Education Specialist - Needle Exchange (temporary - as needed)



Education Specialist - Needle Exchange (temporary - as needed)

Salary

$61,609.60 - $78,104.00 Annually

Location

Seattle, WA

Job Type

Short Term Temporary, Part Time, Std Wkly Hrs Vary

Job Number

2022SD16984

Department

DPH - Public Health

Division

Prevention

Opening Date

09/16/2022

Closing Date

6/21/2023 12:00 AM Pacific

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit

C9A : PROTEC17-DPH, DCHS-Health Prof

Summary

This short-term temporary (STT) position reports to the Drug User Health Manager in the Public Health – Seattle & King County Needle Exchange Program.  STT employees are an at-will temporary employee and provide coverage for Needle Exchange shifts when career services employees are out sick or on vacation.  The Needle Exchange Program provides syringe exchange, Naloxone distribution and health education and disease prevention information to persons who inject drugs.  This position works with a multi-disciplinary team that is responsible for daily operation of needle exchange services at two fixed sites as well as van-based delivery services.

COMMITMENT TO EQUITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE: 
As the only jurisdiction in the world named after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., one of the most influential civil rights leaders in our nation's history, King County is a vibrant international community with residents that represent countries from around the world. It is a region with increasing diversity that cherishes the traditions of many cultures.
 
We have a deep commitment to equity and social justice and advancing practices, strategies, and policies that promote fairness, justice, and opportunity for all – in our workplaces and our communities. With this commitment, King County has adopted a pro-equity agenda to advance regional change and ensure that residents from vulnerable communities are incorporated into our emergency planning and public outreach efforts.
 
To learn more, please visit http://www.kingcounty.gov/equity   

Job Duties

NEEDLE EXCHANGE CUSTOMER SERVICE

  • Provide syringe exchange services for needle exchange customers 
  • Provide information and service referrals to outreach contacts, peer educators and needle exchange customers 
  • Conduct street and van-based outreach to engage persons who inject drugs in targeted communities, 
  • Distribute accurate and culturally and linguistically appropriate education materials and information targeted to persons who inject drugs.  
  • Train and provide on-going coaching and support for needle exchange customers on how to administer Naloxone.
 NEEDLE EXCHANGE ADMINISTRATION
  • Stock and maintain exchange supplies 
  • Ensure proper disposal of bio-hazardous waste 
  • Collect Naloxone distribution data 
  • Participate in administration of surveys to persons who inject drugs. 
  • Contribute to an environment that fosters open communication, teamwork, commitment to quality service, fostering a culture of learning and continuous improvement.

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills

  • Two (2) years of health, social service or related experience with persons who inject drugs in a harm reduction setting. 
  • Demonstrated current knowledge of HIV/AIDS, STDs, hepatitis and other blood-borne infections, particularly in relation to injection drug use; street life; slang vocabularies; drug use practices; harm reduction concepts and principles; local drug treatment; health care; and criminal justice systems and resources. 
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word and Excel).
  • Ability to work a non-traditional schedule (e.g. weekdays, weeknights, weekend days, weekend nights and holidays). 
  • Valid Washington State Driver's License and the ability to drive a county vehicle to locations in and outside King County. 
  • Ability to lift 30-pound boxes over one's head.

Supplemental Information

Forbes recently named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.

Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.

Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles--we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer:
No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.

To Apply:
If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.

Who May Apply
This position is open to all qualified candidates. We are currently recruiting for 2-4 Short Term Temporary positions
 
Application Process: 
The following items are required to be considered for this vacancy:

  • An electronic application through www.kingcounty.gov/jobs or www.governmentjobs.com (use the "Apply" link) including work history and position duties.
  • Responses to supplemental questions.
Your application may be rejected as incomplete if you do not include the relevant information in the application. Cover letters and/or resumes are not accepted in lieu of a completed application. Applications and/or Supplemental Questionnaires that state "see my resume" or "see my personnel file" are considered incomplete and will not be accepted.
  • The selection process may include but is not limited to: evaluation of application materials and supplemental questions, interviewing, and testing. For more information on our selection process, please refer to www.kingcounty.gov/depts/health/jobs/hiring.
  • Regular and reliable attendance, effective communication skills, and development of effective working relationships are requirements of all Public Health positions.
  • Staff may be required to play an active role in the event of a public health emergency, which may include changes in responsibilities, work location, and working hours.
Necessary Special Requirements:
  • The selected candidate will be required to submit to a thorough background investigation.
  • Employees are required to protect the privacy and security of protected health information as defined in State and Federal Law.
  • Employees are required to adhere to OSHA/WISHA guidelines including but not limited to completing required training on time.
  • The selected candidate will be required to pass a pre-employment physical.
Work Schedule:
The individual selected for this position will have part time varied hours and the ability to work non-traditional hours. This position FLSA Non-Exempt and is eligible for overtime.
 
