Needle Exchange Coordinator
London based homelessness charity are looking for a Needle Exchange Coordinator to join their growing team.
Position: Needle Exchange Coordinator
Location: Tower Hamlets, London
Salary: up to £34k per annum
Contract: 35 hours per week, permanent
About the role:
You will provide a nonjudgmental, non-coercive needle exchange service that focuses on each person's individual goals for substance use and overall well-being. You will help to encourage people from hard-to-reach groups to use needle exchange and treatment facilities, if desired. You will provide individuals with focused harm reduction advice and information on the hazards associated with their specific substance use, as well as support them in improving their health and well-being. As appropriate, you will join other Reset Outreach and Referral Service workers on outreach and in-reach missions to gain a better understanding of the local environment and establish rapport with service users.
Key responsibilities include:
- Lead on the delivery of a busy Needle Exchange Service
- Manage the needle exchange inventory, which includes taking regular stock, organising incoming deliveries of relevant supplies, and ensuring all supplies are stored safely.
- Manage existing relationships and emerging ones relevant to the role and explore new potential partners.
- Coordinate the safe return of equipment.
- Manage the needle exchange room, ensuring it is kept to Health and Safety Standards set by the commissioning body.
- Ensure policies, procedures, and quality control are in place for all service users, staff, and volunteers when carrying out the Needle Exchange.
- Provide support to people interested in changing their alcohol and substance use through 1:1 support and referrals into treatment & recovery services.
- Ensure that needle exchange data is properly recorded across the team.
- Record all client contact, service delivery, and outcomes.
- Lead on health promotion, training, and ad hoc outreach work when required.
About you:
To be successful in this role you will have:
- Experience of delivering a professional and engaging Needle Exchange Service
- Experience of working with vulnerable people with complex needs
- Experience of working with individuals who are actively engaged in substance use
- Experience of working with rough sleepers and the relevant legislative frameworks
- Experience of managing challenging behaviour in an assertive, positive and supportive way
- Knowledge of best practice and safe working practices when providing needle exchange services and harm minimisation guidance
- Knowledge of drug treatment options available to individuals and the consideration to this when supporting dual diagnosis clients
- Strong commitment to the importance of monitoring and evaluating all work completed.
- Emotionally resilient, self-aware and reflection.
- Commitment to the core values of Providence Row.
- Excellent time management, verbal and written communication skills
Other roles you may have experience of could include: Social Worker, Case Manager, Care Manager, Care Coordinator, Programme Coordinator, Case Coordinator, Community Social Worker, Community Case Worker, Outreach Manager, Care Navigator,