Outreach Specialist - Liberation Programs, Harm Reduction

Liberation Programs, Inc.; Bridgeport (CT); On-site; USD 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Liberation Programs, Inc. seeks a Community Outreach Specialist to enhance harm reduction services in Bridgeport. This role engages individuals at risk of overdose, distributing essential resources and coordinating access to treatment and support. Ideal candidates are compassionate, organized, and skilled in outreach within diverse communities.

Benefits

Competitive Compensation

Medical/Dental/Vision benefits

401K with Match

Generous Paid Time Off Policy

Tuition Reimbursement

Qualifications

• Experience in community outreach or peer support.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred.
• Understanding of harm reduction principles and medication-assisted treatment.

Responsibilities

• Provide outreach and engage individuals at risk of overdose.
• Distribute harm reduction supplies and educate about safety practices.
• Collaborate with community partners to increase access to support services.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Active listening

Cultural competency

Cross-disciplinary collaboration

Education

Certification as a Recovery Coach

Job description

Who We Are

Liberation Programs is one of Fairfield County's leading behavioral health organizations specializing in treatment for all types of substance use disorders including alcohol, opiates, depressants and stimulants. Our goal is to help individuals and families overcome addiction in order to restore their lives and ultimately strengthen our communities. Liberation provides services for youth, adults and families that include two inpatient treatment programs, outpatient and intensive outpatient services, health education for older adults and people living with HIV/AIDS and other chronic illnesses, treatment and resources for adolescents and their families, education and prevention efforts in the community, and permanent supportive housing for families. In operation since 1971, the agency has sites in Greenwich, Stamford, Norwalk and Bridgeport and served more than 2,400 individuals in our last fiscal year.

Position Summary

The Community Outreach Specialist is a newly created role based at Liberation’s Stamford Outpatient Clinic (Pollack Place) and will play a vital part in expanding the organization’s harm reduction services. This position focuses on engaging individuals at risk of overdose—particularly those not currently accessing harm reduction education or services

Core responsibilities include providing outreach and engagement, distributing harm reduction supplies and education, offering discreet home deliveries of Syringe Services Program (SSP) materials, and linking individuals to substance use treatment and support services. The Specialist will also coordinate access to related services, including drug checking, overdose prevention, HIV/HCV testing, and support for people experiencing unsheltered homelessness.

The Community Outreach Specialist will build trusted relationships with hard-to-reach populations and collaborate with community partners and faith-based organizations to increase access, reduce stigma around substance use and Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), and promote connection to appropriate care, including recovery and treatment programs. The role prioritizes low-barrier, person-centered engagement and works closely with the outreach team to reach individuals who are not yet connected to services.

The ideal candidate is compassionate, highly organized, and committed to harm reduction values. They should be comfortable working in the community, passionate about helping others, and dedicated to meeting people where they are. A valid driver’s license is required.

Duties and Responsibilities

Direct Client Engagement

• Provide low-barrier, trauma-informed, peer-based outreach to individuals at high risk of overdose, with an emphasis on relationship-building and trust.
• Deliver harm reduction supplies (e.g., sterile syringes, NARCAN kits, safe use kits) in person at the clinic, in the community, and via discreet home delivery using an unmarked vehicle.
• Educate individuals and families about overdose prevention, safer use practices, and available treatment and recovery options.
• Encourage and facilitate warm hand-offs to additional support, including MAT, outpatient treatment, housing resources, food access, and detox/residential care.
  
  

Program Development & Outreach

• Advertise and promote new harm reduction services through outreach to at least 20 local agencies, organizations, and faith-based communities during Year One.
• Represent Liberation in community spaces and serve as an ambassador for harm reduction principles.
• Assist with the planning and implementation of targeted events or workshops to reduce stigma and promote engagement with Liberation’s services.
  
  

Coordination & Collaboration

• Work closely with clinic staff and other outreach team members to ensure continuity of care for clients. (Including coordinating access to HIV / HCV testing, homeless outreach case management, drug checking and overdose prevention)
• Track referrals and assist with data collection, documentation, and basic case notes as necessary.
• Collaborate with community stakeholders to identify high-need areas for outreach and SSP delivery.
• Collaborate with community agencies to provide information, resources, and training.
  
  

Key Characteristics.

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including people who actively use drugs.
• Understanding of and commitment to a harm reduction philosophy, including non-judgmental, person-centered approaches.
• Demonstrated skill in actively listening, asking good questions, awareness of self, and treating people as resources.
• Familiarity with local support services, resources
• The capability of building an effective relationship.
• Cross-cultural skills and experience with culturally diverse populations.
• Work across disciplines to provide harm reduction education, support, and resources within the context of Pollock Place.
• Lived experience of recovery from substance use disorder and/or strong familiarity with harm reduction, peer support, and overdose prevention.
• Ability to understand and maintain appropriate boundaries.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred.
• Previous experience in community outreach, syringe service programming, or peer support.
• A solid understanding of safer use teaching, Narcan training, and harm reduction theory and practice.
• Familiarity with MAT options (e.g., methadone, buprenorphine) and ability to educate others on treatment access and benefits.
• Trauma-informed practice.
  
  

Qualifications

• Harm Reduction 101 – Offered by the National Harm Reduction Coalition (Can complete upon hiring)
• Overdose Prevention – Offered by the National Harm Reduction Coalition (Can complete upon hiring)
• Certification as a Recovery Coach is an asset but not a requirement.
• Training in CRAFT and Motivational Interviewing preferred
• Valid driver’s license and comfort driving an outreach vehicle, including unmarked home delivery of harm reduction materials.
• A valid driver’s license, insurance, and a reliable vehicle are required. (CDL License preferred)
• A strong customer service ethic is essential.
  
  

What We Offer

• Competitive Compensation
• Medical/Dental/Vision
• Company Paid Basic Life Insurance
• Company Paid Short Term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts for Health, Dependent Care, Parking and Transit
• 401K with Match
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Generous Paid Time Off Policy
• HRSA Student Loan Forgiveness Participant
• Supportive Work Environment