Harm Reduction Health Educator

Nature of Work:

Responsible for the promotion of harm reduction principles and education through evidence-based practices. Provides support for Anne Arundel Peers Offering Wellness Education and Resources (AAPOWER), a harm reduction peer-delivered direct street outreach program, consisting of a network of people with lived experience, related to drug use. AAPOWER aims to reduce risks associated with drug use, such as drug overdoses and the spread of infectious disease, and to improve overall physical, mental and societal health by providing risk reduction strategies through infectious disease testing, overdose prevention training, and referrals related to drug use, substance use disorder, treatment, and recovery. AAPOWER engages people with lived experience and mobilizes community members to distribute harm reduction education and tools.

Plan, implement and promote harm reduction tailored educational messages and trainings, which are driven by community engagement and input from people who use drugs. Build rapport and relationships with community members and local business owners to distribute promotional items, while also providing relevant risk reduction education in a non-judgmental way. Create a program for academic detailing of harm reduction practices and principles for health care services. Continue the development of a Harm Reduction Advisory Council. Work with the existing AAPOWER team to increase and sustain the capacity of the Volunteer Incentive Program.

This position is typically performed outside of a traditional office environment. Work environments may include, but are not limited to, outdoors (e.g., during street outreach), at community-based organizations throughout the county, and in Department of Health (DOH) offices. Required to travel to locations throughout Anne Arundel County for meetings and other business-related needs.

Experience:

Two years working in harm reduction. Self-identifies as someone who has first-hand experience with substance use or co-occurring disorder. Knowledgeable in overdose prevention, substance use disorder treatment, harm reduction and recovery. Skills in monitoring, analyzing and interpreting data. Experience with facilitating meetings (in person and virtually), managing group dynamics and providing consultation with other professionals and the general public. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, maintain good working relationships with people from diverse backgrounds, and execute problem solving skills. Ability to develop program goals and objectives and work independently and within a team to achieve those goals and objectives. Strong dedication to cultural competency and health equity.

License or Certification:

Have and maintain a valid license to operate a motor vehicle in Maryland.

Desired or Preferred Qualifications:

Public speaking; knowledge of harm reduction principles and strategies; very strong time management and organizational skills; ability to work independently and on a team; Excellent written and oral communication skills; advanced understanding of the public behavioral health system; proficient with Google-based business tools (Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Drive, Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Forms, Google Meet, etc.) and Zoom.

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications can apply.
Send a completed County application or resume to:

Human Resources
3 Harry S. Truman Parkway
Annapolis, MD 21401

Fax to 410-222-4392 or email hdrecruiter@aacounty.org.