Bilingual McHenry County Outreach Coordinator

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.

Substance use disorder has become a devastating epidemic with more than 288 Americans dying every day from an accidental drug overdose. According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, there were 3,261 opioid overdose fatalities in 2022 – more than twice the number of fatal motor vehicle accidents and more than twice the number of homicides. EMS responses to 21,922 opioid overdoses in 2022. 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 fifteen 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.

Live4Lali’s 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 Bilingual McHenry County Outreach Coordinator will co-coordinate alongside the current Program Manager, Harm Reduction Educator, and other Outreach Coordinator(s). This role involves engaging with community members, providing education and peer support, arranging and providing training, and implementing other harm reduction strategies as needed.

 

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

  • Identify areas of greatest need within McHenry County both on the street and within existing services to connect with participants and distribute harm reduction supplies 
  • Provide peer support to our participants
  • Assist with stocking, maintaining, and delivering harm reduction inventory
  • Ability to translate printed materials and in-person communications with the Spanish-speaking community
  • Delivering effective service in the first language of our participants and community partners to build strong relationships
  • Help to bridge cultural gaps and promote communication between people from different backgrounds.
  • 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 rehabs, shelters, and other facilities to scale up access to naloxone
  • Develop and implement substance misuse prevention programs targeted at the community
  • Provide education and training to impacted persons and the general public on substance use, naloxone, and harm reduction practices 
  • Identify rehabs, shelters, supportive housing, sober living and other facilities and educate on the need to scale up access to naloxone and other safety practices, providing training as needed
  • Identify and develop safety plans with peers who are at increased risk of overdose
  • Assess community needs and report to Program Manager to help develop appropriate programs 
  • Provide participants educational resources, connection to substance use services and assist in implementing strategies to train on, and expand on harm reduction methods
  • 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: 
      • Fluent in at least two languages (English and Spanish) and possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills, enabling effective collaboration across various cultures and professional backgrounds.
      • Minimum of two years’ relevant work or lived experience in substance use disorder, mental health, public health, or social work; preferably be a person with at least 2 years in recovery/remission from substance use disorder
      • 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
      • Feel comfortable driving 30-60 miles per day to serve the population

 

  • Personal Qualities: 
    • 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 Bilingual McHenry County Outreach Coordinator position is based in multiple locations. The exact hours for this role are still changing as our programs expand, but as it revolves around street and mobile outreach, the hours are not a standard 9am – 5pm. Days and times are open to some negotiation for the right candidate. This role will require a commitment of 40 hours per week. 

 

Compensation and Benefits

  • Annual salary: $40,000
  • Subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Generous PTO policy

 

How to Apply

Applicants should email a (1) cover letter, and (2) resume to [email protected]. Please use the subject line “Bilingual McHenry County Outreach Coordinator”. Only electronic submissions will be accepted.