Harm Reduction Specialist

About the Job

Job Title: Risk Reduction Specialist

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Position Type : Full Time, Non-Exempt

Reports to: Program Manager

Salary: $50,000/annually

About the Organization:

Street Samaritans is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing street outreach and case management services to individuals experiencing homelessness in Chicago. Our mission is to intervene in the cycles of homelessness and poverty by connecting people to solutions and walking with them on their journey. We aim to empower and support individuals to achieve stable housing and self-sufficiency, while also advocating for systemic changes to address the root causes of homelessness.

Job Summary:

Street Samaritans is seeking a Risk Reduction Specialist to join our SAFE team. This role combines direct engagement with unsheltered individuals, risk reduction outreach, health education, and system navigation. This role will support individuals in accessing critical resources while promoting safety, autonomy, and wellness through a harm reduction and trauma-informed lens. Lived experience and familiarity with street-based engagement are highly valued.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Actively engage individuals experiencing homelessness and/or substance use through a trauma-informed, person-centered approach.
• Distribute risk reduction supplies.
• Provide street outreach across overdose hotspots and encampments in partnership with internal teams and act as the expert in substance use treatment connection.
• Offer referrals and navigation support for housing (via CES), behavioral health, and substance use treatment.
• Support the maintenance and restocking of the harm reduction vending machine and hub.
• Organize and support monthly peer-led educational workshops.
• Accurately document all services, referrals, and interactions.
• Attend and participate in required trainings, team meetings, and reporting activities.
• Maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality in all client interactions.
• Support the integration of harm reduction strategies across other Street Samaritans teams.
• Assist in program reporting, data entry, quality improvement efforts, and community events.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Lived experience strongly encouraged.
• Strong understanding of trauma-informed care.
• Experience working with unhoused communities and/or people who use drugs.
• Comfort using technology and Google Workspace .
• Ability to work independently, in pairs, and in dynamic field environment.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.