Work Location: 

The home base for this position is the Downtown Needle Exchange located at 2124 4th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104


Union Affiliation:
This position is represented by Protec L17

If you have questions regarding the recruitment process, please contact Sarah Dunkinson, sdunkinson@kingcounty.gov

King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being.  Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:

  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage: King County pays 100% of the premiums for eligible employees and family members
  • Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents
  • Retirement: King County employees are eligible to participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan
  • Transportation program and ORCA transit pass
  • 12 paid holidays each year plus two personal holidays
  • Generous vacation and paid sick leave
  • Paid parental, family and medical, and volunteer leaves
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Wellness programs
  • Onsite activity centers
  • Employee Giving Program
  • Employee assistance programs
  • Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position
  • Training and career development programs
For additional information about employee benefits, visit our Benefits, Payroll, and Retirement Page.

This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy.  If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails.  
 
NOTE:  Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position. Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.
 
For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting.

01
This position is a temporary "as needed" position. Days and hours can vary from week to week. Is this a schedule you are able to work?
  • Yes
  • No
02
Do you have demonstrated experience providing services to injection or other drug users in an urban setting using a harm reduction approach?
  • Yes
  • No
03
If you answered yes to question #2, please describe your experience working with drug users using a harm reduction approach. Include the setting(s) where you gained this experience, what kind of work you did, and your years of experience. If you answered no then put N/A.
04
Do you have experience conducting street-based outreach to people who inject drugs?
  • Yes
  • No
05
If yes to question #3, please describe your experience conducting street-based outreach to people who inject drugs.
06
Which of the following statements best describes your experience providing health education and harm reduction education and information to injection drug users?
  • I am an expert at providing harm reduction information and skills-building training in both group and one-on-one settings to injection drug users on a variety of health-related topics. Professional service workers as well as injection drug users often seek me out for my skills and expertise in this area.
  • I have moderate knowledge and/or experience providing harm reduction information and health education to injection drug users?
  • I have limited knowledge and/or experience regarding health education and harm reduction with injection drug users.
07
From the list below, check ALL of the topics that you have experience discussing in educational or outreach encounters with injection drug users and professional service workers.
  • HIV
  • Hepatitis
  • STDs
  • Heroin overdose risks and prevention
  • Naloxone administration
  • Abscess care and prevention
  • Safer injection practices
  • Safer sex
  • Medication assisted treatment options
  • Emotional and/or mental health issues
  • Safe handling and disposal of used injection equipment
  • Endocarditis
  • Necrotizing fasciitis
  • Making referrals to health or social services
  • Vein Care
  • Wound botulism
  • Reproductive health issues
08
Do you currently possess a valid WA State Driver's License or have the ability to obtain on prior to starting work?
  • Yes
  • No
09
Do you have the ability to drive a ½ ton van?
  • Yes
  • No
10
This job may require you to work the following shifts: weekdays, weekday evenings, weekend days, weekend evenings, and holidays. Would you be open and available to work all of the above-mentioned shifts?
  • Yes
  • No
11
The information provided in your application must support your selected answers in the supplemental questions. The information you provide will be verified and documentation may be required. Please be as honest and accurate as possible. You may be asked to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in a work sample or during an interview. By completing this supplemental questionnaire you are attesting that the information you have provided is accurate. Any misstatements, omissions, or falsification of information may eliminate you from consideration or result in dismissal. "See resume" is not an acceptable answer to the questions.
  • Yes, I understand
  • I do not agree
12
Are you applying to this position as an eligible current or previous King County Employee Priority Placement Program Participant? Is this position the same or lower percentage of full-time when compared to the position held at the point of the notification of layoff? Do you possess the skills and abilities to qualify for this position?
  • Yes, I was given a layoff notice from my role at King County and I am within two years of the effective date of my layoff. Additionally, the position I was laid off from was the same or a higher percentage of FT status when compared to this one.
  • No.
13
If you answered yes to the question above and you are applying for this position as a Priority Placement Participant, to be considered, you must provide the following three pieces of information in the space provided: 1. The title you held when you received your layoff notice 2. The department you worked in 3. The effective date of your layoff

Required Question

Agency
King County
Address
King Street Center
201 South Jackson Street
Seattle, Washington, 98104
Phone
206-477-3404