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.

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 Drug Checking Technician is a frontline, participant-focused position responsible for operating and supporting The Grand Rapids Red Project’s drug checking program. This role focuses on testing small quantities of substances voluntarily provided by participants, sharing accurate and timely information about the drug supply, and supporting harm reduction education related to substance use trends.

This position is designed for an individual with lived experience who brings credibility, trust, and practical understanding to harm reduction work. The Drug Checking Technician works primarily within the drug checking program while maintaining close communication with program leadership to ensure services are delivered safely, consistently, and in alignment with organizational policies.

During periods of downtime, this position is expected to actively engage with staff and participants in other harm reduction service areas to ensure a participant-focused environment and support overall program flow.

Work Schedule

This position requires schedule flexibility. Drug checking services, trainings, outreach activities, events, and conferences may occur during regular business hours, evenings, or weekends based on program needs, service schedules, community demand, and organizational priorities.

Staff in this role may also be required to travel locally, regionally, or occasionally out of state for trainings, conferences, or program-related activities.

Key Responsibilities

Drug Checking Operations

• Conduct drug checking using approved tools, technologies, and protocols

• Safely handle very small quantities of substances in accordance with organizational procedures

• Maintain strict confidentiality, professionalism, and participant trust at all times

• Accurately interpret and communicate drug checking results using a harm reduction approach

• Maintain testing equipment, supplies, and designated workspaces

• Follow all safety procedures, data collection requirements, and quality assurance protocols

Harm Reduction and Participant Engagement

• Provide nonjudgmental harm reduction education related to drug supply trends, adulterants, and safer use practices

• Support overdose prevention education and naloxone distribution as trained and authorized

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

• During downtime, support participant engagement and service delivery in other harm reduction spaces

Documentation and Compliance

• Accurately document drug checking services and related activities within required timeframes

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

• Adhere to all drug checking policies, safety protocols, and reporting requirements

Collaboration and Communication

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

• Coordinate with other Red Project staff to ensure continuity of services and participant-centered care

• Represent The Grand Rapids Red Project professionally during outreach, events, trainings, and community engagements

Training and Professional Development

• Attend required trainings related to drug checking, substances, and harm reduction practices

• Stay current on emerging substances, adulterants, and trends in the drug supply

• Participate in ongoing professional development opportunities

Qualifications

Required Skills and Experience

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

• Strong understanding of the current drug supply and substances in circulation

• High level of reliability, trustworthiness, and attention to detail

• 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

• Valid driver’s license

• Willingness and ability to travel for trainings, conferences, or program needs

• Willingness to work evenings or weekends as required

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

Preferred Skills

• Previous experience in drug checking, harm reduction, outreach, or public health

• Experience working directly with people who use drugs

• Familiarity with drug checking tools, testing technologies, or data collection systems

Physical and Environmental Requirements

• Ability to work in office, community, outreach, and event-based settings

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods

• Ability to travel for work-related trainings and events

• Ability to handle supplies and equipment associated with drug checking services

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.