Reports To: Program Operations Director and Program Development Director

Hourly Rate: Approximately $20.00 per hour, commensurate with experience

Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt (40 hours per week / 80 hours per pay period)

Mission

The mission of The Grand Rapids Red Project is to enhance health, reduce risks, and prevent HIV within the greater Grand Rapids metropolitan area. Central to our mission is the belief that access to the knowledge, tools, information, and support necessary for maintaining health is a fundamental human right.

We achieve our mission through a comprehensive range of services and advocacy efforts designed to empower individuals and communities. Our programming includes syringe access services, overdose education and naloxone distribution, drug checking, PrEP navigation, HIV and Hepatitis C testing and linkage to care, HIV case management, recovery coaching, community outreach, and support groups.

Position Overview

The Mobile Health Unit Outreach Specialist is a frontline, community-based position responsible for delivering harm reduction services through The Grand Rapids Red Project’s Mobile Health Units. This role focuses on mobile outreach, syringe access services, and participant engagement across multiple communities.

This position is designed for an individual with lived experience who brings empathy, credibility, and practical understanding to outreach work. The Mobile Health Unit Outreach Specialist operates independently in the field while maintaining close communication with program leadership to ensure services are delivered safely, consistently, and in alignment with organizational policies.

Work Schedule

This position requires schedule flexibility. Outreach activities and Mobile Health Unit operations may occur during mornings, evenings, or weekends based on community needs, service schedules, special events, and program priorities.

Key Responsibilities

Mobile Health Unit Operations

• Operate Mobile Health Units in accordance with organizational policies, safety procedures, and applicable regulations

• Drive Mobile Health Units to scheduled outreach locations, special events, and service sites across multiple communities

• Ensure Mobile Health Units are clean, stocked, fueled, and prepared for daily operations

• Complete vehicle and equipment checks and promptly report maintenance or safety concerns

• Assist with set-up and breakdown of outreach sites and mobile services

Harm Reduction and Outreach Services

• Provide syringe access services and distribute harm reduction supplies in alignment with Red Project guidelines

• Engage participants using trauma-informed, participant-centered, and nonjudgmental practices

• Build and maintain trusting relationships with individuals accessing services

• Provide basic harm reduction education, overdose prevention information, and referrals to internal and external resources

• Support naloxone distribution and overdose education as trained and authorized

Documentation and Compliance

• Accurately document services provided and outreach activities within required timeframes

• Maintain participant confidentiality and comply with HIPAA, organizational policies, and applicable laws

• Adhere to all Mobile Health Unit policies, safety protocols, and reporting requirements

Collaboration and Communication

• Maintain regular communication with Program Directors regarding outreach activities, trends, and participant needs

• Coordinate with other Red Project staff to ensure continuity of services and appropriate coverage

• Represent The Grand Rapids Red Project professionally during outreach, community interactions, and partner engagements

Qualifications

Required Skills and Experience

• Lived experience relevant to harm reduction, substance use, recovery, or related systems

• Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record

• Reliable, insured personal vehicle

• Ability and willingness to drive Mobile Health Units and travel to multiple outreach locations

• Strong interpersonal communication skills and ability to engage diverse populations

• Ability to work independently while remaining accountable to program leadership

• Basic computer skills and ability to complete electronic documentation

• Commitment to harm reduction principles and the mission of The Grand Rapids Red Project

Preferred Skills

• Previous experience in outreach, harm reduction, recovery support, or social services

• Familiarity with syringe access programs or mobile service delivery

• Knowledge of local community resources and service networks

Physical and Environmental Requirements

• Ability to work outdoors and in mobile environments in varying weather conditions

• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift or move supplies and equipment up to approximately 30–40 pounds

• Comfort working in nontraditional settings, including streets, parking lots, and mobile units

Compensation and Benefits

The Grand Rapids Red Project offers competitive hourly compensation and a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, health insurance, and professional development opportunities, consistent with organizational policy.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Grand Rapids Red Project is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages individuals with lived experience to apply. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status.

Disclaimer

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Duties and responsibilities may evolve based on program needs and organizational priorities.

Reports To: Program Operations Director, Program Development Director and HIV Programs Manager

Hourly Rate: Approximately $20.00 per hour, commensurate with experience

Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt (40 hours per week / 80 hours per pay period)

Mission

The mission of The Grand Rapids Red Project is to enhance health, reduce risks, and prevent HIV within the greater Grand Rapids area. Central to our mission is the belief that access to the knowledge, tools, information, and support necessary for maintaining health is a fundamental human right.

