OR Helpline Community Outreach and Engagement Associate

Brief Overview:

We are seeking an OR Helpline Community Outreach and Engagement Associate to help build awareness and increase the use of the OR Helpline services.

Position Description:

As part of our CBA services, HRiA manages an extensive portfolio of behavioral health initiatives, including statewide substance use helplines in Vermont and substance use and problem gambling helplines in Massachusetts and Illinois. The Illinois Helpline for Opioids and Other Substances (Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery) was launched in 2017, building upon our experience operating the MA Substance Use Helpline (Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Bureau of Substance Addiction Services) for over 26 years. HRiA launched the Vermont Helplink (Vermont Department of Health, Division of Substance) in 2019. HRiA began operating the MA Problem Gambling Helpline (Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Office of Problem Gambling Services) in 2020 and the Illinois Problem Gambling Helpline (Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery) in 2022. In December of 2023, HRiA will begin operating the helpline for the state of Oregon.

The helplines comprise state-specific websites and online portals, as well as a single, centralized contact center that manages calls and chats from residents of all states, as well as live SMS texting for Illinois, Massachusetts, and soon Oregon. The helplines connect consumers with comprehensive, accurate, and current information about and referrals to treatment, harm reduction, prevention, and recovery services available in their states.

To learn more about HRiA and our helplines, visit the following:

The OR Helpline Community Outreach and Engagement Associate will help build awareness and increase use of the OR Helpline services by engaging communities and conducting outreach throughout Oregon to Behavioral Health Resource Network (BHRN) providers, coalition members, people using substances and in recovery, allies, family and loved ones, young adults, and other constituents and priority populations. The position provides an opportunity to be a champion and partner in implementing Helpline marketing campaigns and efforts, and to engage with members of the community through in-person and online meetings and events.

This is an exempt, full-time position with a salary range of 62K-67K based on skills, work experience, and lived experience. The Outreach Associate may work remotely. Travel within Oregon and occasional travel to the Boston office is required. Candidates must be based in Oregon.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Project Work

  • Conduct outreach to BHRNs to establish relationships and communication channels to ensure effective coordination of effort between the Helpline and existing BHRN services.
  • Oversee strategic plan and outreach efforts, including Champions program and other strategies.
  • Build strategic relationships with BHRNs and other providers to promote Helpline services.
  • Develop appropriate content for presentations and promotional materials for use with a variety of audiences.
  • Conduct presentations for partners, clients, staff, and others as necessary.
  • Ensure regular communication and collaboration with Helpline Screening and Information Specialists, clinicians, and outreach staff in other states, sharing outreach learnings.
  • Offer subject matter expertise to the content development and implementation of Helpline marketing campaigns including print materials, video development, websites, and more.
  • Contribute to content development for OR SUD Helpline social media and websites, ensuring brand integrity through all promotional efforts.

 Thought Leadership

  • Build and develop knowledge and expertise in substance use disorders, recovery pathways, harm reduction approaches, etc. particularly with the lens of health and racial equity.
  • Contribute to strategy to further develop HRiA substance use and behavioral health work.
  • Suggest ideas/improvements through participation in teams and committees.
  • Consistently attend and actively participate in Helpline meetings and other activities to develop skills and make suggestions for project enhancements.

Management

  • Create OR Helpline Champion network based on MA and IL model. Build relationships and Champion involvement through workshops and monthly meetings to grow volunteer engagement for the OR Helpline.
  • Participate in hiring processes for new Helpline staff as needed.
  • Assist in the training and mentoring of new Helpline staff and volunteers as needed.

New Business Development

  • Maintain updated resume and bio for use in new business proposals.
  • Assist with subject matter guidance and technical components of new business proposals as needed.

Candidate Qualifications:

  • BS or BA with at least three years of relevant experience, or five years of experience in the field of substance use disorders.
  • Strong commitment to health and racial equity.
  • Lived/living experience with substance use disorder strongly preferred.
  • Openness to Harm Reduction principles and approaches; respect for those who use substances; appreciation for the many ways people enter into and sustain recovery from substance use disorders.
  • Relationships within the SUD, harm reduction, and/or recovery communities in Oregon preferred.
  • Commitment to building and maintaining trusted relationships with community members across OR, including service providers and general public.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Skilled and comfortable with public speaking.
  • Demonstrated ability to prioritize and coordinate multiple tasks simultaneously.
  • High level of self-motivation, with a demonstrated ability to commit to and complete high-quality products and projects.
  • Respectful of cultural differences and value diversity of thought, backgrounds, and perspectives.
  • Ability to work independently and as a part of a team.
  • If in recovery, two years of recovery from a substance use disorder.
  • Bilingual (primarily in English/Spanish) preferred.
  • A valid driver’s license and access to an automobile.
  • Ability to work virtually with a strong and stable internet connection.
  • MS Office proficiency; strong PowerPoint (or other presentation software) skills preferred.
  • Flexibility and a sense of humor.

How to Apply:

HRiA is actively seeking to build a diverse and experienced staff. The organization encourages multiple perspectives and experiences, supports a multicultural environment, and strives to hire and retain a diverse work force that reflects the populations we work with and the communities where we work. Diversity is a core value of HRiA resulting in culturally competent services, materials, resources, and programs. Our hiring and business practices appreciate the strengths offered through different backgrounds.

HRiA is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer and is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information.

Health Resources in Action offers an attractive benefits package including medical, dental and life insurance, retirement plan, tax-deferred annuity, and generous starting vacation of four weeks.

To apply, submit your resume and cover letter online.



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