Internships - ACR Health

Harm Reduction Internship | Q Center Internship – Syracuse or Utica

Harm Reduction Internship

General Description:

Assisting in general tasks performed by the OOPP (Opioid Overdose Prevention Program) including but not limited to, outreach to pharmacies and businesses to pass out brochures, discuss Narcan, Naloxone Co-Pay Assistance Program (N-CAP), & opioid overdose prevention. Scheduling appointments for Narcan trainings, and occasionally training at-risk individuals on OOP and Narcan at the Syracuse Syringe Exchange Office. Also, provide assistance with activities in syringe exchange to include engaging with participants and providing harm reduction supplies.

Assist in general tasks and activities performed by the Safety First Syringe Exchange Program (SEP) including but not limited to; SEP daily operations at fixed site and mobile outreach to identify people who use and inject drugs, offer program participants education on safer injection & wound care, risk reduction / harm reduction practices, and NYS Syringe possession laws. Provide individual trainings on Overdose prevention and offer harm reduction supplies for program participants at risk of drug overdosing. Promote and practice safe spaces free of judgment, prejudice, and stigma for all program participants and staff.

Skills:

Harm Reduction Intern must be knowledgeable of substance use disorders, the current opioid epidemic including overdose and Narcan, the life-saving overdose reversal drug or willing to learn. They must present themselves in a professional manner toward the public or anyone whom they come into contact with while representing ACR Health. They should be aware of the stigma associated with substance use disorders, overdose & overdose prevention, substance use treatment programs, and the disease of addiction as a whole and/or willing to learn. They should understand how that stigma can cause harm, present barriers & prejudices, and, be willing & prepared to engage in discussions advocating for the treatment of substance use disorder as a chronic brain disease, emphasizing the importance of alleviating the stigma. They should possess strong interpersonal & communication skills and demonstrate the ability to empathize and relate well with others. Volunteers must be able to work independently, while demonstrating a willingness to ask for assistance when needed. A qualified volunteer possesses knowledge & awareness of issues related to the current opioid epidemic facing our local communities.

The Harm Reduction Intern must have a basic knowledge of substance use disorders, basic understanding of how poverty and homelessness effects the majority of people who use drugs. They should have the willingness to learn what stigma is, the impact it has on people who use drugs, and the barriers created for individuals in seeking emergency & non-emergency services. They should be willing and prepared to engage in discussions advocating for the treatment of substance use disorder as a chronic brain disease, emphasizing the importance of alleviating the stigma. They must create a safe space for program participants that is free of judgement and prejudice. Harm Reduction Intern must be willing to become knowledgeable and aware of issues related to the current opioid epidemic.

Tasks:

Keep an accurate record of any contacts made with outside agencies, program encounters, and operations.
Attend monthly volunteer/intern meetings.
Attend the volunteer orientation, as well as any additional required training.
Become familiar with area resources for various service providers and substance use treatment programs.
Be willing to travel to make contacts, cultivate relationships, & build potential partnerships with pharmacies and other service providers in the area.
Be willing to travel with the SEP team for Outreach encounters, department and/or staff meetings, and ESAP (Expanded Syringe Access Program) partnerships with pharmacies in the area.
Assist SEP staff with program operations and occasionally monthly reports
Occasionally bag OOP kits, keep a running record of materials in stock, and file paperwork.

Expected Performance:

Demonstrate good communication and listening skills.
Establish a good rapport with outside groups, agencies, & individuals.
Demonstrate reliability and punctuality.
Maintain the confidentiality of participants.
Adhere to the guidelines and policies of a registered NYSDOH OOPP.
Have an understanding of and willingness to promote harm reduction strategies.
Adhere to the guidelines and policies of a registered NYSDOH AIDS Institute Syringe Exchange Program and Opioid Overdose Prevention Program

Every volunteer must complete the Volunteer Application Form. Please fill it out, download the completed document, and email it to us at receptionSYR@acrhealth.org. Please contact us if you require assistance filling out the application – we are here to help! You can reach us at (315) 475-2430.

Q Center Intern – Syracuse or Utica

Position Description:

The Q Center is looking for a driven, dependable, and knowledgeable individual to serve as a programming intern. The candidate will gain and sharpen skills such as; public speaking, group facilitation, and working on the front line with youth from the LGBTQ community

Areas of Responsibility:

Interacting and establishing positive relationships with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth.
Plan and facilitate one support group per month.
Plan and facilitate one after-school activity per month.
Plan and facilitate special events.
Serve as a liaison between the Q Center and local high school GSAs (Gay Straight Alliance)
Additional tasks and projects that fit the needs of the Q Center as well as the interests and expertise of the applicant.

Minimum qualifications and desired skills:

Comfort and interest in working with youth and the underserved ages 13-17
Able to serve as a role model for youth ages 13-17
Basic group facilitation skills
LGBTQ cultural competency
Available and reliable transportation