Methamphetamine Services Specialist / Coordinator
SUMMARY
The Methamphetamine Services Specialist is responsible for developing the day-to-day activities of HIPS’ Meth Services Program. This position will engage in one-on-one health education interventions with clients, provide linkages to care, and engage in micro-counseling with methamphetamine-using HIV-positive or at-risk gay, bisexual, and/or queer men and transgender individuals, with said efforts aimed at increasing access to primary medical care, improved health behaviors, and (when applicable) adherence to HIV medications, with the aim of achieving lower viral loads and independence in adhering to medical appointments and prescription regimens. Working as part of the Outreach team, and in collaboration with the Clinical Services team, the Specialist will work with aforementioned individuals by linking individuals to HIV testing, education and assessments, psychosocial support, risk reduction planning, and case management services. The Specialist will be responsible for developing educational materials for HIPS staff, community partners, and the general public on modern harm reduction techniques for people using methamphetamine. The Specialist will work to reduce systemic barriers to methamphetamine users in the District.
[There is one position open in the Methamphetamine Services Program, but we are willing to hire someone at either a Specialist or a Coordinator level. Specialist-level positions at HIPS are typically for folks who are newer to this kind of work and/or who have less experience with holding responsibility for coordinating the day-to-day activities and administration of a program. A Coordinator-level position comes with an expectation of some experience with leading and managing programs and/or supervising teams. Additional responsibilities, expectations, and requirements are detailed below for each position level. We welcome you to indicate which position you believe is appropriate for your level of experience in your application.]
Additional Responsibilities for Coordinator-level position
The Coordinator will oversee the work of secondary exchangers who will assist in engaging the methamphetamine-using community. The Coordinator will also assist the Outreach Manager with any additional duties, including seeking funding, developing and planning events, and visioning expansions to the methamphetamine services program at HIPS. The Coordinator will work closely with the HIPS Clinical Services team, the Department of Behavioral Health, and DC Health to expand access to clinical services for meth users in the District. The Coordinator will also work with national harm reduction networks to expand awareness of issues related to methamphetamine users.
PROGRAM RESPONSIBILITIES
FOR COORDINATOR-LEVEL POSITION
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS
The position requires knowledge of the local community of methamphetamine users, particularly amongst LGBTQ+ individuals. Passion for the mission of HIPS, including a strong commitment to working to improve the health and quality of life of people using methamphetamine, is a must.
Other key areas of expertise and/or community experience include:
FOR COORDINATOR-LEVEL POSITION
WORKING CONDITIONS
This is a full-time position with benefits. The position is half “on-site” at HIPS, half “off-site” doing outreach and conducting trainings. Position is grant funded through February 2022, with the opportunity for an extended contract under the condition of renewed funding for the position. Some minimal lifting, physical activity, walking up stairs, and sitting required. Some weekend and/or late night hours will be required. Applicants must be able to repeatedly lift 10-25 pounds; work outdoors year-round for up to 8 hours at a time, even in extreme temperatures; walk up and down stairs multiple times on a daily basis; stand and sit for up to 8 hours a day.
COMPENSATION: $20/HR - $22/HR - based on experience + full benefits
TO APPLY
Please email your resume, cover letter to work@hips.org . Please include (First Initial - Last Name) Meth Services as your subject line.
The Methamphetamine Services Specialist is responsible for developing the day-to-day activities of HIPS’ Meth Services Program. This position will engage in one-on-one health education interventions with clients, provide linkages to care, and engage in micro-counseling with methamphetamine-using HIV-positive or at-risk gay, bisexual, and/or queer men and transgender individuals, with said efforts aimed at increasing access to primary medical care, improved health behaviors, and (when applicable) adherence to HIV medications, with the aim of achieving lower viral loads and independence in adhering to medical appointments and prescription regimens. Working as part of the Outreach team, and in collaboration with the Clinical Services team, the Specialist will work with aforementioned individuals by linking individuals to HIV testing, education and assessments, psychosocial support, risk reduction planning, and case management services. The Specialist will be responsible for developing educational materials for HIPS staff, community partners, and the general public on modern harm reduction techniques for people using methamphetamine. The Specialist will work to reduce systemic barriers to methamphetamine users in the District.
