Risk Reduction Specialist

Street Samaritans; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Street Samaritans is seeking a Risk Reduction Specialist in Chicago, Illinois, to engage unsheltered individuals and promote safety through harm reduction approaches. This full-time role will involve outreach and system navigation to support those experiencing homelessness and substance use challenges.

The ideal candidate will have lived experience and a strong understanding of trauma-informed care, along with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively. Join us in advocating for systemic changes while empowering individuals on their journey towards self-sufficiency.

Qualifications

• Lived experience strongly encouraged.
• Experience working with unhoused communities and/or people who use drugs.
• Ability to work independently and in pairs.

Responsibilities

• Engage individuals experiencing homelessness using a trauma-informed approach.
• Distribute risk reduction supplies.
• Provide referrals and navigation support for housing and substance use treatment.
• Document all services and interactions.

Skills

Trauma-informed care

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Technology literacy

Tools

Google Workspace

Job description

Job Title:

Risk Reduction Specialist

Location:

Chicago, Illinois

Position Type:

Full Time, Non-Exempt

Reports to:

Program Manager

Salary:

$50,000/annually

About the Organization:

Street Samaritans is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing street outreach and case management services to individuals experiencing homelessness in Chicago. Our mission is to intervene in the cycles of homelessness and poverty by connecting people to solutions and walking with them on their journey. We aim to empower and support individuals to achieve stable housing and self-sufficiency, while also advocating for systemic changes to address the root causes of homelessness.

Job Summary:

Street Samaritans is seeking a Risk Reduction Specialist to join our SAFE team. This role combines direct engagement with unsheltered individuals, risk reduction outreach, health education, and system navigation. This role will support individuals in accessing critical resources while promoting safety, autonomy, and wellness through a harm reduction and trauma-informed lens. Lived experience and familiarity with street-based engagement are highly valued.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Actively engage individuals experiencing homelessness and/or substance use through a trauma‑informed, person‑centered approach.
• Distribute risk reduction supplies.
• Provide street outreach across overdose hotspots and encampments in partnership with internal teams and act as the expert in substance use treatment connection.
• Offer referrals and navigation support for housing (via CES), behavioral health, and substance use treatment.
• Support the maintenance and restocking of the harm reduction vending machine and hub.
• Organize and support monthly peer‑led educational workshops.
• Accurately document all services, referrals, and interactions.
• Attend and participate in required trainings, team meetings, and reporting activities.
• Maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality in all client interactions.
• Support the integration of harm reduction strategies across other Street Samaritans teams.
• Assist in program reporting, data entry, quality improvement efforts, and community events.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Lived experience strongly encouraged.
• Strong understanding of trauma‑informed care.
• Experience working with unhoused communities and/or people who use drugs.
• Comfort using technology and Google Workspace.
• Ability to work independently, in pairs, and in dynamic field environment.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.