies, health care providers and other BPHC depts.
• Represents the program at community events and health fairs.
• Attends required meetings.
• Delivers services according to established program protocols.
• Works to help BPHC advance as an antiracist organization by meeting or exceeding the standards set by the BPHC Anti-Racism Policy.
• Please note flexibility is required as hours and schedule vary; some weekends and evenings may be required. Performs other duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required. Licenses, certifications or program specific experience may be req by grant or program needs.
• Experience in health care, public health, harm reduction or social service field preferred.
• Demonstrated experience or related requirements as established by the program may be needed. Experience in community outreach/case management activities a plus.
• Demonstrated cultural competence with diverse ethnic, cultural and socio-economic groups.
• Must have knowledge of local community organizations.
• Good organizational skills with the ability to develop time lines, meet deadlines and be self-directed.
• Knowledge of or willingness to learn about the role of public health in addressing racism, the social determinants of health, and inequities in health outcomes as well as strategies to advance racial justice and health equity.
• Commitment to health equity and racial/social justice issues.
• PC skills preferred.
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Bilingual fluency preferred.
• Valid MA drivers license required.

Additional Information

• City of Boston residency is required; Allston, Back Bay, Bay Village, Beacon Hill, Brighton, Charlestown, Chinatown, Dorchester, Downtown, East Boston, Fenway-Kenmore, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain, Mattapan, Mid-Dorchester, Mission Hill, North End, Roslindale, Roxbury, South Boston, South End, West End, West Roxbury, Wharf district.
• A Criminal Offenders Records Information request must be completed for this position. However, a record is not an automatic bar to employment but is reviewed in relation to the job applied for.
• Certain immunizations will be recommended and/or required prior to commencement of employment duties.
• Any position that requires an advanced degree will be subject to education verification.
• Certain positions at the BPHC may be Grant Funded.
• The Boston Public Health Commission is an EEO Employer and all applicants meeting the minimum requirements are eligible to apply.
• Certain positions at the BPHC may require Child Protective Service Background verification.
• The advertised shift and schedule are subject to change at the department's discretion.

Shift

Sunday, Monday and Tuesday: 7 AM - 3 PM

Wednesday and Thursday: Off

Friday and Saturday: 11 AM - 7 PM

Grant Funding Information

This position is not dependent on grants / external funding sources.

Pay Range

$927.69 - $1,083.43 / wk