Harm Reduction Technician

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.

Job Summary:
Hours:     Full-Time; 7:00am – 7:30pm / 7:00pm - 7:30am - majority overnight shifts, 7:00pm-7:30am, with some day shifts available (additional 4 hours shifts at other low threshold sites)
Union:  Yes
Union Name: 1199 SEIU
Patient Facing: Yes

Boston Health Care for the Homeless is seeking a full-time technician to work in our harm reduction role at our sedation monitoring programs at low-threshold shelters throughout the city.  Based on the needs of the program, technicians may be required to be available at other harm reduction locations as needed, including but not limited to:Woods Mullen Shelter112 Southampton Street ShelterSPOT (Supportive Place for Observation and Treatment), our sedation monitoring programWhile working at the sites you will provide in-the-moment, low-threshold medical access to patients who may otherwise not present to shelter clinics. In instances of sedation monitoring, you will ensure that sedated patients are triaged and safely monitored in a supportive and compassionate environment in which the intent is to reduce harm from drug use. Services provided will include clinical assessments, clinical case management, medical monitoring, intervention in the case of overdose or other emergencies as well as immediate linkages to addiction treatment and primary care. The goals of this approach are to address an existing problem for BHCHP patients, to decrease overdose deaths and to connect patients more effectively to addiction treatment.

The ideal candidate for this role is a compassionate and self-motivated individual who embraces the mission of BHCHP and is committed to delivering high quality clinical care utilizing a harm reduction approach in a low-threshold community environment.

This position is funded until the end of December 2026 with the possibility for renewal. If this funding is not renewed, this position will end December 31, 2026.

Responsibilities:
Direct Clinical Care:Direct clinical care to ensure that all needs of the patients are met, conforming to established policies and procedures, as well as Department of Public Health regulationsServe as the first responder in the case of a medical emergency at all sitesProvide supportive and non-judgmental clinical support for patients with substance use disorder in a manner consistent with Harm Reduction PrinciplesProvide basic wound care and skin assessmentAccurate assessment of sedation and documentation and clinical intervention as appropriateReaches out to clinical supports for care coordination and to provide high standards of patient careProvide risk reduction counseling and connection to treatment programs Responsible for updating and maintaining accurate treatment records, flow sheets, and other documentation.Communication:Maintains a direct line of communication with harm reduction and shelter staff; timely communication with supervisor regarding shift change needsMaintains a professional approach Maintains the standards of accurate and complete recording and reporting ensuring that the clinical record for each patient is current and accurateTeam Based Collaboration:Functions as part of a team that includes the Director and Supervisor of the Harm Reduction Technicians, 112 Southampton Street Shelter clinic staff, Woods-Mullen Shelter clinic staff, PSI Shattuck Men's Shelter staffQualifications: Commonwealth of Massachusetts EMT Certification requiredMinimum of 1-2 years EMT experience requiredStrong assessment skills, self-directed, motivated, and flexible with the ability to work independently and as part of a teamPharmacological understanding of medications or drugs that cause sedation, knowledge of opioid overdose management and brief interventionsUnderstanding of substance use disorder and behavioral health issuesInterest and experience with underserved population preferableInterest in public health, primary and preventive nursing/medicine and working with disadvantaged groupsBilingual candidates encouraged to applyIndividuals with lived experience encouraged to applyCompensation and Benefits:Compensation is $31.11 per hour.BHCHP full time employees are eligible for our competitive time off program, health, dental and vision insurance, 403B retirement savings plan, pre-tax MBTA pass program with 40% discount, additional compensation for demonstrated bilingual proficiency and more. Benefits are prorated for part-time employees.

Does this amazing opportunity interest you? Then we'd love to hear from you.

As an equal opportunity employer, Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified individuals and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy, parental status, genetic information or characteristics, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

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.

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