We achieve our mission through a comprehensive range of services and advocacy efforts designed to empower individuals and communities. Our programming includes syringe access services, overdose education and naloxone distribution, drug checking, PrEP navigation, HIV and Hepatitis C testing and linkage to care, HIV case management, recovery coaching, community outreach, condom distribution, and support groups.

Position Overview

The Prevention Outreach Coordinator is responsible for coordinating and delivering community- based HIV and Hepatitis C prevention services, including HIV Testing, Linkage, and Counseling (TLC) and condom distribution. This role focuses on outreach to communities disproportionately impacted by HIV and Hepatitis C and serves as a key connection between The Grand Rapids Red Project and community partners.

The Prevention Outreach Coordinator works collaboratively with HIV and Hepatitis C program staff to expand access to testing, ensure high-quality service delivery, and support effective linkage to medical care and supportive services. This position requires strong organizational skills, comfort working in community-based settings, and a commitment to harm reduction and client-centered care.

Work Schedule

This position requires schedule flexibility. Outreach activities, testing events, and community engagement may occur during mornings, evenings, or weekends based on program needs, community events, and service schedules. Nights and weekends will be required.

Key Responsibilities

Community Outreach and Prevention Programming

• Coordinate, and implement community outreach activities for HIV, Hepatitis C, and PrEP prevention programming

• Conduct outreach in a variety of settings, including bars, community events, Clean Works outreach, and other nontraditional environments

• Build and maintain strong relationships with community partners to support testing events and prevention initiatives

• Identify and collaborate with new outreach locations and partners in coordination with HIV and Hepatitis C program teams

HIV and Hepatitis C Testing and Linkage to Care

• Maintain certification as an HIV and Hepatitis C Test Counselor in accordance with state requirements

• Provide HIV and Hepatitis C testing services through community outreach, Mobile Health Units, and scheduled testing events

• Serve as site supervisor for testing events, ensuring compliance with organizational policies, funder requirements, and state guidelines

• Coordinate timely and effective linkage to medical care, HIV case management, partner services, and other supportive resources for clients receiving reactive/positive test results

• Triage high-risk clients and people living with HIV/AIDS to appropriate internal and external services as needed

Volunteer Coordination and Training Support

• Assist with coordinating volunteers for outreach and testing events

• Support trainee development by modeling testing procedures and best practices

• Assist program manager with trainee oversight and certification processes in accordance with program standards

Client-Centered and Harm Reduction Services

• Deliver services using trauma-informed, client-centered, and nonjudgmental approaches

• Integrate harm reduction principles and Red Project protocols into all aspects of service delivery

• Support informed decision-making and ongoing engagement in prevention and care services

Collaboration and Administrative Responsibilities

• Participate in community coalitions, meetings, and events to strengthen partnerships and promote collaboration

• Complete required documentation, reporting, and data entry related to outreach, testing, and linkage activities within established timeframes

• Participate in required trainings and professional development activities

• Assist with general program and office support tasks as needed

Qualifications

Required Skills and Experience

• MPHI certification as an HIV Test Counselor, or ability to obtain certification with organizational support, this will be coordinated once hired

• Ability and willingness to work evenings and weekends as required for outreach and testing events

• Strong commitment to harm reduction principles and HIV and Hepatitis C prevention

• Knowledge of local community resources related to HIV care, health care access, substance use services, and basic needs

• Strong interpersonal communication skills and ability to engage diverse populations

• Ability to work independently while remaining accountable to program supervision

• Proficiency with basic computer applications and electronic documentation systems

Preferred Skills

• At least one year of experience in HIV education, prevention, counseling, outreach, or related services

• Lived experience or identification with communities disproportionately impacted by HIV and Hepatitis C

• Knowledge of HIV, Hepatitis C, and STI transmission, prevention, and treatment

• Experience with harm reduction–based service delivery preferred

• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred

• Established connections within MSM communities in Western Michigan preferred

Physical and Environmental Requirements

• Ability to work in community-based and nontraditional settings, including outdoor and evening environments

• Ability to stand for extended periods and assist with outreach setup and breakdown as needed

Compensation and Benefits

The Grand Rapids Red Project offers competitive salaried compensation and a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, health insurance, and professional development opportunities, consistent with organizational policy.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Grand Rapids Red Project is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages individuals with lived experience to apply. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status.

Disclaimer

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Duties and responsibilities may evolve based on program needs and organizational priorities.