Community Health Substance Use & Recovery Support Navigator

Duties: & Responsibilities:

• Outreach & Youth Engagement Conduct street outreach, community engagement, and wellness check-ins with LGBTQ+ youth and young adults.
• Build trauma-informed, nonjudgmental relationships with youth experiencing substance use challenges, housing instability, family conflict, or other barriers to care.
• Participate in outreach activities at schools, parks, community events, resource fairs, shelters, and other community-based locations.
• Support youth engagement within RPYA’s Wellness Drop-In Center through welcoming, affirming, and recovery-supportive practices.
• Assist with de-escalation and crisis support using restorative and youth-centered Recovery Support & Prevention Education Provide education related to substance use prevention, overdose prevention, harm reduction, relapse prevention, and wellness planning.
• Support naloxone education and distribution in accordance with program guidelines and applicable laws.
• Help youth identify personal goals related to wellness, safety, recovery, and Provide recovery support that respects multiple recovery pathways and youth Assist youth with connection to counseling, treatment programs, peer support services, support groups, and community-based recovery resources.

Recovery Support & Prevention Education Provide education related to substance use prevention, overdose prevention, harm reduction, relapse prevention, and wellness planning. Support naloxone education and distribution in accordance with program guidelines and applicable laws. Help youth identify personal goals related to wellness, safety, recovery, and Provide recovery support that respects multiple recovery pathways and youth Assist youth with connection to counseling, treatment programs, peer support services, support groups, and community-based recovery resources.

Care Navigation & Coordination Assist with screenings, intake support, referrals, and service navigation Coordinate warm handoffs to behavioral health providers, housing resources, medical providers, benefits programs, and community partners. Support youth in addressing barriers including transportation, technology access, scheduling, identification documents, and system navigation. Follow up with youth after referrals to encourage continued engagement and connection to Collaborate with RPYA staff and community providers to support continuity of care and youth

• Documentation, Collaboration & Program Support Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential documentation of outreach activities, referrals, services, and follow-up efforts.
• Enter required information into approved case management, outreach tracking, or funder-required systems.
• Participate in supervision, staff meetings, trainings, case conferencing, and program evaluation Support Wellness Center groups, workshops, prevention activities, and community events as Maintain compliance with organizational policies, confidentiality standards, mandated reporting obligations, and documentation requirements.
• Required Qualifications Experience working with youth, young adults, LGBTQ+ communities, or individuals impacted by substance use, behavioral health challenges, housing instability, trauma, or other barriers to Knowledge of substance use prevention, overdose prevention, recovery support, behavioral health resources, peer support, or community health navigation.
• Ability to build trust and maintain professional relationships with youth and community members from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences.
• Strong commitment to LGBTQ+ affirming, trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and nonjudgmental care.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team Strong communication, organization, documentation, and follow-up Ability to maintain appropriate boundaries, confidentiality, and professional Ability to work in field-based and community settings, including occasional evenings or weekends as needed.
• Valid California driver’s license, reliable transportation, and proof of insurance may be required depending on assignment.

Preferred Qualifications

Training, certification, or coursework in substance use counseling, prevention, recovery coaching, peer support, community health work, social work, psychology, public health, or a related field. Certified Peer Support Specialist, Community Health Worker, Substance Use Disorder Counselor, Registered Alcohol and Drug Technician, or willingness to pursue certification. Lived, professional, or community-based experience connected to LGBTQ+ communities and/or substance use recovery. Experience providing outreach, prevention education, recovery support, or care navigation Experience supporting youth or communities impacted by housing instability, trauma, family rejection, community violence, foster care involvement, justice-system involvement, or other significant barriers to care. Familiarity with harm reduction approaches, naloxone education/distribution, motivational interviewing, trauma-informed care, or crisis de-escalation. Familiarity with Inland Empire behavioral health, housing, recovery, or youth-serving Experience using case management systems, HMIS, EHR platforms, or outreach tracking Core Competencies Trauma-informed and youth-centered engagement LGBTQ+ affirming and culturally responsive practice Substance use prevention and recovery support Community outreach and relationship-building Care coordination and service navigation Crisis de-escalation and conflict resolution Professional communication and documentation Collaboration and teamwork Ethical practice and confidentiality Adaptability and problem-solving Physical & Work Environment Requirements This position requires regular work in community-based and field settings, including street outreach, community events, schools, shelters, and RPYA Wellness Center locations. Responsibilities may include walking, standing for extended periods, driving, transporting supplies, and working outdoors in varying weather conditions. This role may involve engagement with individuals experiencing crisis, trauma, behavioral health challenges, or substance use-related concerns. The ability to remain calm, professional, flexible, and trauma-informed in emotionally intense situations is essential. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required based on program and outreach needs.

• Grant-Funded Position Statement This position is funded through grant resources currently anticipated through September 2027.
• Continued employment is contingent upon ongoing funding availability, program needs, and organizational sustainability.
• Why RPYA?
• At Rainbow Pride Youth Alliance, we believe LGBTQ+ youth deserve affirming spaces, compassionate support, and opportunities to thrive authentically.
• RPYA team members play an active role in strengthening community wellness, expanding access to care, supporting youth leadership, and advancing equity across the Inland Empire.
• Our work is grounded in: Advocacy and community connection Youth wellness and affirming care Education and prevention Creativity, leadership, and empowerment Trauma-informed and culturally responsive support Equal Opportunity Employer Rainbow Pride Youth Alliance (RPYA) is an equal opportunity employer.
• RPYA considers all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.
• RPYA is committed to maintaining a workplace grounded in dignity, inclusion, respect, accountability, and service to the youth and communities we support.

rainbowprideyouthalliance.org/jobs