Harm Reduction Specialist
The Voluntary Protection Programs Participants' Association, Inc, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60290
About Chi-Care:
Chi-Care is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Chicago, dedicated to improving the lives of homeless, unhoused, and migrant communities through the distribution of meals, essential supplies, and mobile healthcare services. We are committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of Chicago's most vulnerable populations.
Job Overview: Chi-Care is seeking a
Harm Reduction Specialist
to provide nonjudgmental, low-threshold harm reduction services to individuals who use drugs and others engaged in high-risk behaviors. This role focuses on outreach, overdose prevention, infectious disease prevention, education, and linkage to care—without requiring abstinence. The position operates primarily in mobile and community-based settings across Chicago, with a focus on the West Side.
Key Responsibilities:
Conduct street-based and community outreach using harm reduction principles
Distribute naloxone, safer-use supplies, contraceptives, and hygiene items
Provide overdose prevention education and safer-use counseling
Connect clients to healthcare, substance use treatment, housing, and social services
Build and maintain relationships with community partners
Document outreach activities and services provided
Qualifications:
Lived experience with substance use required
2+ years of experience providing street outreach
Commitment to harm reduction and recovery-oriented, person-centered care
Strong communication, trust-building, and de-escalation skills
Trauma-informed and culturally responsive approach
Ability to travel throughout Chicago, particularly the West Side neighborhoods
Community-based, street outreach, or harm reduction experience (preferred)
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $27.00 - $30.00 per hour
Expected hours: 10.0 - 20.0 per week
Benefits:
Flexible schedule
Professional development assistance
Application Question(s):
How many years of experience do you have doing street outreach?
Ability to Commute:
Chicago, IL 60624 (Required)
Work Location: In person
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Job Overview: Chi-Care is seeking a
Harm Reduction Specialist
to provide nonjudgmental, low-threshold harm reduction services to individuals who use drugs and others engaged in high-risk behaviors. This role focuses on outreach, overdose prevention, infectious disease prevention, education, and linkage to care—without requiring abstinence. The position operates primarily in mobile and community-based settings across Chicago, with a focus on the West Side.
Key Responsibilities:
Conduct street-based and community outreach using harm reduction principles
Distribute naloxone, safer-use supplies, contraceptives, and hygiene items
Provide overdose prevention education and safer-use counseling
Connect clients to healthcare, substance use treatment, housing, and social services
Build and maintain relationships with community partners
Document outreach activities and services provided
Qualifications:
Lived experience with substance use required
2+ years of experience providing street outreach
Commitment to harm reduction and recovery-oriented, person-centered care
Strong communication, trust-building, and de-escalation skills
Trauma-informed and culturally responsive approach
Ability to travel throughout Chicago, particularly the West Side neighborhoods
Community-based, street outreach, or harm reduction experience (preferred)
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $27.00 - $30.00 per hour
Expected hours: 10.0 - 20.0 per week
Benefits:
Flexible schedule
Professional development assistance
Application Question(s):
How many years of experience do you have doing street outreach?
Ability to Commute:
Chicago, IL 60624 (Required)
Work Location: In person
#J-18808-Ljbffr