Women, trans, gender non-conforming and queer folks, Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Live4Lali is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate by race, age, sex, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, sexual orientation, or disability in its procedures and policies. Involvement in the criminal justice system is not an automatic disqualifier. Live4Lali does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status, complies with the Illinois Human Rights Act, and provides reasonable accommodations as required by law.
Substance use disorder continues to be a devastating public health crisis. Americans die from drug overdoses at a rate of roughly 210 to 300 people per day. In 2023, there were 105,007 total drug overdose deaths in the United States. In Illinois, 3052 residents died from an accidental drug overdose in 2023, which is more than twice the number of fatal motor vehicle accidents and more than twice the number of homicides. The increase in the number of fatalities is attributed to the rise of synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl. Since 2013, synthetic opioid deaths in Illinois have increased 3,341%.
Live4Lali has been serving suburban Chicagoland for nearly sixteen years providing critical prevention, education, treatment access, support programs, community solutions-building initiatives, harm reduction, and overdose prevention services to decrease the devastating toll of the opioid epidemic. mission is to reduce stigma and prevent substance use disorder among individuals, families, and communities, and minimize the overall health, legal and social harms associated with substance use.
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Position Overview
The Winnebago/Boone County Outreach Coordinator reports to the Winnebago/Boone County Program Manager and works collaboratively 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 associated with substance use and connect individuals to resources and support.
Core Responsibilities
- Identify areas of greatest need across Winnebago/Boone Counties 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 associated with substance use.
- 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, the opioid overdose reversal medication across the county
- Identify and collaborate with a range of organizations and entities including but not limited to treatment providers, housing providers, social service organizations, healthcare providers, businesses, government agencies, etc to scale up access to naloxone
- Develop and implement substance use prevention programs targeted at the community
- Develop and deliver professional education and trainings for community members, professionals, students, and the general public on overdose recognition and response, naloxone administration, substance use, and harm reduction practices
- Identify, build, and maintain relationships with community resources—including treatment providers, housing programs, social services, food access programs, and other supports—to develop partnerships and serve as referral and warm handoff resources for participants with identified needs
- Identify and develop safety plans with participants who are 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
Desired Qualifications
The Winnebago/Boone County Outreach Coordinator must be a person of lived experience preferably with at least 2 years in recovery/remission from substance use disorder. Bilingual in Spanish is a plus. They will preferably also have a minimum of two years’ relevant work experience in substance use disorder, mental health, public health or social work. This candidate will demonstrate the following qualifications:
- Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to harm reduction principles and practices
- Direct service delivery experience in the community social services sector with a demonstrated working knowledge of community-based programs and community support systems
- Demonstrated knowledge in the areas of safer drug use, addictions, safer sex, sex work, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C, mental health, etc.
- Experience managing hostile interactions, utilizing non-violent communication and diffusing techniques
- Demonstrated knowledge of social justice, health promotion and public health approaches and models of social support and health care
- Must comply with all Live4Lali policies and procedures, including, but not limited to the Risk Management Guidelines
- CPR and Basic first aid certification preferred
- Proficiency in technology, including Google Drive, Zoom, Microsoft Office Suite, and database entry
- Valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, and reliable transportation
- Ability to drive our Mobile Outreach vehicle, and be cleared to be insured under the vehicle policy
- Feel comfortable 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 commitment to advancing anti-stigma efforts
- Demonstrated ability to establish rapport with a diverse range of clientele including individuals who are actively using substances and living with significant health challenges
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills required to work effectively with co-workers, clients, community, and other service providers
- Demonstrated understanding of the importance and role of people who use drugs in the development, delivery, and evaluation of services intended to benefit them
- 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, to prioritize and handle multiple tasks, and to work independently 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 Winnebago/Boone Counties Outreach Coordinator position is based out of our Rockford office and requires regular travel to multiple community locations. Due to the dynamic nature of street-based and mobile outreach work, this role operates on a flexible and evolving schedule that does not follow a traditional 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. workday. Hours may include evenings or weekends and will adjust as programs expand and community needs shift. The position requires a full-time commitment of 40 hours per week, with days and times adaptable and open to negotiation for the right candidate.
This position is primarily in-person, with responsibilities divided between outreach in the community and office-based work; occasional opportunities for remote work may be available as approved by your manager.
Compensation and Benefits
- Compensation: $35,000 – $45,000
- Subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401k with 5% employer match
- Generous PTO policy
- Flexible Schedule
How to Apply
Applicants should attach a (1) cover letter, and (2) resume to your application. Only electronic submissions will be accepted.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $35,000.00 - $45,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Application Question(s):
- What has been your experience with the war on drugs, opioid epidemic, and harm reduction?
- This role requires staff to have lived experience in substance use. Do you identify as a person in recovery?
License/Certification:
- SMART Recovery Facilitator (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- Rockford, IL 61101 (Required)
Work Location: In person
