Harm Reduction Outreach Specialist

Job Overview:

The Harm Reduction Outreach Specialist will be responsible for providing compassionate, person-centered harm reduction services to individuals in rural areas who are at risk of substance use-related harms. This role will involve delivering education on safer substance use practices, overdose prevention and response, and distributing essential supplies such as naloxone, sterile equipment, drug checking strips, and personal hygiene items. This role emphasizes meeting people where they are, providing judgment-free care, and creating a dignified, respectful environment for individuals who use drugs, offering support while reducing stigma.

As a trusted community resource, the Harm Reduction Outreach Specialist will act as a liaison between individuals and local health services, bridging gaps in care by linking clients to treatment and recovery resources. This includes collaborating with community stakeholders, coordinating with local agencies, and assisting individuals in navigating healthcare and social service systems.

The specialist will play a key role in reducing stigma, preventing overdose deaths, and improving health outcomes in isolated rural communities. Success in this position requires flexibility, empathy, and the ability to engage with vulnerable populations using a person-centered approach.

Details

LOCATION:

The role will be based in LaSalle, IL and will require moderate travel throughout The Perfectly Flawed Service Area. This includes all or parts of LaSalle, Bureau, Putnam, Marshall, Livingston, Lee, Henry and neighboring counties.

CORE RESPONSIBILITY #1:

Service Delivery

Provide direct assistance to the harm reduction coordinator in a mobile setting and drop-in center
Work in tandem with a mobile harm reduction team to navigate directions in rural settings, monitor and respond to text line and document encounters
Distribute essential mobile harm reduction services, including distributing naloxone, sterile supplies, drug checking strips, and personal hygiene products.
Provide educational sessions on safer substance use practices, overdose prevention and response, harm reduction strategies and general health promotion.
Support clients in navigating complex healthcare and social service systems.
Link clients to substance use treatment, recovery services, housing and other necessary health and social resources.
Register program participants using anonymous identifier code and provide information on laws and legal protections
Maintain highest level of confidentiality with program participants
Assist in scheduling appointments, facilitating transportation options and following up with reminders
Facilitate warm hand-offs with support team members and service providers

CORE RESPONSIBILITY #2:

Community Engagement

Collaborate with local agencies, community stakeholders, and health service providers to coordinate care and improve access to harm reduction services
Contribute to the prevention of overdose deaths and improvement of health outcomes in underserved, isolated communities
Contribute to reducing stigma and educating others about substance use-related harm and harm reduction principles
Engage with program participants in groups, community nights and social activities
Assist with group facilitation, attend community outreach and tabling events as needed
Foster an environment of dignity, respect, and non-judgment toward all clients.
Engage individuals with a non-judgmental, compassionate, and person-centered approach to create trust and rapport
Serve as a trusted community resource, bridging gaps between individuals and local health services

CORE RESPONSIBILITY #3:

Training, Data Entry & Reporting

Maintain and update list of provider and contact information
Engage in professional development and continuing education opportunities and complete assigned training as required
Attend team meetings and weekly supervision as required
Assist with cross-training interns and volunteers as needed
Document encounters and maintain accurate records of outreach activities, interactions, and outcomes in a timely fashion
Provide monthly reports as needed
Complete other duties as assigned

SKILLS & QUALATIES:

Willingness to help people
Strong understanding of harm reduction principles and practices
Experience in harm reduction, social work, healthcare, or related fields
Must have a valid Illinois driver’s license
This position will require regular travel to rural areas
Flexibility in working hours and changing environments. Evening or weekend work may be necessary
Well informed and proficient in the use of technology
Demonstrated ability working with vulnerable, marginalized and housing insecure populations, particularly those at risk of substance use-related harms
Ability to provide empathetic, person-centered care
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a commitment to creating an inclusive, non-judgmental environment
Ability to work collaboratively foster relationships with community agencies, health services, and other stakeholders
Familiarity with community resources, social services, and healthcare systems
Knowledge of rural health challenges and the barriers to service access.
Ability to work effectively as part of a team and independently in a fast paced environment
Strong organizational and time management skills
Empathy for and proficiency in working with people who use or have used substances, people in early recovery, and neurodiverse individuals
De-escalation skills calming tense situations or soothing individuals who are having a difficult day
Willingness to learn
Bilingual skills a plus

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Interested candidates should submit a resume and/or cover letter detailing their relevant experience and passion for the role to jobs@perfectlyflawed.org. Please include relevant experience assisting people in harm reduction or recovery settings. Applicants do not have to identify as someone in recovery or someone who has been "addicted" however being able to relate and have an understanding of drug use and drug use culture, including social, recreational and experimental use is preferred. We encourage people to include any experience they are comfortable sharing.

A member of our team will review your submission and connect to schedule a phone interview for qualified candidates. In the subject line, please note the job title you are interested in. After the initial interview, you may receive a request for additional interview(s).

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Perfectly Flawed Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all qualified individuals. we welcome people from all backgrounds and strive to create an environment that allows everyone to bring their authentic selves to the workplace. We seek to create a workplace environment that accurately reflects the diverse communities we serve. We understand that voices of varied experiences and perspectives are central to our mission and our impact. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender expression, genetic information, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status.

People with lived or living experience of drug use including Black and Indigenous people/people of color, people from the LGBTQIA+ community, and people who have been impacted by the justice system are strongly encouraged to apply.

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they can perform every job description task. Even if you don't feel that you meet every single requirement, we still encourage you to apply. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may come from a less traditional background. We're eager to meet people that believe in our mission and can contribute to our team in a variety of ways.