Job Title: Program Coordinator
Location: NIRCO Recovery Community Center, Waukegan, Illinois
Salary: $65,000
Employment Type: Full-time
Reports to: Executive Director
Duration: Funded through 6/30/2026
About NIRCO:
The Northern Illinois Recovery Community Organization (NIRCO) is a peer-run and peer-led organization committed to supporting individuals in recovery from substance use disorders (SUD), opioid use disorder (OUD), and polysubstance use disorder (PUD). Established in 2019, we serve the underserved communities of Waukegan, Zion, and North Chicago, focusing on offering peer support, harm reduction services, and recovery-focused programs to those impacted by addiction, gun violence, mental health issues, and homelessness.
Position Overview:
NIRCO is seeking a Program Coordinator to oversee the Certified Peer Recovery Specialists (CPRS) team and deliver peer recovery support services directly to individuals in recovery. The Program Coordinator will play a dual role, acting as both a leader and mentor to the CPRS team, while also providing warm handoff and recovery support services to individuals impacted by SUD, OUD, and PUD. The Coordinator will be responsible for ensuring high-quality service delivery, coordinating with key partner organizations, and assisting in program development.
Key Responsibilities:
Program Coordination & Supervision:
Supervise and provide guidance to the CPRS team, ensuring they are equipped to perform their duties effectively and compassionately.
Oversee the implementation of the warm handoff services across NIRCO’s five key partner organizations (Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Lake Behavioral Hospital, Kalimba Foundation Recovery Housing, Gateway Foundation, and Capt. James A Lovell Federal Health Care Center).
Ensure that CPRS staff maintain accurate records of client interactions and follow up on all referrals made during warm handoffs.
Coordinate staff schedules to ensure coverage across all outreach settings and partner organizations.
Facilitate regular team meetings to discuss progress, address challenges, and provide ongoing training and professional development for CPRS staff.
Report program outcomes, client data, and milestones to the Executive Director and funding agencies in compliance with grant requirements.
Warm Handoff & Peer Recovery Support Services:
Serve as a primary point of contact for individuals transitioning from jail, recovery housing, inpatient treatment, or veterans’ care into NIRCO’s recovery services.
Provide face-to-face, phone, or video-based warm handoff services, working with partner organizations to ensure clients receive comprehensive care.
Conduct one-on-one coaching with clients, helping them develop personalized recovery plans and supporting their long-term recovery goals.
Educate clients about Medication-Assisted Recovery (MAR) options and provide warm handoffs to MAR and other clinical services as needed.
Assist clients with housing needs, including applying for subsidized housing, completing Coordinated Entry applications, and accessing other resources such as workforce agencies and childcare organizations.
Lead outreach activities using motivational interventions to engage clients with MAR and other clinical services.
Harm Reduction & Community Engagement:
Distribute naloxone kits and provide overdose prevention education to clients and their families, emphasizing harm reduction strategies.
Educate clients on the prevention of infectious diseases and the importance of safe practices within the context of substance use.
Coordinate sober social activities and community events that promote recovery, positive social interactions, and community-building among clients and their loved ones.
Provide follow-up support to ensure that clients remain engaged with recovery services for at least one year following the initial warm handoff.
Client Advocacy & Collaboration:
Act as an advocate for program participants, ensuring their needs are being met, and addressing any barriers to accessing services.
Build and maintain relationships with NIRCO’s key partner organizations, working closely with staff at these organizations to ensure seamless transitions for clients.
Participate in community outreach initiatives to increase awareness of NIRCO’s services and engage underserved populations in Waukegan, Zion, and North Chicago.
Qualifications:
Certification: Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) or equivalent certification required.
Experience: At least 2 years of experience in peer recovery services, with prior experience in a leadership or supervisory role preferred.
Lived Experience: Personal experience with long-term recovery from substance use disorder and a passion for helping others in their recovery journey.
Skills: Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills. Ability to mentor and supervise staff while also managing client caseloads.
Knowledge: Understanding of harm reduction, overdose prevention, and peer recovery support services, as well as knowledge of the local community and resources.
Bilingual: Proficiency in both English and Spanish is preferred but not required.
Tech-Savvy: Proficient in using video conferencing and other technology platforms to provide remote services and support team coordination.
Cultural Competence: Ability to work effectively with diverse populations, including those impacted by addiction, mental health issues, homelessness, and criminal justice involvement.
Working Conditions:
Based at NIRCO’s Recovery Community Center in Waukegan, IL, with the flexibility to conduct outreach and warm handoffs at partner locations.
May require occasional evening and weekend work to meet the needs of program participants and partner organizations.
Benefits:
Competitive salary of $65,000.
Leadership role with the opportunity to significantly impact the lives of individuals in recovery.
Collaborative, supportive, peer-led environment with opportunities for professional growth.
Health benefits and ongoing professional development opportunities.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates should submit their resume and cover letter outlining their experience and qualifications to Mary Roberson at nircoarco20@gmail.com. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
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