Equal Opportunity Employer
The mission of the Health Federation of Philadelphia is to promote community health by advancing access to high-quality, integrated, comprehensive health and human services. We believe in and are firmly committed to equal employment opportunity for employees and applicants. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, religion, disability, sex or gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, military or veteran status. This commitment applies to all aspects of the Health Federation of Philadelphia’s employment practices, including recruiting, hiring, training, and promotion.
JOB SUMMARY
The Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH)’s Substance Use Prevention and Harm Reduction Division is hiring a Community Remediation Specialist to support the efforts to maintain clean, safe and healthy spaces while advancing harm reduction and public health goals. This position combines environmental cleanup with compassionate outreach to individuals who use drugs and/or are unhoused, promoting dignity, safety and wellness across communities in Philadelphia most impacted by substance use and environmental hazards.
Core Responsibilities/Duties
Environmental Response & Biohazard Mitigation
- Conduct systematic collection of discarded injection equipment in streets, sidewalks, parks vacant lots, transit areas, and public facilities.
- Utilize approved PPE and always follow established biosafety protocols.
- Safely transport and dispose of collected materials in accordance with city and public health regulations.
- Identify and report environmental hazards requiring escalation.
- Maintain accurate field logs, supply tracking, and daily collection metrics.
Community Engagement & Harm Reduction
- Interact respectfully with individuals who use drugs, residents, business owners, and community stakeholders.
- Provide basic harm reduction education when appropriate.
- Distribute approved safety materials and information as directed.
- Support linkage-to-care efforts by providing referrals to social services, medical, treatment.
- Comfortable in administering Naloxone and in the event of an overdose and providing training in the field to community members/organizations /businesses.
Safety & Compliance
- Adhere strictly to needle-stick prevention protocols and exposure response procedures.
- Participate in regular safety trainings and team briefings.
- Maintain professional conduct consistent with HFP/PDPH standards
- Operate assigned vehicles safely and in compliance with HFP policy.
Education
- HS Diploma or general education degree (GED); or combination of education and 1 + year related work experience.
- OR associate’s degree with two + years’ related work experience
Required Qualifications
- Ability to work outside in varied weather conditions.
- Ability to lift and transport collection equipment and materials.
- Valid driver’s license and clean MVR report.
- Comfortable working in high impact neighborhoods with situational awareness and professionalism.
Skills/Experience
- Knowledge of/and personal experience with substances and substance use, as well as harm reduction.
- Experience and/or knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of outreach, education, and community-based networking.
- Sensitivity to and experience working with ethnically, economically, culturally, and sexually diverse individuals, communities, agencies and organizations.
- Comfortable working with vulnerable populations.
- Comfortable working outdoors in inclement weather
Key Competencies
- Enthusiasm for fieldwork, providing direct service to neighborhood residents.
- Comfort using the following equipment: Push Broom, Rake, Trash Cans, Power Washer, Cleaning/Disinfectant Supplies, Leaf Blower, Tongs, Sharp Containers, Latex Gloves, Work Gloves, Face Mask.
- Ability to analyze and think critically to apply reasonable judgment and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work as part of a team, to prioritize and handle multiple tasks, and work independently in a high-pressure environment.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with people contacted in the course of work
Work Environment: 90% Field Based, 10% Office
Position Type and Work Schedule: 37.5 hours/weekly, 7.5 hours per day (Weekdays/Weekend/Evening work may be required).
Travel: Daily local travel to multiple sites, throughout Philadelphia and focused in Kensington area.
Physical Demand: Ability to lift and move equipment up to 35 lbs. and walk 2+ hours a day:
Salary $25.00 per hour
Benefits: Our employees are our most valuable resource, so we offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package, which can include:
- Medical with vision benefits
- Dental insurance
- Flexible spending accounts
- Life and AD&D
- Short- and long-term disability insurance
- 403(b) Retirement Plan, with a company contribution
- Paid time off including vacation, sick, personal and holiday
- Employee Assistance Program
Eligibility and participation is handled consistent with the plan documents and HFP policy.
DISCLAIMER
The Health Federation reserves the right to modify, interpret, or apply this job description in any way the Company desires. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by an employee assigned to this position. This job description in no way implies that these are the only duties, including essential duties, responsibilities and/or skills to be performed by the employee occupying this position. This job description is not an employment contract, implied, or otherwise. The employment relationship remains “at will.” The aforementioned job requirements are subject to change to reasonably accommodate qualified disabled individuals.