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.

To Apply: please email your resume and a cover letter, including any experience in the Recovery space, to lethi@redproject.org

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.

Project: Hepatitis C prevention and linkage to care

Reports To: HIV Care and Prevention Program Manager

Salary: $20/Hr.

Status:Full-Time, Hourly

Mission

The mission of the Grand Rapids Red Project is to improve health, reduce risk and prevent HIV in the greater Grand Rapids metropolitan service area. More specifically we seek to provide access to the knowledge, tools, information and support that people need to stay healthy, and begin making any positive change in their own lives and in their communities. We accomplish our mission through providing direct client service delivery and advocacy through the Clean Works Comprehensive Harm Reduction Program, Community Outreach, Case Management, and HIV and Hepatitis C counseling, testing and referral. We focus our efforts on substance use, overdose, HIV and Hepatitis C.

Position Overview

Significant strides have been made in the past two decades in the medical treatment and case management of HIV and Hepatitis C. Hepatitis C is now curable with access to medication for those interested in receiving that treatment. 

In addition, although treatment and case management is available in Kent County, a significant portion of individuals living with Hepatitis C who are not aware of their status or are aware of their status but not currently engaged in treatment. The project will focus on identifying people living with Hepatitis C who are not aware of their status yet and provide free rapid testing and follow up infection confirmation testing. For individuals who are aware of their status but have not successfully engaged in treatment, we will walk them through the process of obtaining treatment.

Key Responsibilities

• Become a HIV/HEP C test counselor (we will provide access to this training) and assist with HIV/HCV testing, linkage, counseling services, and outreach events

  • Staff in-office testing on Mondays and Thursdays and as needed

• Work with newly diagnosed Hepatitis C (HCV) individuals by scheduling appointments, attending appointments, and following up for 6 months (or extended as needed) 

• Maintain weekly contact with clients until treatment initiation and cleared infection is achieved

• Provide Hepatitis C navigation services, including linkage to care, insurance navigation, and treatment support

• Actively maintain a presence in the community and build strong relationships with community partners

• Identify and communicate with community partners to assist in locating clients who are out of care

• Work with local health departments and epidemiological staff to identify target demographics and service areas

• Conduct outreach in the community, including working on the Mobile Health Unit

• Provide health literacy training to potential clients, with a focus on Hepatitis C treatment and cure

• Identify individuals that are out of care and link them to Hepatitis C treatment services

• Maintain accurate and updated records in client charts

• Assist in preparation of programmatic data reports

• Participate in professional development and continuing education

• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Required Skills and Experience

• Reliable transportation and valid driver’s license

• Ability to work effectively in both street outreach and professional environments

• Strong client-centered engagement and referral skills

• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred

• Minimum 1 year experience in a related field or lived experience within an affected population

• Outreach experience preferred

• Knowledge of Hepatitis C transmission, treatment, and cure, as well as HIV/STD prevention strategies

• MDHHS certification as an HIV tester/counselor (we will provide access to this training)

• Knowledge of community resources related to Hepatitis C, HIV, substance use, and basic needs

• Strong collaboration skills with healthcare entities

• Excellent communication and organizational skills

• Computer proficiency (Word, Outlook, Excel, social platforms)

• Ability to work with diverse populations in a multicultural environment

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

• Experience working with people who use drugs using a harm reduction approach

Critical Qualities

• Confidentiality: Maintain the highest level of confidentiality

• Client-Centered: Support individuals in defining and achieving their own goals

• Motivated: Take initiative and follow through on projects

• Organized: Manage priorities and maintain accurate documentation

• Problem Solver: Think critically and respond effectively to challenges description

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.

To Apply: please email your resume and a cover letter, including any experience in the Recovery space, to lethi@redproject.org

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.