Substance Use Specialist - The Night Ministry

The Night Ministry is a Chicago based organization whose mission is to provide human connection, housing support, and health care to members of our community who are unhoused or experiencing poverty.

We've successfully provided these lifesaving services for 45 plus years, everyday providing a lifeline to our most vulnerable neighbors. We serve everyone without concern for race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity. With an open heart, we compassionately accept each individual as they are and work alongside them to advocate for their immediate physical, emotional, and social needs while affirming our shared humanity.

As a member of The Night Ministry team, you can look forward to engaging and compelling work, building dynamic professional relationships with staff, volunteers, and the clients you serve. Join our growing team and know you are making a meaningful impact on our shelter residents lives.

In the Substance Use Specialist role you will provide care and support for people seeking substance use education and/or recovery that are receiving services through the Health Outreach programs. Collaborate to locate, create, and maintain relationships with the homeless through outreach. This includes participation in van-based outreach and on foot outreach in selected areas where the homeless are likely to congregate. Delivers services and support in accordance with The Night Ministry's vision and purpose.

Qualifications:

• Proficient in developing and implementing new outreach methods.
• Street savvy, comfortable working in all Chicago neighborhoods.
• Demonstrates excellent interpersonal skills.
• Competent in trauma, LGBTQQIA, and street culture, working with diverse populations.
• Knowledgeable about Harm Reduction, Trauma-Informed Care, and Housing First Approach.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct client assessments for substance use support and provide referrals.
• Support clients using substances by promoting safety, reducing harm, and facilitating treatment access.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary team to address medical care and housing needs.
• Maintain relationships with partners for Medication Assisted Treatment support.
• Ensure accurate data entry in internal databases.
• Drive Outreach Van and provide substance use services.
• Distribute Harm Reduction kits and provide training to TNM staff.
• Stay updated on target population issues and resources.
• Attend staff meetings and training sessions.
• Represent TNM to community groups and participate in fundraising activities.
• Perform special projects and assigned duties.

Essential Skills & Qualifications:

• Knowledge of substance abuse counseling techniques or relevant experience.
• 1-2 years' outreach experience with homeless populations.
• Valid driver's license, insurance, and ability to drive Outreach Van.
• Physically capable of outdoor work in all Chicago weather for up to six hours.
• Able to set up, load, and break down supplies for outreach shifts.
• Flexibility for daytime, evening, weekend, and nighttime shifts.
• Passion for serving vulnerable populations with professionalism and strong interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated "street smarts" and ability to react quickly in emergencies.
• Capable of managing intense client situations and de-escalation.
• Team-oriented with willingness to share responsibilities and assist others.

Additional Information:

• Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee frequently is required to use hands or fingers, handle or feel objects, tools or controls. The employee is regularly required to talk or listen.

• Work Environment: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but may vary at the different locations required in this job.

The Night Ministry is an Equal Opportunities Employer.