Youth Services Peer Navigator Harm Reduction - Manhattan Lower East Side

Summary

Streetwork Project is an innovative outreach-counseling program for homeless youth in Harlem, which utilizes a harm reduction approach providing comprehensive services to adolescents and young adults impacted by homelessness and involved in street activities (gangs, violence, drug use/sale and survival sex). 

The Youth Services Navigator will promote access to harm reduction supplies and services at Streetwork’s Drop-In Center, with a focus on LGBTQ youth and youth of color at risk of SUDs Youth Services Navigators (YSN) will facilitate and conduct one-on-one harm reduction goal setting intervention for drug using clients. Youth Services Navigators will provide overdose prevention and response trainings for drug users. The YSN will provide youth seeking harm reduction services with information, counseling and supplies (safer syringe services, sniff kits, safer sex supplies, Naloxone kits and sharps disposal kits), The Youth Services Navigators will also be needed to provide general program services such client monitoring in the milieu, intake and assessment, supportive counseling, referrals, syringe exchange, escorts and the provision of concrete services (meal preparation  client, laundry, provision of supplies), and groups. 

Responsibilities:

• Learn and integrate a trauma-informed, client-centered approach, using an anti-oppressive lens, into your work with clients.
• Engagement of adolescents into program structure (harm reduction philosophy, rules, mutual respect)
• Milieu counseling; Mediation for internal conflicts
• Facilitate access to daily living needs (food, clothes, hygiene supplies, space to rest)
• Conduct intake and assessment and screen for substance use risk
• Facilitate and conduct educational presentations on drug user health and well-being issues and engage clients in practicing harm reduction techniques to reduce risk.
• Co-facilitate trainings / educational presentations to staff around emerging trends amongst target population
• Provide syringe exchange, opioid overdose reversal medication and overdose prevention education and distribution of materials related to drug use in promotion of health and well-being
• Convene and facilitate a quarterly peer advisory group
• Oversee and manage social media post and messaging around available harm reduction services
• Conduct audits of the Streetwork Drop-In Centers to identify opportunities to increase harm reduction accessibility through signage, posters, and a welcoming display of harm reduction supplies.
• Connect clients to supportive resources with both internal and external partners to increase client’s access to benefits and resources; provide accompaniment as necessary and requested by clients
• Participate in weekly case conferencing meetings
• Maintain routine administrative responsibilities to include the preparation of correspondence, maintaining files, mail, email, and telephone.
• Participation in staff trainings, staff meetings, and staff group process workshops
• Participate in weekly supervision

Secondary Job Functions:

• Identification of new resources appropriate for population
• Provide wellness and recreational (engagement) activities
• Provide support in organizing events in the Drop-In Center, monitor entrance to the program, oversee concrete support to clients.
• Support Peer Street Outreach at Both the LES and Uptown Site

Interacts with:                        

• All Streetwork program sites and staff
• All internal Safe Horizon programs and departments that can comprehensively support the client and case plan
• All external agencies and organizations that can provide appropriate services to the client                                                     

Knowledge and Skills:

Required:

• Compassionate approach to others and openness to new ideas
• Dynamic energy, able to multi-task and negotiate multiple demands on attention
• Non-judgmental approach and ability to empathize with others
• Clear and concise verbal and written communication skill, excellent interpersonal and organization skills
• Genuine interest in working with disenfranchised youth and young adults
• Understanding of and ability to work from harm reduction perspective addressing substance use, mental health issues and HIV risk behaviors
• One (1) year experience working with homeless population, youth, or harm reduction, and lived experience similar to target population
• Demonstrated ability to work independently

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency plus relevant training and experience in human services or related field, including some prior experience working with victims of crime OR
• Two years of high-quality work at a Streetwork Project site

Required:

Personal experience with street survival activities (homelessness, gangs, drug economy, substance use, sex industry) with at least three years separation from involvement in these activities as well as a deep understanding of the relationship between personal experiences and professional standards.

Other:

Basic understanding of computer and systems for managing case records

Physical demands:

This position has certain physical demand requirements, which include, but may not be limited to, remaining in a stationary position for long hours, lifting up to 25 lbs, and climbing up stairs. Tasks may involve exposure to blood, bodily fluid, or tissues.

If hired, I agree to abide by all of Safe Horizon’s rules and regulations, and understand that, if employed, my employment may be terminated with or without cause, and with or without notice, at any time, at the option of either the company or me. I further understand that no representation, whether oral or written by any representative or agent of the organization, at any time, constitutes a contract of employment.   

AmeriCorps, Peace Corps and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply.  

Technology Statement:  
Applicants may be responsible for providing the equipment and tools they need to work remotely as required, such as access to a computer, internet service, and phone service. Safe Horizon will discuss potential solutions with candidates and may assist where needed and agreed to in advance.  

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Hiring Range: $23.63 to $26.10 per hour
Full-time Hours: 35 Hours per week 
Full-time Benefits: Vacation Time, Paid Sick Time, Holidays, Medical, Dental, Vision, 403(b) Retirement Plan, Company Life Insurance, Medical/Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, Tuition Assistance Program, Commuter Benefits Program, Gym Reimbursement, Parental Leave, Employee Learning Center 

Safe Horizon was named one of City & State New York Top Workplaces of 2025 and 2026