The Berkshire Regional Planning Commission (BRPC) seeks up to six temporary, individual contractors to serve as Community Outreach Specialists. The specialists focus on reducing personal and environmental substance use-related risks in Central Berkshire towns/areas with higher rates of overdose and other potential risk factors.

The specialists first learn more about the unique needs and interests of people in these communities, their self-perceived risks from substance use, where they tend to gather, and how they prefer to receive information.  They then develop and implement replicable strategies to help these community members protect themselves and each other from substance-related harms and recommend services.

• Ideal specialists are socially confident individuals who feel comfortable conversing with a wide range of their fellow community members.
• A background in community engagement and the Central Berkshire County community is preferred.
• Prior experience in the harm reduction, treatment and / or recovery field is encouraged, but not required and can be learned during onboarding.
• Priority is given to those residing in the Central Berkshires region, those who feel confident in their recovery from Substance Use Disorder, and/or fully fluent speakers of Spanish and English.
• The specialist will be part of a team who work as individuals, in pairs/ small groups and/or as a full team. Activities may include, but are not limited to:
• Flyer/ table at public events and resource fairs
• Trainings in churches, bars, restaurants, and other places people gather
• Hold individual and small group conversations
• Door-knocks outreach, following established safety protocols

The first month will focus on training and developing a group action plan, followed by a seven-month implementation period, then a one-month wrap-up. The specialists will provide regular reporting, along with the success and challenges of their efforts, to share with the other specialists and the Coordinator in monthly in-person meetings (81 Linden Street, Pittsfield MA). The first month will include required weekly in-person meetings.

The duration of the specialist role will be from approximately February through October 2026 (approximately nine months).  Compensation is approximately $330 per month, up to $2970 total.  Estimated time requirement is 10-12 hours/month, though actual hours per month may vary.

The role involves flexibility and is intended to be compatible with existing employment, and much of the work can be done on evenings and weekends.  That said, there may be occasional meetings or events that occur during weekday hours. This initiative focuses on community members who may be at lower or moderate risk for substance misuse; specialists are not expected to engage with higher-risk individuals, perform crisis intervention or counseling services, nor engage in activities that may place them at unreasonable risk for harm.

Concurrent initiatives are being launched in South and North Berkshire; those interested are encouraged to apply for more than one region. If you have questions or would like to apply, please submit a brief paragraph or two on why you are interested and your background/ experience to Andy Ottoson at aottoson@berkshireplanning.org and Kellie Meisl thegbcmc1@gmail.com. Resumes and additional support materials are accepted but not required. No phone calls or in-person visits, please.