[There is one position open in the Methamphetamine Services Program, but we are willing to hire someone at either a Specialist or a Coordinator level. Specialist-level positions at HIPS are typically for folks who are newer to this kind of work and/or who have less experience with holding responsibility for coordinating the day-to-day activities and administration of a program. A Coordinator-level position comes with an expectation of some experience with leading and managing programs and/or supervising teams. Additional responsibilities, expectations, and requirements are detailed below for each position level. We welcome you to indicate which position you believe is appropriate for your level of experience in your application.]
Additional Responsibilities for Coordinator-level position
The Coordinator will oversee the work of secondary exchangers who will assist in engaging the methamphetamine-using community. The Coordinator will also assist the Outreach Manager with any additional duties, including seeking funding, developing and planning events, and visioning expansions to the methamphetamine services program at HIPS. The Coordinator will work closely with the HIPS Clinical Services team, the Department of Behavioral Health, and DC Health to expand access to clinical services for meth users in the District. The Coordinator will also work with national harm reduction networks to expand awareness of issues related to methamphetamine users.
PROGRAM RESPONSIBILITIES
- Develop and evaluate comprehensive efforts to improve health outcomes associated with methamphetamine use and sexual risk behaviors, including awareness, prevention, risk reduction, treatment, post-treatment, structural, drug supply, and policy-related interventions
- Provide accurate information to clients about the risks associated with methamphetamine use, and how to engage in safer use practices.
- Conduct targeted outreach towards GBQ+ cisgender men and transgender individuals - particularly people of color - who use methamphetamines.
- Develop trainings (in collaboration with other staff, as needed) in order to improve education around meth use, stimulant use harm reduction, and treatment options.
- Work closely with HIPS Clinical Services staff to ensure clients’ mental and physical health are monitored and cared for.
- Submit clear and accurate data collection forms for all work performed.
- Comply with all program protocols, including those regarding confidentiality.
- Participate in all staff and program meetings, site visits with funders, required network events, and professional development trainings.
- Represent HIPS at meetings, training sessions, and community outreach activities as requested by supervisor.
- Providing samples for testing to determine hazardous materials present in the drug supply. Educating the local DC community the dangers these substances present.
FOR COORDINATOR-LEVEL POSITION
- Seek funding opportunities and write small grants for events and expansions to the methamphetamine services arm of HIPS.
- Work with the HIPS Advocacy team to advance policy and advocacy efforts that improve the health and well-being of drug users in the District of Columbia.
- Work with HIPS Clinical Services staff to expand services such as MAT for methamphetamine clients.
- Collaborate with District and federal government, research institutions, and social services providers to train individuals on methamphetamine overdose and harm reduction best practices, and to expand services for methamphetamine users.
- Maintain a strong network of providers and public health officials in the city for coordinated efforts to address methamphetamine users' unique needs.
- Expanding focus to stimulant users overall and producing literature to ensure people who use stimulants have fair access to educational information on safer drug use.
- Engaging medical professionals to address systemic barriers to methamphetamine users in the District.
- Ensuring staff are up to date on information essential to our methamphetamine using clients to be aware of. This includes and is not limited to: educational materials, trainings, fliers for clients, surveys, etc.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS
The position requires knowledge of the local community of methamphetamine users, particularly amongst LGBTQ+ individuals. Passion for the mission of HIPS, including a strong commitment to working to improve the health and quality of life of people using methamphetamine, is a must.
Other key areas of expertise and/or community experience include:
- Knowledge of DC community resources and service providers.
- Ability to assess clients for needs related to harm reduction education and connection to other social services, particularly around housing and health-related services.
- Knowledge of and/or experience with issues related to drug use and HIV / HCV prevention and/or treatment.
- Knowledge of and/or experience with issues that put people at risk for poorer health, such is homelessness, incarceration, domestic violence, and/or sex work.
- Strong communication skills are essential.
- Public speaking skills and comfort presenting in front of audiences ranging from as few as five, to as many as over 100 individuals is strongly desired.
- Demonstrated ability to conduct sensitive, empathetic interviews and conversations that highly respect the dignity and diversity of clients.
- Ability to engage staff and clients in a supportive and empowering way.
- Ability to manage conflict.
- Ability to maintain client records, data, and information in an accurate, timely, and confidential manner.
