Job Description
Who We Are: Since 1985, BHCHP’s mission has been to ensure unconditionally equitable and dignified access to the highest quality health care for all individuals and families experiencing homelessness in greater Boston. Over 10,000 homeless individuals are cared for by Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program each year. We are committed to ensuring that every one of these individuals has access to comprehensive health care, from preventative dental care to cancer treatment.
Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program is proud to be part of the solution. As such, we have been providing care at Mass/Cass for the past three years. Our patients have some of the most complex health conditions, exacerbated by larger systems and the experience of homelessness, and we marvel at their resilience.
Do you want to provide Health Care that Matters? That’s what we aim to do. Every day. In our clinics, in shelters, on a mobile van and on the streets of Boston.
If you are a motivated, compassionate skilled care giver and you want to:
- Learn complicated, trauma-informed medicine and a harm reduction approach to care.
- Develop your clinical skills in a unique environment
- Work in varied and interesting settings and fields of practice
- Join a strong, cohesive team with deep expertise
- Accompany your patients as they seek to meet their goals and
- Become part of the future of health care
…then, BHCHP is the place for you.
Bilingual, Bicultural, LGBTQIA identifying, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color are encouraged to apply .
To learn more about working at BHCHP, watch our video Please Click Here .
Job Summary: Hours: Full-Time; 7:00am – 7:30pm / 7:00pm - 7:30am - majority overnight shifts, 7:00pm-7:30am, with some day shifts available (additional 4 hours shifts at other low threshold sites)
Union: Yes Union Name: SEIU Boston Health Care for the Homeless is seeking a
full-time and part-time technicians to work in our harm reduction roles at our sedation monitoring programs at low-threshold shelters throughout the city. Based on the needs of the program, technicians may be required to be available at other harm reduction locations as needed, including but not limited to:
- Woods Mullen Shelter
- 112 Southampton Street Shelter
- SPOT (Supportive Place for Observation and Treatment), our sedation monitoring program
While working at the sites you will provide in-the-moment, low-threshold medical access to patients who may otherwise not present to shelter clinics. In instances of sedation monitoring, you will ensure that sedated patients are triaged and safely monitored in a supportive and compassionate environment in which the intent is to reduce harm from drug use. Services provided will include clinical assessments, clinical case management, medical monitoring, intervention in the case of overdose or other emergencies as well as immediate linkages to addiction treatment and primary care. The goals of this approach are to address an existing problem for BHCHP patients, to decrease overdose deaths and to connect patients more effectively to addiction treatment.
The ideal candidate for this role is a compassionate and self-motivated individual who embraces the mission of BHCHP and is committed to delivering high quality clinical care utilizing a harm reduction approach in a low-threshold community environment.
Responsibilities: Direct Clinical Care:
- Direct clinical care to ensure that all needs of the patients are met, conforming to established policies and procedures, as well as Department of Public Health regulations
- Serve as the first responder in the case of a medical emergency at all sites
- Provide supportive and non-judgmental clinical support for patients with substance use disorder in a manner consistent with Harm Reduction Principles
- Provide basic wound care and skin assessment
- Accurate assessment of sedation and documentation and clinical intervention as appropriate
- Reaches out to clinical supports for care coordination and to provide high standards of patient care
- Provide risk reduction counseling and connection to treatment programs
- Responsible for updating and maintaining accurate treatment records, flow sheets, and other documentation.
Communication:
- Maintains a direct line of communication with harm reduction and shelter staff; timely communication with supervisor regarding shift change needs
- Maintains a professional approach
- Maintains the standards of accurate and complete recording and reporting ensuring that the clinical record for each patient is current and accurate
Team Based Collaboration:
- Functions as part of a team that includes the Director and Supervisor of the Harm Reduction Technicians, 112 Southampton Street Shelter clinic staff , Woods-Mullen Shelter clinic staff, PSI Shattuck Men’s Shelter staff
Qualifications: - Commonwealth of Massachusetts EMT Certification required
- Minimum of 1-2 years EMT experience required
- Strong assessment skills, s elf-directed, motivated, and flexible with the ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Pharmacological understanding of medications or drugs that cause sedation, knowledge of opioid overdose management and brief interventions
- Understanding of substance use disorder and behavioral health issues
- Interest and experience with underserved population preferable
- Interest in public health, primary and preventive nursing/medicine and working with disadvantaged groups
- Bilingual candidates encouraged to apply
- Individuals with lived experience encouraged to apply
Compensation and Benefits: - Compensation is $31.11 per hour.
- BHCHP full time employees are eligible for our competitive time off policy of 4 weeks’ vacation , health, dental and vision insurance, 403B retirement savings plan and employer retirement contribution, and pre-tax MBTA pass program with 40% discount. In addition, eligible employees will receive yearly increases, additional annual compensation of seven thousand five hundred dollars for demonstrated bilingual proficiency and the opportunity to work with local hospitals and community health centers.
Whether you are a new grad looking to build your skills or an experienced EMT looking for a change, we need YOU. Are you ready to meet this challenge with us?
“Be the change you wish to see in the world.”-Gandhi
Does this amazing opportunity interest you? Then we'd love to hear from you.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, BHCHP pledges not to discriminate against and encourages those from underrepresented and underserved backgrounds to apply, particularly Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), LGBTQIA identifying, first generation college students and adults without a college degree, Bilingual and Bicultural persons; and individuals from low economic backgrounds.
Covid-19 Vaccination: Proof of Covid-19 vaccination(s) is optional for employment. Candidates who are offered employment will be given details about how to demonstrate receipt of vaccination if they choose to.
Please Note: Employment at Boston Health Care for the Homeless is at-will. Boston Health Care for the Homeless does not sponsor work authorization visas.
Job Tags
Hourly pay, Full time, Part time, Local area, Immediate start, Work visa, Flexible hours, Shift work, Night shift, Day shift,