WMU Program Coordinator

Fargo Cass Public Health's Harm Reduction Services division is seeking a Program Coordinator - Withdrawal Management Unit. The Harm Reduction Programs division works collaboratively to provide services and is committed to working with the most vulnerable individuals in our community. Services include low barrier shelter for adults experiencing homelessness, non-medical withdrawal management, engagement and outreach. As part of our efforts to improve outcomes for the people serve, we are committed to working with community partners and city resources to develop clear goals focused on diversity, equity and inclusion. We will collaborate with community partners, program participants, and our staff members to identify and address the ways that systemic racism and other forms of bias contribute to disparities in health outcomes.  

The Program Coordinator works with individuals served by providing information, referrals, and follow- up to other agencies and services. Work includes developing and monitoring the provision of a range of recovery support services, ensuring that all services are trauma informed and based on harm reduction principles. This includes connections to housing, behavioral and substance use services, employment and mainstream benefits. The Program Coordinator is responsible for the continuous development of partnerships within the community, developing on and off-site services, and working on strategies of prevention with individuals and the community.

Services provided are low barrier and safe behavior is the primary consideration for admission to services. Short-term goals are to provide and enhance services to meet the immediate needs of underserved persons that often cannot access other options in the community. The long-term goal is to provide and enhance resources, services, programming and assistance to move individuals beyond the challenges of substance use, homelessness and poverty toward sustainable independent living and improved quality of life.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Program Coordinator uses professional knowledge and skills to ensure maximum effectiveness and efficiency in the delivery of services provided by each program and compiles and submits reports, documentation, and data related to program service delivery. The Coordinator provides direct supervision and support to Advocates as assigned, and may be required to act as a  Harm Reduction Advocate or Team Lead as necessary.
 
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Performs a variety of tasks that enhance the quality of life for individuals, including collaboration with local agencies and individualized guidance and determination of what assistance they may need.
   1. Participates in recruitment, retention, training, and scheduling of new staff and volunteers as assigned.
   2. Works directly with advocates and schedules and facilitates staff meetings.
   3. Attends community meetings and events related to services; actively works with other agencies on prevention programs.
   4. Focus on building relationships with individuals; this includes but in not limited to meeting basic needs, identifying additional needs based on their current situation, being available to answer questions, and assisting with problem solving, while demonstrating empathy and acceptance.
   5. Utilizes strategies consistent with the Harm Reduction philosophy when working with individuals; effectively manages crisis and conflict situations;
   6. Manages adverse incident reports per protocol;
   7. Completes required training and developmental activities, including continuous learning about issues regarding behavioral health, and availability of social support systems.
   8. Maintains HMIS, MissionTracker, and other program data related to every day operations and programming, individual programs and individual follow up.
   9. Participates in and supports Coordinated Assessment Referral and Evaluation System (CARES) as appropriate.
2. Communicates courteously and professionally and maintains working relationships with others in carrying out job functions.
   1. Assists the Director of Harm Reduction in promoting and maintaining positive working relationships among all shelter employees, homeless network affiliates, law enforcement, and other relevant parties;
   2. Interaction with the public, vendors or across departments occasionally includes negotiations involving convincing the other party to do something to achieve a basic work related objective;
   3. Communications include responsibility for maintaining relationships that are key to the operation and sustainability of all programs;
   4. Continuously develops understanding and knowledge of area resources in order to refer and connect individuals to services;
   5. Maintains strong connections with other social service agencies, healthcare providers and public safety in order to provide appropriate referrals and obtain services;
   6. Performs community education and outreach in order to foster strong relationships and support for the mission and scope of service.
3. Performs all job duties in compliance with safety guidelines and with an ongoing awareness of safety practices.
   1. Knows and follows department and city rules as well as sound work and safety practices in order to accomplish the job objectives and avoid injury or loss;
   2. Wears proper protective equipment when policy requires or conditions indicate a need exists and utilizes proper body mechanics and ergonomics while performing work;
      1. Uses protective measures when administering first aid to clients or searching persons or their belongings;
      2. Ensures that others in the shelter use proper protective equipment;
   3. When potentially unsafe conditions are observed makes efforts to avoid or correct them if they are controllable, seeking outside assistance as needed.
4. Performs other duties and activities as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

The job requires a bachelors' degree in social work, human services, counseling, or related field, OR  a minimum of two  years of experience in related field such as working with low income and homeless populations, chemical dependency, and/or mental health programs. The job requires a valid driver's license.
 
Knowledge, skills and ability include:

• Ability to communicate effectively in both verbal and written forms, and have strong public relations skills;
• Knowledge of local, state and federal laws, regulations and codes relating to social service activities;
• Ability to supervise personnel in a manner conducive to efficient performance and high morale;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others;
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and appropriate boundaries; 
• Commitment to developing cultural competencies and respect for diversity and the differences between people and groups;
• Ability to use Microsoft Office applications.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Medium Work. Most work is performed in a human services environment (WMU, Shelter, etc.) or in locations frequented by underserved populations. Work is generally medium with considerable variety. Daily work often involves moving within the facility and traveling within the City. Daily driving is required. The job may involve dealing with and calming individuals who are emotionally charged over an issue or have behaviors associated with substance abuse or mental health. Occasionally there is a requirement to actively participate in day-to-day maintenance and operations activities. There may be intermittent exposure to disagreeable working conditions associated with guest behavior, illness or hygiene. This job works primarily daytime hours, but may include evening, overnight, and weekend shifts as needed.

Some requirements in this job description may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. All requirements are subject to modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.
 
Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and experience required. To perform this job successfully, the worker must possess the abilities and aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently.
 
This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" employment relationship. The City Administrator retains the discretion to add duties or change the duties of this position at any time.