Rest Here Program Manager

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.

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 work groups, 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,…