Community Outreach and Engagement Associate, VT Helplink

Health Resources in Action Inc • Boston, MA

17d • $55,000 - $62,000 • Remote

About The Position

The VT Helplink Community Outreach and Engagement Associate will help build awareness and increase use of the VT Helplink services by engaging communities and conducting outreach throughout Vermont to VDH’s Preferred Providers, community partners, coalition members, people using substances and in recovery, allies, family and loved ones, young adults, and other constituents and priority populations. The position provides a chance to be a champion and partner in implementing Helplink marketing campaigns and efforts and to engage with community members through in-person and online meetings and events. Additionally, the Outreach Associate will play a key role in implementing our Champions program, which is an initiative to engage trusted community organizations in Helplink programming, material development, and outreach efforts. The Outreach Associate will be a member of the newly forming Helpline Engagement Team, to be led by the Associate Director, Community Engagement.

Requirements

• BS or BA with at least three years of relevant experience, or in lieu of a degree, at least three years of experience in the field of substance use services or community engagement experience.
• Strong commitment to health and racial equity.
• Knowledge of Vermont geography, culture, and stakeholders.
• Openness to Harm Reduction principles and approaches; respect for those who use substances; appreciation for the many ways people enter into and sustain recovery from substance use disorders.
• Commitment to building and maintaining trusted relationships with community members across VT, including service providers and general public.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Skilled and comfortable with public speaking.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize and coordinate multiple tasks simultaneously.
• High level of self-motivation, with a demonstrated ability to commit to and complete high-quality products and projects.
• Respectful of cultural differences and value diversity of thought, backgrounds, and perspectives.
• Ability to work independently and as a part of a team.
• If in recovery, two years of recovery from a substance use disorder is requested.
• A valid driver’s license and access to an automobile.
• Ability to work virtually with a strong and stable internet connection.
• MS Office proficiency; strong PowerPoint (or other presentation software) skills preferred.
• Flexibility and a sense of humor.

Nice To Haves

• Lived/living experience with substance use disorder strongly preferred.
• Relationships within the SUD, harm reduction, and/or recovery communities in Vermont preferred.
• Bilingual (primarily in English/Spanish) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct outreach to Preferred Providers to establish relationships and communication channels to ensure effective coordination of effort between the Helplink and existing Helplink services.
• Oversee strategic plan and outreach efforts, including Champions program and other strategies.
• Build strategic relationships with Preferred Providers and other community partners to promote Helplink services.
• Develop content for presentations and promotional materials for use with various audiences.
• Conduct presentations for partners, clients, staff, and others as necessary.
• Ensure regular communication and collaboration with Helplink Screening and Information Specialists, clinicians, outreach staff in other states, and other staff, sharing outreach learnings.
• Offer subject matter expertise in the content development and implementation of Helpline marketing efforts, including campaigns, print materials, video development, websites, and more.
• Facilitate co-creation of materials with internal Communications team and Champions partners when necessary.
• Contribute to content development for VT Helplink social media and websites, ensuring brand integrity through all promotional efforts.
• Build and develop knowledge and expertise in substance use disorders, recovery pathways, harm reduction approaches, VT SUD service landscape, etc. particularly with the lens of health and racial equity.
• Contribute to strategy to further develop HRiA substance use and behavioral health work as appropriate.
• Suggest ideas/improvements through participation in teams and committees.
• Consistently attend and actively participate in Helpline meetings and other activities to develop skills and make suggestions for project enhancements.
• Create VT Helpline Champion network based on MA and IL model. Build relationships and Champion involvement through workshops and monthly meetings to grow volunteer engagement for the VT Helplink.
• Participate in hiring processes for new Helplink staff as needed.
• Assist in the training and mentoring of new Helpline staff and volunteers as needed.
• Maintain updated resume and bio for use in new business proposals.
• Assist with subject matter guidance and technical components of new business proposals as needed.

Benefits

• Health Resources in Action offers an attractive benefits package including medical, dental and life insurance, retirement plan, tax-deferred annuity, and generous starting vacation of four weeks.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level