Peer Community Outreach Specialist - Springfield

Family Guidance Centers, Inc; Springfield (IL); On-site; USD 22,730 - 32,373; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) pension plan

Paid time off

Job summary

A not-for-profit healthcare organization in Springfield is seeking a Peer Community Outreach Specialist. The role involves conducting outreach to people who use drugs, educating them about overdose prevention, and developing referral relationships with local organizations. You will assist individuals struggling with addiction in accessing immediate treatment services. Qualified candidates should have relevant experience in community health and be bilingual in Spanish and English. A comprehensive benefits package is offered, including health insurance and a 401(k) plan.

Qualifications

• Educated in community health outreach and substance use harm reduction.
• Experience in managing withdrawal and treatment programs.
• Current driver's license and vehicle insurance required.

Responsibilities

• Conduct outreach to individuals struggling with addiction.
• Develop referral relationships with community organizations.
• Complete daily activity logs for outreach efforts.
• Assist patients in accessing medications and treatment services.

Skills

Behavioral health outreach

Substance use harm reduction

Community relations

Bilingual in Spanish and English

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Associate's degree preferred

Certification as a Recovery Support Specialist

Job description

Peer Community Outreach Specialist - Springfield

• Job Tracking ID: 512588-909013
• Job Location: Springfield, IL
• Job Level: Entry Level (less than 2 years)

Family Guidance Centers, Inc. (FGC), a not‑for‑profit behavioral healthcare organization, treats and prevents substance abuse, as well as an array of other related problems. Since 1969, FGC's comprehensive programming has educated and guided individuals toward their full potential as productive members within their own families and our society.

• Conduct outreach to people who use drugs, people experiencing homelessness, and communities. Also, educate on overdose prevention and distribute overdose prevention supplies.
• Describe FGC programs, services, and eligibility requirements in laymen’s terms to people struggling with opioid and alcohol addiction and those at risk of overdosing, as well as family members or friends of people struggling with addiction, informing and assisting them to gain immediate access to treatment.
• Develop and direct prospective referrals to FGC and other treatment providers, as appropriate and in accordance with patients’ needs and wishes.
• Develop referral relationships with shelter partners, homeless outreach teams, local task forces, hospital social workers, faith‑based and local community organizations and other community‑based organizations as appropriate, serving as their liaison to accessing treatment services offered by FGC.
• Complete daily activity logs to accurately record outreach efforts, client interactions, and services provided.
• Assist, when necessary, with delivering medications to FGC patients who are incarcerated or have difficulty accessing the clinic.
• Demonstrate professionalism in working with patients, staff, and other outside professionals or collaterals.
• Participate in supervision with Program Manager and appropriate continuing education activities related to care management and maintenance of relevant certification or licensure.

Schedule: Monday‑Friday, 7:30 am – 4:00 pm. Must work a minimum of 40 hours per week.

Hours may vary based on the programming needs of the agency and flexibility is required.

Start Date: ASAP

Pay Rate: $20/hr.

Location: 2924 Stanton St., Springfield, IL 62703

Family Guidance Centers, Inc is a Drug Free Environment, an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Experience and Skills:

Education and/or Experience: High School Diploma or equivalent. Associate's degree preferred. Experience in behavioral health, community health outreach, substance use harm reduction, withdrawal management programs, medication‑assisted treatment, and/or community relations required. Certification as a Recovery Support Specialist or education as a Community Health Worker preferred. Bilingual in Spanish and English preferred.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: Current driver's license and vehicle insurance.

Benefits: Our organization provides a comprehensive benefit package for full‑time employment that includes health insurance, dental, vision, life insurance and a 401(k) pension plan. Vacation, sick and personal days with paid holidays off are included in our PTO compensation package.