Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program
Harm Reduction Technician/Treatment Program Specialist
Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Boston, Massachusetts, us, 02298
Overview
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.
Job Summary Hours: Full-time; 40 hours per week, Monday‑Friday, 8:00 am‑4:30 pm. This position offers flexible scheduling with shifts available seven days a week, including mornings, evenings, and overnights. Union: 1199SEIU. Patient Facing: Yes. The position is at the Barbara McInnis House, a 104‑bed medical respite facility in Boston’s South End. We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated professional to serve as a Treatment Specialist/Harm Reduction Milieu Manager who is also EMT‑certified.
In this unique hybrid role, you will support patients at critical moments in their recovery journey by assessing substance use histories, evaluating readiness for treatment, and coordinating safe discharge plans. Equally important, you will help foster a healing environment within the respite milieu by providing harm‑reduction support, de‑escalating behavioral challenges, and ensuring patient safety.
Working as part of a collaborative, multidisciplinary team that includes nurses, physicians, behavioral health clinicians, external partners (such as treatment programs), and security staff, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on patients’ lives. Your efforts will not only connect individuals to the next stage of care but also promote dignity, trust, and empowerment during their stay in respite.
Responsibilities
Treatment Referral & Discharge Planning
Assess substance use and treatment histories of patients referred by clinical and behavioral health teams
Foster a non-judgmental and empathetic approach to addressing substance use and related behaviors, recognizing each patient’s autonomy and inherent worth
Complete Bio-psychosocial assessments to inform treatment planning
Manage treatment referral queue: assist patients with applications, coordinate interviews, gather documentation, and follow up on program/bed availability
Provide patients with basic counseling about treatment options, using motivational interviewing techniques
Collaborate with treatment programs daily to check referral/application status
Support patients and teams with transitions from respite to treatment programs
Document services in Epic and provide end-of-day referral status updates to teams
Work closely with unit secretaries/transportation managers in supporting patients with methadone appointments as needed
Respond appropriately to emergencies by contacting the appropriate staff
Provide crisis management, behavioral de-escalation, and emergency response as needed
Serve as a role model by maintaining healthy boundaries and professional conduct
Utilize trauma-sensitive and motivational interviewing communication to foster trust and patient engagement
Provide education on harm reduction strategies, safer substance use practices, overdose prevention, and naloxone access
Assist with immediate case management needs (e.g., material resources, methadone appointments)
Act as a member of an interdisciplinary team of caregivers; collaborate with team RN and Behavioral Health clinicians throughout the shift to determine appropriate work assignments and priorities; communicate the status of delegated tasks and outcomes of patient data findings
Qualifications
Commonwealth of Massachusetts EMT Certification required
Minimum of 2 years EMT or paramedic experience is strongly preferred
Understanding of substance use disorder and behavioral health issues
Interest and experience with the underserved population is preferable
Experience in understanding the effects and management of sedating medications and polysubstance use
Effective verbal, written, and interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with providers and team members from various settings and backgrounds
Sensitivity to ethnic, cultural, gender, beliefs, and behaviors.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, with excellent communication skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities
Knowledge of Harm Reduction/motivational interviewing techniques under a trauma-informed approach
Ability to work with patients with complex medical/PTSD/complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD)
Self-directed, motivated, and flexible, able to work independently and as part of a team
Preferred: Associate degree or Certification in Alcohol & Drug Counseling (LADC II); EMT Certification
Experience with substance use treatment systems (ATS, CSS, TSS, sober homes, residential)
Training/experience in motivational interviewing and harm reduction
Strong assessment, documentation, and organizational skills
Effective communication, interpersonal, and de-escalation skills
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, multitask, and adapt to change
Knowledge of multicultural issues, trauma-informed care, and the complex health needs of patients experiencing homelessness
If in personal recovery, minimum 1–2 years of continuous abstinence
Computer literacy required; Epic experience preferred
Bilingual (Spanish or Portuguese) strongly preferred
Compensation and Benefits
The compensation is $31.11 per hour
BHCHP full‑time employees are eligible for a 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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Job Summary Hours: Full-time; 40 hours per week, Monday‑Friday, 8:00 am‑4:30 pm. This position offers flexible scheduling with shifts available seven days a week, including mornings, evenings, and overnights. Union: 1199SEIU. Patient Facing: Yes. The position is at the Barbara McInnis House, a 104‑bed medical respite facility in Boston’s South End. We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated professional to serve as a Treatment Specialist/Harm Reduction Milieu Manager who is also EMT‑certified.
