Illinois Outreach and Engagement Associate

Health Resources in Action Inc•Boston, MA

23h•Hybrid

About The Position

Health Resources in Action, Inc. (HRiA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving public health through connection, consultation, and collaboration to address complex challenges in access and equity. The organization focuses on creating actionable solutions for equitable health systems. HRiA has evolved from its origins as a funding foundation to a public health organization that drives policy and systems change with an anti-racist approach. Their core values include health and racial equity, leading with heart, collaboration, and innovation. HRiA offers diverse employment opportunities and invests in its employees with person-centered policies and generous benefits. The organization manages several helplines, including statewide substance use and problem gambling helplines in Massachusetts and Illinois, operating 24/7/365 through a centralized contact center and state-specific online portals. The Illinois helplines serve residents of Illinois, providing information and referrals to treatment, harm reduction, prevention, and recovery services.

Requirements

BS or BA with at least three years of relevant experience, or at least five years of experience in the field of substance use disorders/gambling disorders and/or community engagement.
Experience within community engagement, street outreach, and/or managing volunteer engagement.
Strong commitment to health and racial equity.
Openness to harm reduction principles and approaches; respect for those who use substances and experience problem gambling; appreciation for the many ways people enter into and sustain recovery from substance use disorders and process disorders.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Skilled and comfortable with public speaking.
Commitment to building and maintaining trusted relationships with community members across IL, including service providers and the general public.
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.
A valid driver’s license and access to an automobile is required.
Ability to work virtually with a strong and stable internet connection.
MS Office proficiency: strong PowerPoint (or other presentation software) skills preferred.

Nice To Haves

The preferred candidate will be based in Southern/Central Illinois.
Lived experience with substance use disorder and/or problem gambling is strongly preferred.
Two years of recovery from a substance use or gambling disorder is preferred for candidates in recovery.
Relationships within the substance use and/or problem gambling communities in Illinois preferred.
Bilingual (primarily in English/Spanish) preferred.
Flexibility and a sense of humor.

Responsibilities

Implement and co-develop outreach strategies, including support and growth of the Helpline Champions program, proactively identifying potential partners, presenting/tabling at community events, and other strategies.
Build strategic relationships to promote and improve Helpline services, particularly within rural communities.
Contribute to the development of appropriate content for presentations and promotional materials for use with a variety of audiences.
Conduct presentations for partners, clients, staff, and others as appropriate.
Participate in strategic meetings across the state and collaborate with partners and other stakeholders in spaces relevant to substance use and problem gambling.
Share outreach connections and learnings appropriate with internal team members.
Offer subject matter expertise to the content development and implementation of IL Helpline marketing campaigns, print materials, video development, websites, and more.
Continue to build and share knowledge and expertise in substance use disorders, problem gambling, recovery pathways, harm reduction approaches, etc., particularly with the lens of health and racial equity.
Suggest ideas/improvements through participation in Helpline and HRiA teams and committees.
Consistently attend and actively participate in Helpline meetings and other activities to develop skills and make suggestions for project enhancements.
Contribute to vision and goals to enhance the efforts of the Illinois Helpline.
Engage with clients and represent the IL Helpline among all levels of stakeholders.
Support and enhance Champion involvement in collaboration with Outreach Manager.
Participate in hiring processes for new staff as needed.
Assist in the training and mentoring of new staff, Champions, and others as needed.
Maintain updated resume and bio for use in new business proposals.
Support business development by connecting external stakeholders with Helpline leadership as appropriate.
Assist with subject matter guidance and technical components of new business proposals as needed.