Community Ambassador (Casual I)

Education Development Center•Chicago, IL

46d•$30 - $33•Remote

About The Position

The Opioid Abatement Strategies Effectiveness Evaluation (OASEE) has an opening for a Community Ambassador (Casual I), reporting to the Senior Research Associate in Chicago. This is a short-term, primarily remote casual position (per diem) through June 30, 2026. The Community Ambassador will work with a team on an evaluation project specifically related to opioid overdose prevention, response, and recovery in the state of Illinois. This person in this position is expected to have experience and/or knowledge of substance use disorder and the delivery of related services in the community. For this position, we prioritize individuals who have lived and living recovery experience as well as some education around harm reduction, substance use challenges, mental health and/or recovery. EDC casual employees generally work as needed. A casual position receives statutory benefits of Social Security contributions, Medicare contributions, unemployment insurance, worker’s compensation insurance and sick leave. A casual position ends when work is complete. You will: The person in this position is expected to communicate clearly and courteously; to develop and maintain positive relationships with others; and to work respectfully with colleagues. Under general management guidance, the Community Ambassador will work with a team on an evaluation capacity building project in Illinois, by:

Requirements

This position requires excellent organizational skills; demonstrable initiative, creativity, and flexibility; ability to work effectively in groups and independently; strong interpersonal skills; excellent writing skills. Being open-minded, using approaches grounded in humility, and a willingness to learn and grow are key.
At least 2 years related experience in community engagement related to substance use disorder and the delivery of these services in the community
Experience with data collection, research, and evaluation activities with social service agencies in Illinois
Proficiency with computer applications, including Internet research, Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications (access to computer required)
Ability to travel and to attend in-person meetings and events at various locations across Illinois, particularly southern Illinois

Nice To Haves

Individuals who have lived and living recovery experience, as well as some education around harm reduction, substance use challenges, mental health and/or recovery
Experience and/or knowledge about the multiple pathways of recovery
Community engagement experience in southern Illinois

Responsibilities

Completing evaluation planning, including designing research and evaluation activities, tools, and protocols
Conducting data collection, including recruiting for and administering surveys as well as conducting interviews and focus groups
Conducting data interpretation and analysis
Assisting with writing, editing materials, and developing recommendations, presentations, and brief reports to disseminate evaluation findings
Assisting in technical assistance related to evaluation project, including community outreach and engagement with partners and capacity building with community-based agencies
Participating in engagement and relationship-building with organizations that serve the recovery community in southern Illinois as well as individuals who receive services from these organizations
Collaborating with team staff to conduct work
Integrating community-based perspectives and lived experiences into evaluation project activities and project deliverables
Participating in primarily virtual weekly staff team meetings on Teams and video conferencing software
Traveling once yearly for meetings, trainings, and/or conferences in Illinois