AIDS Foundation of Chicago
Harm Reduction & Recovery Support Specialist
AIDS Foundation of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60606
Job Description
Job Description Harm Reduction & Recovery Support Specialist
Location:
Chicago, IL (Hybrid/Community-Based) Schedule:
Monday–Friday, Self-Directed Position Type:
Full-Time | Exempt Salary Range:
$50,000–$52,000 annually About AIDS Foundation Chicago (AFC) AIDS Foundation Chicago (AFC) mobilizes communities to create equity and justice for people living with and vulnerable to HIV and other chronic health conditions. Through housing, case management, policy advocacy, and public health initiatives, AFC supports the health and well-being of communities impacted by systemic inequities. The Center for Housing and Health (CHH), a supporting organization of AFC, partners with housing and healthcare providers to help people with complex needs find stability through harm reduction, recovery support, and long-term care. Job Summary AFC is hiring a Harm Reduction & Recovery Support Specialist to work with individuals across all stages of recovery. This role is ideal for someone who understands the importance of meeting people where they are, whether they’re working toward abstinence, reducing use, or defining recovery in their own way. The specialist will provide coaching, counseling, and case management with a strong emphasis on harm reduction. Services are delivered in participants’ homes, in the community, or at the office. Much of the schedule is self-directed, and participants often set their own meeting times. The person in this role will also offer psychoeducation, distribute harm reduction supplies, help connect participants to treatment when desired, and accompany them to appointments when needed. Key Responsibilities
Provide recovery support using a harm reduction approach
Offer individual counseling, coaching, and resource navigation
Educate participants on safer use, overdose prevention, and treatment options
Distribute supplies such as sterile syringes, fentanyl test strips, and Naloxone
Conduct home, community, and office visits based on participant preference
Accompany participants to treatment or support service appointments when appropriate
Manage a flexible, participant-driven schedule
Maintain accurate documentation in databases such as CaseWorthy
Collaborate with housing providers, behavioral health staff, and community partners
Participate in team meetings, trainings, and supervision
Minimum Qualifications
Associate degree or equivalent experience in harm reduction, recovery support, or substance use services
Experience supporting individuals in recovery (either professional or lived experience)
Valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree
At least two years of experience in harm reduction, case management, or recovery support
Credential such as CADC, CRSS, LSW, or LPC
Spanish language skills are a plus (not required)
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Familiarity with harm reduction and recovery frameworks
Strong communication and relationship-building skills
Experience working independently and managing flexible schedules
Comfortable with documentation and data tracking systems
Able to navigate different neighborhoods and conduct field-based outreach
Organized, reliable, and grounded in trauma-informed, participant-centered care
Work Environment This is a hybrid position with time spent in the field, participants’ homes, and at the office. The schedule is Monday through Friday, with flexibility based on participants’ needs. Staff are required to attend in-office meetings at least once per month. The role involves driving throughout the Chicagoland area, transporting supplies, and working in a variety of community settings. Benefits AFC offers a comprehensive benefits package to support the well-being and work-life balance of our staff: Health Insurance: Multiple plan options, including no-cost coverage for qualifying employees
Dental & Vision: Affordable plans with strong coverage
Retirement: Pre-tax and Roth contributions available through AFC’s retirement plan
Paid Time Off: Generous PTO to support time away from work
Work Flexibility: Hybrid, remote, and in-person models tailored to staff needs
Life & Disability Insurance: Employer-paid coverage
Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support services
Additional Perks: FSA, pet insurance, legal support, and discounts with over 300,000 vendors
Final Note We encourage people with diverse backgrounds—including those with lived experience of recovery, housing instability, or substance use—to apply. At AFC, we’re committed to building a supportive team where everyone feels valued and respected.
Job Description Harm Reduction & Recovery Support Specialist
Location:
Chicago, IL (Hybrid/Community-Based) Schedule:
Monday–Friday, Self-Directed Position Type:
Full-Time | Exempt Salary Range:
$50,000–$52,000 annually About AIDS Foundation Chicago (AFC) AIDS Foundation Chicago (AFC) mobilizes communities to create equity and justice for people living with and vulnerable to HIV and other chronic health conditions. Through housing, case management, policy advocacy, and public health initiatives, AFC supports the health and well-being of communities impacted by systemic inequities. The Center for Housing and Health (CHH), a supporting organization of AFC, partners with housing and healthcare providers to help people with complex needs find stability through harm reduction, recovery support, and long-term care. Job Summary AFC is hiring a Harm Reduction & Recovery Support Specialist to work with individuals across all stages of recovery. This role is ideal for someone who understands the importance of meeting people where they are, whether they’re working toward abstinence, reducing use, or defining recovery in their own way. The specialist will provide coaching, counseling, and case management with a strong emphasis on harm reduction. Services are delivered in participants’ homes, in the community, or at the office. Much of the schedule is self-directed, and participants often set their own meeting times. The person in this role will also offer psychoeducation, distribute harm reduction supplies, help connect participants to treatment when desired, and accompany them to appointments when needed. Key Responsibilities
Provide recovery support using a harm reduction approach
Offer individual counseling, coaching, and resource navigation
Educate participants on safer use, overdose prevention, and treatment options
Distribute supplies such as sterile syringes, fentanyl test strips, and Naloxone
Conduct home, community, and office visits based on participant preference
Accompany participants to treatment or support service appointments when appropriate
Manage a flexible, participant-driven schedule
Maintain accurate documentation in databases such as CaseWorthy
Collaborate with housing providers, behavioral health staff, and community partners
Participate in team meetings, trainings, and supervision
Minimum Qualifications
Associate degree or equivalent experience in harm reduction, recovery support, or substance use services
Experience supporting individuals in recovery (either professional or lived experience)
Valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree
At least two years of experience in harm reduction, case management, or recovery support
Credential such as CADC, CRSS, LSW, or LPC
Spanish language skills are a plus (not required)
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Familiarity with harm reduction and recovery frameworks
Strong communication and relationship-building skills
Experience working independently and managing flexible schedules
Comfortable with documentation and data tracking systems
Able to navigate different neighborhoods and conduct field-based outreach
Organized, reliable, and grounded in trauma-informed, participant-centered care
Work Environment This is a hybrid position with time spent in the field, participants’ homes, and at the office. The schedule is Monday through Friday, with flexibility based on participants’ needs. Staff are required to attend in-office meetings at least once per month. The role involves driving throughout the Chicagoland area, transporting supplies, and working in a variety of community settings. Benefits AFC offers a comprehensive benefits package to support the well-being and work-life balance of our staff: Health Insurance: Multiple plan options, including no-cost coverage for qualifying employees
Dental & Vision: Affordable plans with strong coverage
Retirement: Pre-tax and Roth contributions available through AFC’s retirement plan
Paid Time Off: Generous PTO to support time away from work
Work Flexibility: Hybrid, remote, and in-person models tailored to staff needs
Life & Disability Insurance: Employer-paid coverage
Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support services
Additional Perks: FSA, pet insurance, legal support, and discounts with over 300,000 vendors
Final Note We encourage people with diverse backgrounds—including those with lived experience of recovery, housing instability, or substance use—to apply. At AFC, we’re committed to building a supportive team where everyone feels valued and respected.