Harm Reduction Case Manager

Under the supervision of the Harm Reduction Coordinator, the Harm Reduction Case Manager is responsible for providing comprehensive case management services to participants of the HEAL Somerset Harm Reduction Center ( H arm Reduction, E ducation, A ssistance, L ive Safer), Somerset County’s first Harm Reduction Center. The Harm Reduction Case Manager (Bilingual) will work directly with participants to promote wellness, teach skills to make healthier life decisions, help with harm reduction strategies, facilitate linkages and referrals to treatment or recovery supports to assist them in achieving their goals within their individualized recovery plan, assist participants in navigating the mental health and substance use system of care, remove barriers to recovery, stay engaged in the recovery process, and live a full life. The Harm Reduction Case Manager (Bilingual) will improve the ability to provide community outreach education and institute health initiatives in areas of Somerset County identified as those most impacted by disparities in behavioral healthcare, by providing intensive system coordination for participants to address whole health needs inclusive of MAT, chronic and acute health problems, and mental health needs.

Essential Functions

• Provide comprehensive case management that addresses life domains such as housing, finances, transportation, legal services, vocational, employment, health care, and family strengths/needs
• Successfully link HEAL Somerset participants to community-based programs that address the medical and psychosocial needs of people who use substances, especially to treatment for substance use disorder and care and treatment for infections related to injection drug use, including viral hepatitis, HIV, and bacterial infections, including endocarditis. Potential assistance may also include help applying for identification, Medicaid, or unemployment.
• Link participants to non-judgmental programs, able to serve active people who use substances, and otherwise culturally competent to meet the needs of this community
• Provide education on overdose prevention and reversal, HIV and Hep C, and harm reduction strategies to participants and various organizations within the community
• Participate in Syringe Services, including distribution of sterile syringes and sharps containers to participants and educating participants on safer injection strategies and proper sharps disposal procedures
• Contribute to agency performance improvement efforts to ensure services are in accordance with state regulations and accrediting body standards, Collaborate/communicate with systems partners
• Work closely with the Harm Reduction Coordinator on progress towards program goals and to ensure all data collection required for grant reporting is completed
• Document all activity and correspondence in accordance with HEAL Somerset policy, Center policy, state regulations, and Joint Commission standards
• Engage in team meetings and individual supervision
• Engage in continuing education to maintain and develop clinical skills, meet agency competency standards, and satisfy requirements for ongoing licensure Perform other job-related duties as assigned

Qualifications

Essential

• Experience working with culturally diverse populations
• Bachelor’s degree in psychology, counseling, social work, criminal justice, education, or other behavioral health related field
• Must have relevant experience providing services and case management to individuals living with a substance use disorder.
• Has experience in working across cultures
• Must possess knowledge of formal/informal community systems and resources
• Must have knowledge of Wellness and Recovery Principles, Person Centered Care, Trauma Informed Care and Integrated Healthcare
• Must possess a valid NJ driver’s license in good standing Ability to work collaboratively and build relationships with colleagues, coworkers, vendors, contractors, and the public

Preferred

• CADC/LCADC
• Knowledge of community resources and services and the ability to collaborate with other professionals
• Trained in conducting Substance Use Interventions
• Advanced degree in social work, public health, or a related field

Hours: 37.5/week

Salary: $50,000 - 54,000/year

Benefits include health coverage (medical, prescription, and dental), paid time off (vacation, holidays, and sick), a deferred compensation plan, and enrollment in the NJ State Pension System.