Public Health Specialist I

About the role

Applications to be submitted by November 16, 2026

Compensation Grade

P14

Compensation Details

Minimum: $56,025.00 - Maximum: $56,025.00 Annually

Positions with a designated work location in New York City, Nassau, Rockland, Suffolk, or Westchester Counties will receive a $4,000 annual downstate adjustment (pro-rated for part-time positions).

Department

(OHEHR) AI - AIDS Institute

Responsibilities

The Public Health Specialist I will be responsible for contacting overdose survivors and providing client navigation services. The incumbent will support the Post Overdose Response Team (PORT) and will assist with client home visits within New York City.

The incumbent will assist with counseling and education, assist with providing tailored messages to participants based on risk behaviors, and assist with referral to services and health care including but not limited to: suboxone, methadone, buprenorphine, drug treatment, housing, mental healthcare and medical care. The incumbent will provide escorting services and advocate for clients as necessary.

• All interventions, outreach and services provided will be entered into the data tracking program.
• This position requires over 75% travel. All work-related travel can be completed using public transportation.

Minimum Qualifications

A bachelor's degree in public health, or a related field; OR an associate's degree in a related field and two years of experience in public health, human services or health related program/organization; OR four years of experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional experience providing direct services to individuals with a history of substance use using a harm reduction framework.
• Professional knowledge of illicit drug use, overdose, HIV, viral hepatitis, trauma and stigma as experienced by people who use drugs.
• Professional experience conducting post overdose interventions in home settings as well as street-based outreach.
• Professional knowledge of the informed consent process.
• Professional experience providing overdose prevention education and assisting individuals with overdose prevention planning.

Conditions of Employment

• Grant funded position. Compliance with funding requirements such as time and effort reporting, grant deliverables, and contract deliverables, is required.
• Valid and unrestricted authorization to work in the U.S. is required. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• Travel over 75% of the time will be required. All work-related travel can be completed using public transportation.

The selected candidate must reside within a reasonable commuting distance of the official work location specified in the job posting and must also be located in or willing to relocate to one of the following states: New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Vermont, or Massachusetts, prior to hire.

• This position is fully onsite and does not allow telecommuting.
• HRI participates in the E-Verify Program.
• About Health Research, Inc.

Join us in our mission to make a difference in public health and advance scientific research! At Health Research, Inc. (HRI), your work will contribute to meaningful change and innovation in the communities we serve! At HRI, we are on a mission to transform the health and well-being of the people of New York State through innovative partnerships and cutting-edge public health initiatives.

As a dynamic non-profit organization, HRI plays a crucial role in advancing the strategic goals of the New York State Department of Health (DOH), Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center (RPCCC), and other health-related entities.

Benefits

HRI offers a robust, comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees, including:

• Health, dental and vision insurance - Several comprehensive health insurance plans to choose from;
• Flexible benefit accounts - Medical, dependent care, adoption assistance, parking and transit;
• Generous paid time off - Paid federal and state holidays, paid sick, vacation and personal leave;
• Tuition support - Assistance is available for individuals pursuing educational or training opportunities;
• Retirement Benefits - HRI is a participating employer in the New York State and Local Retirement System and offers optional enrollment in the New York State Deferred Compensation Plan. HRI provides a postretirement Health Benefits Plan for qualified retirees to use towards health insurance premiums and eligible medical expenses;
• Employee Assistance Program - Provides educational and wellness programs, training, and 24/7 confidential services to assist employees, both personally and professionally;
• And so much more!

Work Location Expectations

At HRI, the nature of hybrid and onsite work varies by position. Some roles require full onsite presence, while others allow a hybrid schedule. Managers determine the specific telecommuting expectations for each role based on operational needs and job responsibilities. If designated as hybrid, you will divide your time between working remotely and reporting onsite. Regardless of telecommuting status, all HRI employees must live within a reasonable commuting distance of their official work location and must reside in one of the following states: New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, or Vermont.