Summary: To learn about the work we do at the Needle Exchange, please visit http://www.aac.org/about/our-work/needle-exchange.html and https://www.facebook.com/CambridgeNeedleExchange.

Program: Needle Exchange Program

Job Type: Internship

Paid/Unpaid: Unpaid

Location: Cambridge, MA

Date Posted:

Job Description: AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts is looking for a compassionate, flexible, motivated, and dependable intern to join our Needle Exchange team in Cambridge.  Interns will assist Health Educators with conducting enrollments and exchanges, engaging clients, providing resource information and referrals, answering phone calls and overseeing the drop-in space.    Interns will also have the opportunity to work with outreach staff to conduct community outreach, create harm reduction resources, and maintain a presence on social media. This internship is appropriate for those considering a career in human services, social work, public health, or the medical field.

Primary Duties:

• Assist program staff in conducting exchanges and engaging clients.
• Assist clients in accessing resources and information on healthcare and social services
• Provide clients with guidance centered in principles of harm reduction
• Assist program staff with data entry on client tracking information.
• Ensure smooth operation of drop-in space.
• Complete other duties as needed

Required Skills & Experience:

• Ability to work patiently and persistently with clients and colleagues in order to ensure follow through and to function as part of a team.

• Strong computer skills required (familiarity with Microsoft Word, Excel, and internet research necessary, familiarity with database systems and social media a plus).
• HIV/AIDS awareness and sensitivity.
• Familiarity with harm reduction and injection drug use, or willingness to learn.

Application Instructions:

• To apply, please send your resume and a cover letter to Meghan Hynes MHynes@aac.org .  Start date is negotiable, preference given to applicants who can commit to Fall and Spring semesters.

Sign-up to be on our mailing list for special events. When an upcoming event needs volunteers, you’ll be contacted to see if you can help out! Events include Taste of the South End, ARTcetera, AIDS Walk Boston, and more!

Click here for more information on AIDS Action’s special event volunteer opportunities

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Boomerangs offers both individual and group volunteer opportunities at our Dedham Distribution Center. While sizing, tagging, and hanging clothing volunteers can channel their inner fashionista and build comradery with their fellow team members. Every garment that is prepared for sale helps to secure critical funding for client programs at AIDS Action Committee. To learn more about this opportunity and other opportunities at Boomerangs visit shopboomerangs.org

The Cambridge Needle Exchange (NEP), a program within AIDS Action Committee’s Prevention and Education Department, is committed to the practice of harm reduction and founded on the idea that drug users deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. We provide a safe and confidential space for injection drug users to access sterile injection equipment, sharps disposal, risk reduction strategies, overdose prevention education and nasal Narcan, educational materials on HIV, HCV, and STDs, and rapid HIV testing. Our services are provided FREE of charge and participation is anonymous and confidential.