Harm Reduction Specialist

Harm Reduction Specialist – Full-Time

Organization: CORA (Comunidad en Outreach for Resilience and Awareness)
Location: Los Angeles, California (Community-Based/Field Position)
Employment: Full-Time, 40 hours per week
Compensation: $23.00–$26.00 per hour
Schedule: Flexible, including evenings and weekends

Email Resume: admin@corala.org

About CORA

CORA is a community-centered nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing health equity, overdose prevention, and access to compassionate, low-barrier harm reduction services throughout Los Angeles County.

Our work focuses on culturally responsive outreach, education, participant empowerment, and connections to healthcare and essential community resources.

Position Summary

CORA is seeking a motivated, compassionate, and community-oriented Harm Reduction Specialist to join our growing team.

The Harm Reduction Specialist provides direct outreach, overdose prevention education, harm reduction supplies, and health and social service navigation to individuals impacted by substance use, homelessness, and barriers to healthcare.

The position also supports individuals who are justice-involved or returning to the community following incarceration.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct community-based outreach throughout Los Angeles County.

• Distribute naloxone, safer-use supplies, and overdose prevention materials.

• Provide overdose prevention education and respond to overdoses following organizational protocols.

• Build trusting relationships with participants using trauma-informed, nonjudgmental approaches.

• Connect participants to medications for addiction treatment (MAT), HIV/HCV/STI testing, healthcare, housing, and behavioral health services.

• Support individuals returning from incarceration with community reintegration, benefits enrollment, and resource navigation.

• Provide follow-up support to participants accessing referrals and services.

• Assist with overdose prevention trainings, community presentations, and outreach events.

• Maintain accurate participant records, outreach data, and service documentation.

• Collaborate with community partners, healthcare providers, and CORA team members.

• Travel to outreach locations and partner sites throughout Los Angeles County.

• Follow organizational safety, confidentiality, and documentation policies.

Qualifications

Required:

• Commitment to harm reduction, public health, and compassionate community engagement.

• Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in community settings.

• Basic computer skills and willingness to learn electronic documentation systems.

• Valid California driver's license and proof of automobile insurance.

• Availability to work flexible schedules, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

• Ability to complete required organizational training and certifications.

Preferred:

• Experience in harm reduction, community outreach, public health, or social services.

• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish.

• Experience working with individuals impacted by substance use, homelessness, or behavioral health challenges.

• Experience supporting justice-involved individuals or people returning from incarceration.

• Familiarity with Los Angeles County communities and resources.

Lived experience with substance use, recovery, or reentry is valued but not required.

Additional Information

This is a field-based position requiring travel throughout Los Angeles County. Employees using personal vehicles for approved work travel receive mileage reimbursement at the applicable IRS standard mileage rate.

CORA provides required job-related training and supports ongoing professional development.

CORA is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and fair hiring practices. Reasonable accommodations are available for qualified applicants and employees.