Outreach Program Lead

Southside Harm Reduction Services (SHRS)

As Minnesota's leading harm reduction organization, we’re dedicated to improving the health and autonomy of individuals who use drugs. Our approach is grounded in understanding and respecting the needs of our community, aiming to increase access to essential and supportive services, destigmatize drug use and sex work, and affirm the dignity of all people who use drugs and people experiencing homelessness.

The Outreach Program Lead is responsible for overseeing Southside Harm Reduction Services’ Outreach Program. The Outreach Program connects with people where they’re at; providing harm reduction supplies, education and information, and connecting people to healthcare, housing, and other supportive services. This role will provide direct services, coordinate and work with SHRS staff and volunteers, and maintain a network of referrals by developing and maintaining relationships with partner organizations.

• Direct Outreach Services
  • Perform at least three regular weekly outreach shifts
  • Monitor, stock, and transport program supplies including safe use supplies, safe use kits, basic needs supplies, and other supplies as requested and available
  • Connect participants with resources, linkages to care, and connections to other supportive services as possible and as requested
  • Engage in supportive, non‑judgemental conversations about safe drug use, drug trends, and harm reduction best practices
  • Ensure, to the best of your ability, the safety of the outreach team in accordance with SHRS Policies and Procedures
• Program Planning and Oversight
  • Work with staff and leadership to oversee and continue to develop SHRS’s Outreach Program according to the Organization’s mission and strategic plan
  • Regularly review the Outreach Program’s goals, objectives, and outcomes, and determine and make adjustments as necessary
  • Maintain the Outreach Program’s schedule, ensuring consistent and safely staffed shifts, and in coordination with other SHRS program schedules
  • Effectively coordinate and communicate with staff and volunteers to ensure the program’s goals are being met and that participants are getting consistent, safe services from all SHRS outreach personnel
  • Monitor supply inventory and distribution according to the program’s budget and operations
  • Maintain awareness of the current landscape of drug use in the Twin Cities and apply that knowledge to the street‑based outreach program, structure and culture
• Administrative Work
  • Work with Linkage to Care staff to continuously update a network and system of referrals to other services and/or medical care, utilizing street outreach as a point of contact
  • Enter weekly outreach data entry, create monthly internal reports, and work with other staff to conduct quarterly program evaluations
  • Attend and facilitate meetings as relevant to the position

• Experience‑based knowledge of drug use, issues affecting people who use drugs, issues affecting people who live outside and the unregulated drug supply is highly preferred
• Knowledge of the practical application of harm reduction, as well as trauma‑informed and person‑centered care
• Experience with de‑escalation techniques and non‑stigmatizing communication
• Environmental and situational awareness, the ability to act effectively in chaotic and/or changing situations in order to maintain safety for all
• People organization skills; the ability to work collaboratively with others, manage projects, delegate responsibilities, and ask for help when needed
• Excellent judgement of personal abilities/capacities and the ability to communicate and maintain boundaries
• Computer proficiency in Microsoft Suite, Google Suite, and the ability to learn new computer software

• 1-2 years work/volunteer experience in street‑based outreach
• 1-2 years work/volunteer experience in harm reduction
• Physical ability to lift up to 50 lbs and to work outdoors in all seasons
• Eligible to work in the United States with 2 valid forms of
• Current driver’s license
• Dependable personal vehicle that can be used for work strongly preferred

• Competitive salary and comprehensive paid…