- Basic computer skills required. Knowledge of Google Suite is a plus.
- Personal qualities including energy, diplomacy, and sound practical judgment; the ability to work independently during periods of less supervision; the ability to work effectively in a busy office; and the interpersonal skills to work effectively in partnership with other program staff and others in the agency.
- Resourcefulness, good judgement, and decision making skills are a must.
- High school diploma or GED preferred, but not required.
FOR COORDINATOR-LEVEL POSITION
- A minimum of 2 years of experience with program coordination and/or supervision.
- Knowledge of national harm reduction networks and creating connections with methamphetamine focused providers across the US
- Knowledge of systemic issues that need to be addressed, particularly in relation to drug use and LGBTQ+ communities, in the District.
- Working knowledge of medical concepts to provide support to medical professionals and assist in triaging infections, wounds, and illnesses for clients.
- Knowledge of psychiatric options for meth using clients in DC
- Knowledge of programs available to assist individuals in lessening their methamphetamine use.
WORKING CONDITIONS
This is a full-time position with benefits. The position is half “on-site” at HIPS, half “off-site” doing outreach and conducting trainings. Position is grant funded through February 2022, with the opportunity for an extended contract under the condition of renewed funding for the position. Some minimal lifting, physical activity, walking up stairs, and sitting required. Some weekend and/or late night hours will be required. Applicants must be able to repeatedly lift 10-25 pounds; work outdoors year-round for up to 8 hours at a time, even in extreme temperatures; walk up and down stairs multiple times on a daily basis; stand and sit for up to 8 hours a day.
COMPENSATION: $20/HR - $22/HR - based on experience + full benefits
TO APPLY
Please email your resume, cover letter to work@hips.org . Please include (First Initial - Last Name) Meth Services as your subject line.
HIPS Benefits
Full Time Employees
HIPS comprehensive benefits package includes: 100% employer sponsored medical, dental, vision, and life plans as well as accrued paid time off that begins accruing on your first day at HIPS. Paid bereavement time issued annually. Access to a health flexible spending account, ancillary benefits like hospital, accident, critical illness, and prepaid legal insurance, discounted HIPS swag, and access to HIPS employee assistance program. After one year of service, full time employees may participate in HIPS 401k retirement plan.
HIPS comprehensive benefits package includes: 100% employer sponsored medical, dental, vision, and life plans as well as accrued paid time off that begins accruing on your first day at HIPS. Paid bereavement time issued annually. Access to a health flexible spending account, ancillary benefits like hospital, accident, critical illness, and prepaid legal insurance, discounted HIPS swag, and access to HIPS employee assistance program. After one year of service, full time employees may participate in HIPS 401k retirement plan.
Ready to Apply?
Application Checklist:
- Updated Resume in PDF Format
- Cover Letter in PDF Format
- Email Subject: [Position] Application - [Last Name, First Name]
Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
It is the policy of HIPS to provide equal opportunity of employment for all qualified persons. HIPS complies with all applicable laws governing fair employment practices. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, creed, color, disability, sex, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation or any other factor made unlawful by applicable federal, state or local laws. Employment opportunities shall be open to all qualified applicants, and employment decisions shall be made on the basis of a person’s performance, education, experience, skill, potential and other job related factors. HIPS will take affirmative action to ensure that the EEO Policy is implemented, with particular regard to: advertising, application procedures, compensation, demotion, employment, fringe benefits, job assignment, job classification, layoff, leave, promotion, recruitment, rehire, social activities, training, termination, transfer, upgrade, and working conditions. HIPS will continue to make it understood by the employment entities with which it deals, and in employment opportunity announcements that the foregoing is company policy and all employment decisions are based on individual merit only. All current employees of HIPS are requested to encourage qualified disabled persons, sex workers, drug users and transgender individuals, minorities, special disabled veterans, and Vietnam Era veterans to apply for employment, on the job training or for union accommodations for qualified disabled individuals. It is the policy of HIPS that all company activities, facilities, and job sites are nonsegregated. Separate or single-user toilet and changing facilities are provided to assure privacy. It is the policy of HIPS to ensure and maintain a working environment free of coercion, harassment, and intimidation at all job sites, and in all facilities at which employees are assigned to work.