Young Adult Outreach Coordinator – South Cook

Young Adult Outreach Coordinator – South Cook

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. 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 Young Adult Outreach Coordinator – South Cook reports to the South Cook County Program 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 to young adults ages 18–24, while building trusting relationships with young adults 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 within Suburban Southern Cook County for young adults ages 18–24, and distribute Naloxone both on the street and within existing services;
  • 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.
  • Engage in weekly shifts on our Mobile Outreach Project;
  • Accurately log and report data collected during outreach
  • Assist with stocking, ordering and maintaining risk reduction inventory;
  • Accurately log and report data collected during outreach;
  • Provide on the spot training in risk reduction and overdose response and distribute naloxone, the opioid overdose reversal medication across the county.
  • Provide education on overdose prevention and risk reduction techniques;
  • Identify treatment providers, 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 where needed;
  • Identify events, organizations, and community spaces where young adults ages 18–24 gather and connect, and collaborate on risk reduction, education, and engagement initiatives;
  • Conduct outreach and build relationships with colleges, trade schools, workforce development programs, community organizations, recreation centers, faith communities, and other groups serving young adults;
  • Collaborate with the Marketing and Engagement Specialist to develop and implement social media outreach and engagement strategies designed to reach, educate, and connect with young adults ages 18–24;
  • Provide peer support for participants, including treatment navigation, housing navigation, and other social services as needed;
  • Provide transportation for individuals requiring treatment, recovery, or wrap-around services;
  • Provide increased and enhanced training to impacted persons and the general public on first aid practices, naloxone distribution, and risk reduction practices;
  • Identify and develop safety plans with peers who are at increased risk of overdose;
  • Must have an understanding of, and ability to maintain, HIPAA compliance and participant confidentiality at all times.
  • Manage the daily activities of the Outreach Team, including providing outreach guidance, support, and resource coordination
  • Collect, input, and coordinate data;

 

Qualifications

Education and Experience

The Young Adult Outreach Coordinator – South Cook must be a person with lived experience, preferably with at least 2 years in recovery/remission from substance use disorder. Being 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, youth and young adult services, or social work. This candidate will demonstrate the following qualifications:

  • 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 young adults, individuals who are actively using substances, and those living with significant health challenges;
  • Proficiency in technology, including but not limited to Google Drive, Zoom and Microsoft Office Suite;
  • 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);
  • 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, the community, and other service providers;
  • Strong working knowledge of local health and social services;
  • Knowledge of youth and young adult engagement strategies, including community outreach and social media engagement, preferred;
  • Must have a valid driver’s license, proof of insurance and reliable inter-suburban transportation;
  • 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.

Work Environment and Schedule

The Young Adult Outreach Coordinator – South Cook position is based out of our South Holland 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.

Compensation and Benefits

  • Salary range $37,000 – $47,000
  • Subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401k with 5% employer match
  • Paid Time off and Paid Sick Time
  • Flexible Schedule

How to Apply

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