Job Openings at the CAF
JOB OPENING: PART TIME PEER OUTREACH WORKER
The Chris Atwood Foundation (CAF) is a grassroots, community-based nonprofit in Northern Virginia working to save lives from opioid overdose, provide recovery support to individuals affected by addiction, and fight the stigma of this preventable and treatable brain disorder.
We are seeking two Peer Outreach Workers who will be responsible for meeting the needs of people at risk for, or affected by: opioid overdose, substance use disorder, HIV/AIDS, and hepatitis in two separate regions. We will select a candidate from the region in which they will operate:
Region 1: Fairfax, Loudoun, and Arlington Counties.
Region 2: Prince William and Fauquier County, surrounding rural areas.
Working within a harm reduction and rights based philosophy, this position will assist participants to reduce the harms caused by substance use, improve their quality of life, and meet their own individualized positive-change goals. Strong candidates will be in recovery from drug use themselves (peers) and have strong connections with people who use drugs, or know how and where to network with them and win their trust. They must believe in harm reduction philosophy and respect that abstinence is not realistic for all people, or at all points in one’s journey.
The work requires travel across the three counties mentioned above, including locations such as homes, shelters, religious organizations, businesses, and community agencies. A valid driver’s license, personal vehicle, and cell phone are required. Must have a flexible schedule including day, evening, and weekend availability. This is a remote, field-based position, but the ability to come to our Reston, VA office for weekly staff meetings is required. The position pays $18 per hour for 25 hours per week. We also will provide the federal standard mileage reimbursement of $ .58 per mile.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Locate and connect with individuals who use drugs, winning their trust through compassion and non-judgmental support.
Work with participants to create individualized health goals.
Provide overdose reversal training, narcan, and other harm reduction supplies to individuals at-risk for overdose, HIV, and Hep C.
Assess participant needs in the areas of harm reduction, addiction treatment, other health care, housing, income, social support, legal issues, and provide appropriate referrals.
Assist with general navigation of the health care system, including assisting participants with paperwork and attending appointments with them.
Provide supportive counseling and crisis intervention.
Maintain contact with participants via regular appointments, telephone calls, and other follow-up as needed.
Coordinate a network of services on behalf of participants by bridging communication gaps between them and service providers.
Develop positive, respectful relationships with participants of the program.
Complete all necessary documentation and tracking
Comply with agency policies and procedures
Other related duties as required
Requirements - Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Experience with drug use and drug using communities.
Current relationships with individuals in the drug-using community is preferred.
Ability to work with challenging participants. Confidence in dealing with individuals under the influence, in crisis, distress, and dealing with trauma.
Ability to work with individuals of varying ethnicities, socio-economic levels, cultures, and sexual orientations.
Culturally competent and sensitive.
High ethical standards and professionalism with a demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality.
Disciplined and self-starting, ability to work independently.
Proven ability to analyze and troubleshoot difficult problems.
Demonstrated ability with computer programs, including but not limited to Microsoft Office products, google drive..
Certification as a peer support specialist or experience with substance use counseling is a plus but not required.
Knowledge of Harm Reduction and the needs of persons living with substance use disorder, HIV/AIDS, or Hepatitis C.
Please submit your resumes to sonya@thecaf.org by September 6th 2019.
The CAF is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, criminal background, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.
