What are the responsibilities and job description for the Harm Reduction Outreach Worker position at Kenneth Young Center?
Harm Reduction Outreach Worker
Kenneth Young Center is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit dedicated to providing comprehensive outpatient behavioral health services to individuals of all walks of life. Located in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago, we offer a wide range of services including outpatient therapeutic care, recovery-oriented support, community prevention, LGBTQ outreach, older adult services, and crisis intervention. Our team welcomes and celebrates unique perspectives and represents the diversity and vitality of our local communities. Join our team to grow in your career while building stronger, healthier communities.
Kenneth Young Center offers a robust benefit package that is highly competitive to the market and offers all full-time employees the following:
- 403(b) plan with organizational matching
- Medical Insurance (Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois - BCBS)
- Dental (BCBS), and Vision Insurance (BCBS) with low employee premiums
- Long Term and Short Term Disability (BCBS), no cost to employee
- Flexible Spending Account (with annual rollover)
- Basic life insurance (50k) paid for by the organization and option for additional voluntary coverage for self, spouse, or dependents (BCBS)
- Incentive program with potential for quarterly bonuses
- Opportunity for annual bonus and salary increase (discretionary based on annual KYC financial audit)
- Eligibility to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)
To further promote an active and healthy work/ life balance, KYC also offers a generous amount of paid time off and staff holidays.
- 4 weeks of Paid Time Off (With increases based on seniority)
- 8 Paid Organization-Wide Holidays
- 3 Personal Floating Holidays annually
Staff will assist in delivering all or any of the recovery support services for families and individuals from community areas enrolled with them for services. In addition, staff will assist the community in:
- Advocating for meaningful representation and voice for people in long-term recovery and their family members on issues that affect their lives.
- Assessing needs related to the adequacy and quality of local treatment and recovery support services.
Program Responsibilities
- Under the supervision of the Harm Reduction Coordinator is responsible for coordination and implementation of Harm Reduction services.
- These services include the following: successful engagement of individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) through linkage to prevention, treatment, and harm reduction services.
- Provide education and support for individuals with OUD with regards to health promotion, community resources / referrals, etc.
- Develop partnership opportunities with agencies and other sources to promote the health of individuals affected by OUD.
- Actively participate in relevant networks/coalitions serving clients affected by OUD
- Deliver harm reduction information, referral services, and direct outreach services in a variety of venues frequented by individuals who have an OUD or at risk of developing an OUD.
- Attend trainings, meetings and workshops.
- Complete other job-related duties as assigned.
Administrative Responsibilities
- Collaborate with Recovery Support Services Manager in identifying performance measures and annual budget.
- Effectively implement and monitor program performance including individual and unit productivity expectations.
- Receive administrative input from Senior Manager and provide feedback regarding administrative issues.
- Represent KYC at community events.
- Interpret and communicate at a service delivery level KYC policy and procedures.
- Participate in administrative supervision and seek individual consultation with Senior Manager.
Education and Experience
- High School diploma and/or GED
- Lived experience from a substance use disorder or co-occurring substance use disorder and mental illness.
- At least 2 years of experience providing harm reduction services to individuals who use preferred.
- Experience conducting Quality Assurance for other staff in related public health work.
- Experience working professionally with persons in recovery.
- Experience using Microsoft Office Products (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) as well as cloud-based programs such as Google Drive, Box, and Drop Box.
- Familiarity with typical electronic office equipment.
Schedule
- Full Time, Exempt, 37.5 hours per week.
- Must be prepared to work a flexible schedule in response to the needs of the target population served, including evenings and weekends.
Kenneth Young Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer
