Kane/Dupage Outreach Coordinator

Live4Lali, Inc.; Illinois; On-site; USD 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance

401k with 5% employer match

Generous PTO policy

Job summary

A community-focused outreach organization is seeking a Kane/Dupage Counties Outreach Coordinator to provide education and support in harm reduction strategies. Responsibilities include conducting outreach, building relationships with clients, and managing harm reduction supplies. The ideal candidate is a person with lived experience, has at least two years in recovery from substance use disorder, and excels in communication and community engagement. This full-time position is based in Arlington Heights, IL, with a compensation range of $35,000 – $45,000, along with generous benefits.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years of relevant work or lived experience in substance use disorder, mental health, or public health.
• Bilingual in Spanish is a plus.
• Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks.

Responsibilities

• Conduct community-based outreach on harm reduction strategies.
• Provide peer-based support and education.
• Stock and maintain harm reduction supplies.

Skills

Community social services knowledge

Harm reduction principles

Direct service delivery

Excellent communication skills

Ability to establish rapport

Problem-solving skills

Education

Lived experience in recovery from substance use disorder

CPR and Basic First Aid certification

Tools

Google Drive

Microsoft Office Suite

Database entry

Job description

Overview

Kane/Dupage Counties Outreach Coordinator. Women, trans, gender non-conforming and queer folks, BIPOC, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Live4Lali is an equal opportunity employer and complies with the Illinois Human Rights Act. We do not discriminate based on protected status and provide reasonable accommodations as required by law. Involvement in the criminal justice system is not an automatic disqualifier.

Substance use disorder continues to be a devastating public health crisis. Americans die from drug overdoses daily. Live4Lali has been serving suburban Chicagoland for nearly sixteen years, providing prevention, education, treatment access, support programs, harm reduction, and overdose prevention services to reduce the toll of the opioid epidemic. Our mission is to reduce stigma and prevent substance use disorder while minimizing health, legal, and social harms.

Position Overview

The Kane/Dupage Counties Outreach Coordinator reports to the County Programs Manager and collaborates with other Outreach Coordinators. This role focuses on community-based outreach to provide education on harm reduction strategies, naloxone, and overdose prevention, while building trusting relationships with people who use substances. The Outreach Coordinator also provides peer-based support, drawing on lived experience to reduce harms and connect individuals to resources.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Identify areas of greatest need across Kane County on the street and within existing services (such as our Mobile Outreach Program) to connect with participants and distribute harm reduction supplies
• Provide peer-based support to participants through rapport building, recovery coaching, harm reduction–informed interventions, and referrals, using lived experience to support participant-defined goals and reduce harms
• Assist with stocking, maintaining, and delivering harm reduction inventory
• Accurately log and report data collected during outreach
• Provide on-the-spot training and education in harm reduction, overdose response, and distribute naloxone across the county
• Identify and collaborate with a range of organizations and entities to scale up access to naloxone
• Develop and deliver professional education and trainings on overdose recognition and response, naloxone administration, substance use, and harm reduction practices
• Identify, build, and maintain relationships with community resources to develop partnerships and serve as referral and warm handoff resources
• Identify and develop safety plans with peers at increased risk of overdose
• Assess community needs in collaboration with participants and report to Program Manager to help develop appropriate programs
• Maintain confidentiality and HIPAA compliance at all times
• Identify and maintain appropriate communication with team regarding issues, observations, and opportunities
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Education and Experience

The Outreach Coordinator must be a person with lived experience, preferably with at least 2 years in recovery/remission from substance use disorder. Bilingual in Spanish is a plus. Ideally, also have a minimum of two years in relevant work in substance use disorder, mental health, public health, or social work.

• Minimum of two years’ relevant work or lived experience in substance use disorder, mental health, public health, or social work; preferably a person with at least 2 years in recovery/remission
• Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to harm reduction principles and practices
• Direct service delivery experience in the community social services sector with knowledge of community-based programs and supports
• Knowledge in safer drug use, addictions, safer sex, sex work, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C, mental health, etc.
• Experience managing hostile interactions, using non-violent communication and diffusing techniques
• Understanding of social justice, health promotion, and public health approaches
• Must comply with Live4Lali policies and procedures, including Risk Management Guidelines
• CPR and Basic First Aid certification preferred
• Proficiency with technology (Google Drive, Zoom, Microsoft Office Suite, and database entry)
• Valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, and reliable transportation
• Ability to drive the Mobile Outreach vehicle and be cleared to join the car insurance
• Comfort driving 30–60 miles per day to serve the population
• Passionate about Live4Lali’s mission with knowledge of substance use disorder and the overdose crisis; interest in authentic work with diverse communities and advancing anti-stigma efforts
• Ability to establish rapport with a diverse range of clients, including individuals actively using substances and those with significant health challenges
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with coworkers, clients, community, and service providers
• Understanding of the role of people who use drugs in developing, delivering, and evaluating services
• Ability to problem-solve complex issues with creativity, flexibility, and assertiveness
• Self-motivated, goal-driven with a can-do attitude
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, prioritize and manage multiple tasks, and thrive in a high-pressure environment
• Excellent interpersonal skills with cross-cultural sensitivity
• Able to multitask and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment

Work Environment and Schedule

The position is based out of our Arlington Heights office and requires regular travel to multiple community locations. Work is dynamic and may include evenings or weekends; hours are flexible and negotiable for the right candidate. The position is full-time (40 hours per week). The role is primarily in-person, with responsibilities split between outreach in the community and office work; occasional remote work may be available with manager approval.

Compensation and Benefits

• Compensation: $35,000 – $45,000
• Subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401k with 5% employer match
• Generous PTO policy

How to Apply

Applicants should email a (1) cover letter and (2) resume to [e-mail]. Please use the subject line “Kane/Dupage Counties Outreach Coordinator.” Only electronic submissions will be accepted.