Harm Reduction Specialist

Job Title: Harm Reduction Specialist

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Position Type : Full Time, Non-Exempt

Reports to: Program Manager- Street Based Services

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 Harm Reduction Specialist to join our Harm Reduction - SAFE team. This role combines direct engagement with unsheltered individuals, harm reduction outreach, health education, and system navigation. The Harm Reduction Specialist will support individuals in accessing critical resources while promoting safety, autonomy, and wellness through a harm reduction and trauma-informed lens. This position will also document services and participate in Coordinated Entry processes. 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, harm reduction approach.
• Distribute Narcan, fentanyl test strips, condoms, hygiene kits, and other harm 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.
• Complete minimum CES assessment referrals as needed and support clients through the housing waitlist process'.
• 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, quality improvement efforts, and community events.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Lived experience strongly encouraged.
• Strong understanding of harm reduction, trauma-informed care, and Housing First principles.
• 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.

Street Samaritans is a 501(c)3 grassroots nonprofit that provides direct support and resources for transition for Chicago’s Homeless population through human connection, technology and partnerships. Learn more at