In this unique hybrid role, you will support patients at critical moments in their recovery journey by assessing substance use histories, evaluating readiness for treatment, and coordinating safe discharge plans. Equally important, you will help foster a healing environment within the respite milieu by providing harm‑reduction support, de‑escalating behavioral challenges, and ensuring patient safety.
Working as part of a collaborative, multidisciplinary team that includes nurses, physicians, behavioral health clinicians, external partners (such as treatment programs), and security staff, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on patients’ lives. Your efforts will not only connect individuals to the next stage of care but also promote dignity, trust, and empowerment during their stay in respite.
Responsibilities
Treatment Referral & Discharge Planning
Assess substance use and treatment histories of patients referred by clinical and behavioral health teams
Foster a non-judgmental and empathetic approach to addressing substance use and related behaviors, recognizing each patient’s autonomy and inherent worth
Complete Bio-psychosocial assessments to inform treatment planning
Manage treatment referral queue: assist patients with applications, coordinate interviews, gather documentation, and follow up on program/bed availability
Provide patients with basic counseling about treatment options, using motivational interviewing techniques
Collaborate with treatment programs daily to check referral/application status
Support patients and teams with transitions from respite to treatment programs
Document services in Epic and provide end-of-day referral status updates to teams
Work closely with unit secretaries/transportation managers in supporting patients with methadone appointments as needed
Respond appropriately to emergencies by contacting the appropriate staff
Provide crisis management, behavioral de-escalation, and emergency response as needed
Serve as a role model by maintaining healthy boundaries and professional conduct
Utilize trauma-sensitive and motivational interviewing communication to foster trust and patient engagement
Provide education on harm reduction strategies, safer substance use practices, overdose prevention, and naloxone access
Assist with immediate case management needs (e.g., material resources, methadone appointments)
Act as a member of an interdisciplinary team of caregivers; collaborate with team RN and Behavioral Health clinicians throughout the shift to determine appropriate work assignments and priorities; communicate the status of delegated tasks and outcomes of patient data findings
Qualifications
Commonwealth of Massachusetts EMT Certification required
Minimum of 2 years EMT or paramedic experience is strongly preferred
Understanding of substance use disorder and behavioral health issues
Interest and experience with the underserved population is preferable
Experience in understanding the effects and management of sedating medications and polysubstance use
Effective verbal, written, and interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with providers and team members from various settings and backgrounds
Sensitivity to ethnic, cultural, gender, beliefs, and behaviors.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, with excellent communication skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities
Knowledge of Harm Reduction/motivational interviewing techniques under a trauma-informed approach
Ability to work with patients with complex medical/PTSD/complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD)
Self-directed, motivated, and flexible, able to work independently and as part of a team
Preferred: Associate degree or Certification in Alcohol & Drug Counseling (LADC II); EMT Certification
Experience with substance use treatment systems (ATS, CSS, TSS, sober homes, residential)
Training/experience in motivational interviewing and harm reduction
Strong assessment, documentation, and organizational skills
Effective communication, interpersonal, and de-escalation skills
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, multitask, and adapt to change
Knowledge of multicultural issues, trauma-informed care, and the complex health needs of patients experiencing homelessness
If in personal recovery, minimum 1–2 years of continuous abstinence
Computer literacy required; Epic experience preferred
Bilingual (Spanish or Portuguese) strongly preferred
Compensation and Benefits
The compensation is $31.11 per hour
BHCHP full‑time employees are eligible for a 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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr