Relay Wellness Advocate

Relay Wellness Advocate

The Fund for Public Health in New York City (FPHNYC) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that is dedicated to the advancement of the health and well-being of all New Yorkers.  To this end, in partnership with the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), FPHNYC incubates innovative public health initiatives implemented by DOHMH to advance community health throughout the city. It facilitates partnerships, often new and unconventional, between government and the private sector to develop, test, and launch new initiatives. These collaborations speed the execution of demonstration projects, effect expansion of successful pilot programs, and support rapid implementation to meet the public health needs of individuals, families, and communities across New York City.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Division/Program Description:

The Bureau of Alcohol and Drug Use Prevention, Care and Treatment (BADUPCT) works to reduce morbidity and mortality related to alcohol and substance use among New Yorkers through contracting and oversight of prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery and support services; policy analysis and development; epidemiology, surveillance, and evaluation; development and dissemination of treatment and management guidelines; harm reduction initiatives; public and provider outreach and education; and community involvement and interagency collaboration.

Relay, a nonfatal overdose response system, is an initiative providing 24/7 support to individuals transported to hospital emergency departments (EDs) following a non-fatal opioid overdose. A Wellness Advocate will visit patients in the ED to provide immediate support and overdose prevention training following an overdose event and offer ongoing support and linkage to care for a maximum of three months after hospital discharge.

POSITION OVERVIEW/RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the supervision of the Wellness Advocate Supervisor, the Wellness Advocate will:

• Coordinate and monitor the implementation of Relay at assigned hospital emergency departments (EDs) and referrals to community services.
• Provide technical assistance and train ED staff on program implementation, policies and procedures.
• Closely collaborates with ED staff and community partnerships on continued integration of Relay.
• Use her/his lived experience with substance use to provide support to patients in the ED following a non-fatal overdose and introduce Relay to patients and obtain consent for follow up services.
• Conduct overdose prevention trainings with patients and their social networks including naloxone distribution.
• Contact and engage patients within 24-hours following hospital discharge.
• Provide patients with support and assist with linkage to care and community resources for a maximum of 90 days following hospital discharge. Accompany patients to appointments as required.
• Provide information on and offer appropriate referral options to harm reduction programs, medication for opioid use disorder, and drug treatment as requested.
• Maintain detailed records of patient contacts and follow-up activities.
• Collect and report program data to evaluate program performance.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong communication and organization skills
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with culturally diverse populations
• Familiarity and openness to the principles of harm reduction
• Familiarity and openness to a range of drug treatment modalities including medication for opioid use disorder
• Willingness to travel within the five boroughs
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Basic computer skills
• Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) or Peer specialist (CCAR) training
• Commensurate experience of at least two years in human service field
• Experience working with clients.

LOCATION

Gotham Center, 42-09 28th Street LIC, NY 11101

HOURS

35 hours per week. This position will be funded through 6/30/2024, with possibility of extension.  This position is scheduled from 7am-3pm or 11am-7pm, depending on the program’s need.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

• Annual Salary range is $64,000 - $67,000 
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) policy
• Medical, dental, and life insurance with low or no employee contribution
• A retirement savings plan with generous employer contribution
• Flexible spending medical and commuter benefits plan
• Meaningful work at an organization striving to advance health equity and social justice

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This position will be hired through FPHNY, with opportunity to move into a permanent DOHMH position.

TO APPLY

To apply, submit resume, with cover letter, including salary requested and how your experience relates to this position. We ask that you do not contact our staff directly, and no phone inquiries please. Applicants who best match the position needs will be contacted.

The Fund for Public Health in New York City is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages a diverse pool of candidates to apply.