Community Support and Outreach Specialist

Under the direction and immediate supervision of the Gambling Disorder Prevention Program Coordinator, the Community Support and Outreach Specialist provides outreach, prevention education, community engagement, and resource linkage services to individuals and communities impacted by gambling disorder and other addictive behaviors.

Approximately fifty percent of this position supports Gambling Disorder Prevention Services, with the remaining fifty percent supporting Trinity Services' substance use and addiction prevention and recovery initiatives.

Location & Schedule

Joliet, IL (Travel throughout Will, Grundy, Kendall, DuPage, and South Suburban Cook Counties)

Primarily Monday-Friday; occasional evenings and weekends for community outreach and events

Pay

$43,500 annually

Responsibilities

• Conducts outreach and prevention activities throughout the community.
• Assists with health fairs, school events, community presentations, and public awareness campaigns.
• Distributes gambling disorder prevention and recovery education materials.
• Assists Behavioral Health Prevention Specialists during community screening events.
• Provides information regarding gambling disorder prevention, treatment, and recovery resources.
• Facilitates warm referrals to behavioral health, recovery support, and community resources.
• Builds relationships with schools, community organizations, healthcare providers, faith communities, and local businesses.
• Supports implementation of Problem Gambling Awareness Month and Gift Responsibly Campaign activities.
• Assists with social media, digital outreach, and community engagement efforts.
• Maintains required outreach documentation and activity logs.
• Participates in staff meetings, supervision, and ongoing professional development.
• Supports other addiction prevention initiatives as assigned.

Requirements

• Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in Human Services, Social Work, Psychology, Public Health, or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• Experience in prevention, outreach, peer support, or behavioral health preferred.
• Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) or Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) credential preferred but not required.
• Completion of the IDHS/SUPR 30-hour Gambling Disorder Training within six months of hire if not already completed.
• Valid Illinois Driver's License and reliable transportation.

Skills

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to engage diverse communities in outreach and prevention activities.
• Knowledge of community resources and behavioral health systems.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Commitment to culturally responsive and recovery-oriented services.

Physical Demands

• Lift up to 40 pounds from floor to waist unassisted.
• Push and pull up to 75 pounds; push wheelchairs up to 200 pounds.
• Perform physical movements including squatting, stooping, crouching, and kneeling.
• Stand, sit, or remain stationary for extended periods.
• Perform repetitive hand and finger movements for computer and phone use.

Benefits

• Health, Vision, Dental, and Life insurance
• Educational Assistance
• Paid time off
• Sick time
• 11 Paid Holidays
• Personal Time
• Potential Year-End Bonus
• Financial Assistance Program (Cookie Jar)
• Employee Referral Program (Bounty Bucks)