Outreach Specialist

A cover letter / letter of interest and resume are required for this position.

Program Development & Implementation

• Implement and evaluate harm reduction programs aligned with organizational mission and strategic goals.
• Deliver evidence-based strategies to reduce infectious disease transmission, prevent overdose, promote safer substance use practices and other harm reduction interventions.
• Collaborate with community partners, stakeholders, and individuals with lived experience to ensure programming is responsive to community needs.
• Stay current on policies, regulations, and trends impacting individuals who use substances.

Client Support & Advocacy

• Provide direct services, referrals, and support to individuals affected by substance use, including connections to healthcare, social services, and community resources.
• Advocate for the rights and dignity of individuals who use substances, challenging stigma and discrimination.
• De-escalate challenging situations and provide peer support, holding space for participants during difficult moments.
• Facilitate warm handoffs and connect individuals to appropriate resources and pathways based on their stage of substance use.
• Provide wound care support and transportation assistance as needed.

Outreach Operations & Logistics

• Manage inventory control, receive and store supply orders, and communicate supply levels to the team.
• Stock and prepare the outreach van with necessary supplies prior to each shift.
• Pack snack bags and place supply orders as needed.
• Plan daily outreach routes and utilize TextRequest to send ETA notifications to participants and partners.
• Track mileage for all outreach activities.

Education & Training

• Deliver overdose prevention, naloxone, and test strip trainings to community members and partner organizations.
• Travel to partner programs to facilitate harm reduction and overdose prevention education.
• Demonstrate knowledge of syringe types and appropriate uses.
• Educate participants on public health, prevention, and the varied pathways individuals experience throughout their substance use journey.
• Maintain a strong understanding of harm reduction principles and the intersection of homelessness and substance use.

Data Collection & Reporting

• Maintain accurate records of program activities, participant outcomes, and service utilization.
• Collect and document participant data using Ritten.
• Prepare reports and presentations for internal and external stakeholders demonstrating program impact and effectiveness.

Community & Partnership Engagement

• Build and maintain relationships with community partners and organizations.
• Represent the organization at community events, coalition meetings, training, and public-facing activities.
• Host tables at events, facilitate groups, and serve as a fill-in for community groups as needed.
• Support community activities and events as assigned.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of harm reduction principles, evidence-based practices, and current trends in substance use treatment and prevention.
• Ability to train others effectively using different methods tailored to each audience. 
• Experience in program implementation and community outreach within a nonprofit or community-based organization.
• Understanding of how homelessness, mental health and substance use intersect.
• Familiarity with infectious disease prevention and wound care basics. 
• Skilled in de-escalation, grounding techniques and navigating emotionally charged situations.
• Strong advocacy mindset – challenging stigma and promoting dignity. 
• Clear, compassionate verbal communication with participants, partners and community members. 
• Confidence and experience facilitating groups and meetings. 
• Experience preparing reports and presentations and ability to present or speak to.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport and trust with diverse populations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills. 
• Reliability and punctuality.
• Attention to detail and strong documentation habits. 
• Adaptable in fast-changing conditions.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Compensation and Benefits

Hourly $18-21/hour

Medical, dental and vision

403(b) retirement plan, traditional or Roth with match

Paid time off, including paid volunteer and holiday time

The Perfectly Flawed Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit, community-based organization specializing on harm reduction, overdose prevention and peer support, serving individuals and families in rural North Central Illinois impacted by substance use. We are located 100 miles SW of Chicago. ​