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.
Involvement in the criminal justice system is not an automatic disqualifier.
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, risk 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.
Position Overview
The McHenry County Outreach Coordinator reports to the McHenry County Programs Manager and works collaboratively with other Outreach Coordinators. This role focuses on community-based outreach to provide education on risk 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.
Under the direct supervision of the McHenry County Programs Manager, the Full-Time (40 hours) McHenry County Outreach Coordinator will be part of the Live4Lali team, engaged in the following activities:
Core Responsibilities
- Identify areas of greatest need across McHenry County on the street and within existing services (such as our Mobile Outreach Program) to connect with participants and distribute risk reduction supplies
- Provide peer-based support to participants through rapport building, recovery coaching, risk 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 risk reduction inventory
- Accurately log and report data collected during outreach
- Provide on the spot training and education in risk 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 risk 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
Qualifications
- Education and Experience:
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- The McHenry County Outreach Coordinator will preferably be a person from McHenry County with at least two years in recovery/remission from substance use disorder. Being bilingual in Spanish is a plus. They will also have a minimum of two years’ relevant work or lived experience in substance use disorder, mental health, public health or social work, and will demonstrate the following minimum requirements:
- Direct service delivery experience in the community social services sector with a demonstrated working knowledge of community-based programs and community support systems;
- Demonstrated ability to establish rapport with a diverse range of clientele including individuals who are actively using substances and living with significant health challenges;
- Proficiency in technology, including but not limited to Google Drive, Zoom, Microsoft Office Suite and GoToMeeting
- Demonstrated attention to detail and strong organizational skills
- Demonstrated knowledge in the areas of safer drug use, addictions, safer sex, sex work, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C, mental health, etc.
- Demonstrated knowledge of social justice, health promotion and public health approaches and models of social support and health care
- Demonstrated understanding and commitment to risk reduction principles and practices (including syringe exchange)
- Demonstrated ability to establish rapport with a diverse range of clientele including individuals who are actively using substances and living with significant health challenges
- Experience managing hostile interactions, utilizing non-violent communication and diffusing techniques
- Ability to problem solve with creativity, flexibility and assertiveness in dealing with complex issues
- Ability to work as part of a team, to prioritize and handle multiple tasks, and to work independently in a high-pressure environment. CPR and Basic first aid certified preferred
- Demonstrated understanding of the importance and role of people who use drugs in the development, delivery, and evaluation of services intended to benefit them
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills required to work effectively with co-workers, clients, community, and other service providers
- Strong working knowledge of local health and social services
- Must have a valid driver’s license, proof of insurance and reliable inter-suburban transportations
- Feel comfortable driving up to 100 miles per day to serve the population, reimbursable when possible, pending grant status
- Must comply with all Live4Lali policies and procedures, including, but not limited to the Risk Management Guidelines
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Work Environment and Schedule
The McHenry County Outreach Coordinator is based in McHenry County. This role will require a commitment of 40 hours per week and an annualized salary between $37,000 – $47,000 per year depending on experience and qualifications. 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 9 to 5. Days and times are open to some negotiation for the right candidate. Involvement in the criminal justice system is not an automatic disqualifier
Compensation and Benefits
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- Salary range $40,000 – $49,000
- Subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401k with 5% employer match
- Generous PTO and Sick Time Off policy
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How to Apply
Applicants should email a (1) cover letter, and (2) resume to [email protected]. Please use the subject line “McHenry County Outreach Coordinator”. Only electronic submissions will be accepted.