Job Information
Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program Harm Reduction Technicians - Per Diem (EMT Trained) in Boston, Massachusetts
HEALTH CARE THAT MATTERS
We ’re at a challenging time in health care with the dueling epidemics of the overdose crisis and COVID-19.
Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program is proud to be part of the solution. As such, we have been providing care at Mass/Cass for the past three years. Our patients have some of the most complex health conditions, exacerbated by larger systems and the experience of homelessness, and we marvel at their resilience.
Do you want to provide Health Care that Matters? That’s what we aim to do. Every day. In our clinics, in shelters, on a mobile van and on the streets of Boston.
If you are a motivated, compassionate skilled care giver and you want to:
Learn complicated, trauma-informed medicine and a harm reduction approach to care.
Develop your clinical skills in a unique environment
Work in varied and interesting settings and fields of practice
Join a strong, cohesive team with deep expertise
Accompany your patients as they seek to meet their goals and
Become part of the future of health care
…then, BHCHP is the place for you.
Boston Health Care for the Homeless is seeking per diem technicians to work day, evening, off shift, and overnight shifts in our harm reduction roles at our sedation monitoring programs at low-threshold shelters throughout the city.
Based on the needs of the Program, Technicians may be required to be available at other harm reduction locations as needed, including but not limited to:
The Engagement Center Clinic, located within a drop-in day center for homeless individuals of Boston
SPOT (Supportive Place for Observation and Treatment), our sedation monitoring program, including daytime and overnight coverage
The RIZE Room (a Harm Reduction site located at St. Francis House)
Outreach, working in pairs to provide care to persons living on the streets
The ideal candidate for this role is a compassionate and self-motivated individual who embraces the mission of BHCHP and is committed to delivering high quality clinical care utilizing a harm reduction approach in a low-threshold community environment.
Bilingual, Bicultural, LGBTQIA identifying, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color are encouraged to apply .
Job Summary:
Hours: Per Diem; as needed, 7:00am – 7:30pm and 7:00pm - 7:30am (additional 4 hours shifts at other threshold sites)
While working at the sites you will provide in-the-moment, low-threshold medical access to patients who may otherwise not present to shelter clinics. In instances of sedation monitoring, you will ensure that sedated patients are triaged and safely monitored in a supportive and compassionate environment. Services provided will include clinical assessments, clinical case management, medical monitoring, intervention in the case of overdose and immediate linkages to addiction treatment and primary care.
While monitoring sedated patients, you will ensure that sedated patients are triaged and monitored safely in a supportive and compassionate environment in which the intent is to reduce harm from drug use. The services provided will be medical monitoring, intervention in the case of overdose and immediate linkages to addiction treatment and primary care. The goals of this approach are to address an existing problem for BHCHP patients, to decrease overdose deaths and to connect patients more effectively to addiction treatment.
Responsibilities:
Direct Clinical Care:
Direct clinical care to ensure that all needs of the patients are met, conforming to established policies and procedures, as well as Department of Public Health regulations
Serve as the first responder in the case of a medical emergency at all sites
Provide supportive and non-judgmental clinical support for patients with substance use disorder in a manner consistent with Harm Reduction Principles
Provide basic wound care and skin assessment
Accurate assessment of sedation and documentation and clinical intervention as appropriate
Reaches out to clinical supports for care coordination and to provide high standards of patient care
Provide risk reduction counseling and connection to treatment programs
Responsible for updating and maintaining accurate treatment records, flow sheets and other documentation; responsible for ensuring that the medical aspects of the engagement center are fully equipped and operational daily
Communication:
Maintains a direct line of communication with harm reduction staff, engagement center BPHC staff, and shelter staff; timely communication with supervisor regarding shift change needs
Maintains a professional approach
Maintains the standards of accurate and complete recording and reporting ensuring that the clinical record for each patient is current and accurate
Team Based Collaboration:
Functions as part of a team that includes the Director(s) of Harm Reduction Services, BPHC engagement site staff, Rapid Response Team, St. Francis House staff and Southampton Shelter staff and clinic staff
Open to job sharing
Qualifications:
Commonwealth of Massachusetts EMT Certification
Minimum of 2 years EMT experience strongly preferred
Strong assessment skills, s elf-directed, motivated, and flexible with the ability to work independently and as part of a team
Pharmacological understanding of medications or drugs that cause sedation, knowledge of opioid overdose management and brief interventions
Understanding of substance use disorder and behavioral health issues
Interest and experience with under served population preferable
Interest in public health, primary and preventive nursing/medicine and working with disadvantaged groups
Bilingual candidates encouraged to apply
Individuals with lived experience encouraged to apply
Compensation:
Compensation is $32.04 per hour.
“Be the change you wish to see in the world.” -Gandhi
Whether you are a new grad looking to build your skills or an experienced EMT looking for a change, we need YOU. Are you ready to meet this challenge with us?
Does this amazing opportunity interest you? Then we'd love to hear from you.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, BHCHP pledges not to discriminate against and encourages those from underrepresented and underserved backgrounds to apply, particularly Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), LGBTQIA identifying, first generation college students and adults without a college degree, Bilingual and Bicultural persons; and individuals from low economic backgrounds.
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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