Apply by November 5 for the AmeriCorps NYC Peer Corps program. Peer Corps trainees will receive vocational training and work in shelter to provide overdose prevention, harm reduction, linkage to resources and services. Eligibility: high school diploma, ability to work 28 hours a week, and lived experience with substance use, mental health and/or homelessness. Stipend will be provided. Learn more and apply today
CAI Community Health Worker Training Program
Apply for the 3-month CAI Community Health Worker Training Program to gain experience at an NYC community agency connecting clients to assistance programs, including food, housing, transportation, medical and mental health care. Stipend will be provided. The next session starts January 2026. Learn more and apply today
Go to the Jobs & Opportunities section below for harm reduction jobs at DHS shelters.
New Translations of Client Education Handout: "Tips to Stay Safe If You Use Drugs or Alcohol"
Now in Albanian, Pulaar and Yiddish!
The "Tips to Stay Safe If You Use Drugs or Alcohol" handout educates clients on how to reduce the risk of alcohol and drug use by using more safely and getting support.
DHS Harm Reduction Program is now offering weekly mental health and substance use counseling for DHS clients at no charge, no insurance required. Counseling will provide a confidential, nonjudgmental space for clients to seek support to improve their health and wellness. Clients do not need to want to stop, change, or discuss their substance use in order to participate.
This service is available on Mondays and Fridays by phone or online. To refer a client, complete the referral form with all available information and submit it to harmreduction@dss.nyc.gov with the client’s name and “Referral for Counseling” in the subject line.
Meet the harm reduction counselor!
Will Weatherly, MSW Intern in the DHS Harm Reduction Program, is Director of Disability Affairs for Homeless Services.
Trainings for Shelter Staff
Training For All Shelter Staff:
NYC Mental Health Housing 101. November 4 (9:30 AM – 12PM).Center for Urban Community Services (CUCS). Gain a comprehensive understanding of the NYC OMH mental health housing spectrum and how to navigate the HRA 2010e application and referral process. Register
Mental Health Single Point of Access (SPOA) Training for DHS Shelters. November 18 (10 AM – Noon).NYC Health Department. How to apply for services such as Shelter Partnered Assertive Community Treatment (SPACT), Intensive Mobile Treatment (IMT) and non-Medicaid Care Coordination. Training is now required for all DHS shelter social service directors and staff submitting SPOA referrals. Register
Understanding Trauma and Building Positive Environments in Families with Children Shelters. November 19 (3 – 4PM).Register
The Link Between Trauma and Alcohol Use Disorder: Utilizing Medications as a Way Forward.Providers Clinical Support System. On-demand online course on discussing the relationship between trauma and alcohol use disorder, treatment options and the benefits of using medications for alcohol use disorder. Register
Training for Shelter Overdose Prevention Champion Trainer:
Overdose Response and Naloxone Distribution Train the Trainer. November 12 & December 10 (10 AM – Noon). Required for Shelter Overdose Prevention Champions. Register
See the flowchart of roles and responsibilities for Overdose Prevention Champions and Responders
Trainings for Clinical Staff
Residential Treatment 101.November 7 (2 – 3 PM).New York Society of Addiction Medicine.Explore the evidence supporting residential treatment for behavioral health issues and identify facilitators and barriers to accessing effective residential treatment in New York State.Register
Three-Part Series on Buprenorphine for Medical Providers (flyer):
Buprenorphine Prescribing for Beginners. November 18 (4 – 5 PM).Clinical Education Initiative. Buprenorphine initiation, dose stabilization, maintenance and discontinuation. Register
Extended-Release Buprenorphine for Opioid Use Disorder. December 2 (4 – 5 PM).Clinical Education Initiative. Extended-use buprenorphine for initiation and maintenance treatment of opioid use disorder. Register
Buprenorphine in Practice: A Case-based Discussion. December 16 (4 – 5 PM).Clinical Education Initiative. Clinical cases to illustrate common barriers to buprenorphine treatment. Register
Medical and behavioral health urgent care and medications. Online or by phone. 24/7, no out-of-pocket cost for DHS clients.
H+H Safety Net Clinics
Primary and specialty care for people experiencing homelessness. Clinics located at Bellevue, Lincoln, Woodhull, and Elmhurst Hospitals. Learn more and refer.
The NYC Harm Reduction in Shelters Strategic Plan (2023-2024) was developed to build capacity of NYC shelters to prevent overdose and improve health and wellness. Each month, we will share tools and resources to support shelter staff to help clients reduce their risk.
NYC Department of Social Services, 4 World Trade Center, New York, New York 10007, United States
