Rest Here Program Manager

Rest Here is a Drop-In Center in Bridgeport, Connecticut. It is a low-barrier, participant-centered drop-in program that prioritizes dignity, connection, and care for people who use drugs and those at risk of overdose, while increasing access to health and social services.

Rest Here provides a low-threshold, trauma-informed hub offering critical overdose prevention services, including safer use supplies, overdose prevention resources, drug checking, wound care, mental health counseling, and pathways to substance use treatment for those who want it. The Center addresses basic needs—such as food (one hot meal/day), toilets, showers, storage, a clothing closet, laundry, computers, and phone charging—within a welcoming and dignified environment. A robust monthly schedule features a wide range of engaging sessions focused on education, skill-building, health and wellness, overdose prevention, and peer-led social support.

The Rest Here Program Manager position is situated within the Community Outreach and Homeless Services Department at Liberation Programs. This department was established by Liberation to bridge the gap between overdose prevention and traditional addiction treatment approaches, and assists the organization in offering low-barrier, culturally competent, trauma-informed outreach to people who use drugs, in an emotionally safe environment while delivering practical interventions.

The Rest Here Program Manager will be central to shaping the day-to-day culture and consistency of the Center. An effective Program Manager will be grounded in overdose prevention and risk reduction theory and practice and have a comprehensive working knowledge of Bridgeport and state-wide homelessness, healthcare, behavioral health, and housing services, and relevant community resources.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

Provide and/or collaborate with existing area outreach efforts to support individuals who are at risk for an opioid overdose

Make naloxone and other overdose prevention and risk reduction-related materials available to those using the Center

Provide education and support related to infectious diseases and the risks associated with contaminated drug equipment

• Oversee all non-clinical aspects of the Center’s daily operations
• Supervise and support the Program Supervisor and Peers
• Operate a stigma-free and low-barrier drop-in center for individuals who use drugs without requiring abstinence or an expressed desire for treatment as a prerequisite to access
• Increase engagement between providers of treatment and recovery services, health care, and social services, and Center members who may be seeking these supports
• Refer Center members to substance use treatment, homeless outreach, and other services and ensure a warm hand-off and detailed follow-up.
• Ensure that the Center operates following its policies and protocols, which reflect a deep commitment to overdose prevention and risk reduction principles, lived experience leadership, and equitable service delivery for historically marginalized communities.
• Manage safety protocols and ensure that the Center remains a low-barrier, welcoming space where people feel valued and secure.
• Provide education and support related to infectious diseases and the risks associated with contaminated drug equipment
• Develop partnerships with other community organizations and providers to enhance program activities at the Center, increase pathways for Center members to access substance use treatment, healthcare services, and housing
• Maintain “good neighbor” relations with the surrounding community and businesses
• Develop and update the monthly schedule
• Maintain a physically clean environment in and around the Center
• Ensure the upkeep of documentation and records related to Center’s use and referrals to services
• Manage the Center’s regular supplies, and re-order as needed
• Represent the Center in community meetings, events, and workgroups, including the Community Advisory Council (CAC), comprised of residents, business owners, and program participants
• Coordinate with the Senior Director of Community Outreach and Homeless Services and LPI leadership

Peer staff, recruited from within the community, are at the core of Rest Here’s model. They are not only service recipients but also co-creators and leaders in programming. These individuals participate in a structured apprenticeship track—either as Peer 1s (not yet job-ready, completing a three-year certification and practicum) or Peer 2s (employment-ready individuals pursuing a shorter certification and practicum track). To support this apprenticeship program, the Program Manager, in collaboration with the Program Supervisor, will:

• Structure regular supervision for the trainee Peers who are completing their practicum hours at the Center
• Structure the Center’s daily schedule to allow trainee Peers to rotate through the Center’s various roles.
• Enroll the trainee Peers in the certification program (training provider to be identified). Provide bus fare and a cell phone for off-site training components. For on-site components, schedule “study days” and provide a supportive environment, food, a centralized space to attend training together, laptops, and a staff support person.
• Host a graduation ceremony for Peers who complete the training program and practicum.

An effective Program Manager will be grounded in overdose prevention and risk reduction theory and practice and have a comprehensive working knowledge of Bridgeport and state-wide homelessness, healthcare, behavioral health, and housing services, and relevant community resources.

Skills / Experience Required

• Must be able to work effectively with populations that have experienced vulnerability, trauma, economic poverty, incarceration, substance use, developmental delays, compromised mental wellness, brain injuries, literacy and numeracy issues, and/or other conditions or situations that have impacted housing stability
• Must have experience and be comfortable with an overdose prevention approach, delivering overdose prevention services and supplies (including safer injection and safer smoking kits), and be able to embrace “meeting people where they are” without judgment or expectation.
• Must have excellent communication skills.
• Must be able to deliver services respectfully and ensure all participants are treated with respect and dignity and feel supported.
• Highly motivated, creative problem solver
• Knowledge of, or ability to quickly develop competency with, issues related to homelessness, effective intervention techniques, and a basic understanding of mental health and substance abuse issues.
• Project a professional demeanor and exercise mature judgment
• Knowledge of community resources
• Strong organization skills and the ability to coordinate and complete multiple tasks simultaneously
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including telephone communication
• Ability to work independently and with a group, and maintain good working relationships with organizational staff and partners
• Strong computer skills
• Must adhere to all professional standards and ethical practices, including creating and maintaining healthy boundaries and professional relationships with clients, co-workers, and others

Most employees of Liberation Programs are funded by a variety of grants, governmental programs, and endowment sources. Continued employment is contingent upon continued receipt of those funds.

Full-time, 40 hours per week, hours may include some evenings and weekends

What We Offer

• Competition Compensation
• Comprehensive Benefits
• Generous Paid Time Off
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Referral Bonuses
• 401K
• FSA
• HSA
• Employee Assistance Program