Recovery - N/A - Program Manager I - Community Outreach Liaison

State of Rhode Island
Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities & Hospitals (BHDDH)
Recovery Friendly Workplace (RFW) Initiative
Position Title: Community Outreach Liaison
Division: Behavioral Healthcare Recovery Friendly Workplace
Reports To: Program Director, Recovery Friendly Workplace
Effective Date: 01/01/2026

Summary
The Rhode Island Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities & Hospitals
(BHDDH) seeks a Recovery Friendly Workplace (RFW) Community Outreach Liaison to
expand awareness and participation in the Recovery Friendly Workplace initiative.
This position supports RFW's mission to help employers build healthier, more connected, and
recovery-supportive workplaces that promote employee well-being, reduce stigma, and improve
business outcomes across Rhode Island.
The Community Outreach Liaison will serve as the face of the RFW initiative in the business
community-building relationships with employers, delivering presentations, and connecting
organizations to the certification process. The role combines marketing, training, and field
outreach responsibilities and requires excellent communication, professionalism, and initiative.
This position reports to the BHDDH Program Director, Recovery Friendly Workplace.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
1. Outreach, Sales, and Marketing
Conduct direct outreach to employers, business associations, chambers of commerce, and
community partners to promote Recovery Friendly Workplace certification.
Represent the RFW program at business networking events, conferences, after-hours
mixers, and community forums.
Initiate and manage leads through the full outreach cycle: identify prospects, make
contact, conduct introductory meetings, and schedule certification consultations.
Develop and maintain a statewide network of business contacts using the RFW CRM
database; record all outreach and engagement activity.
Collaborate with the Program Director to transition qualified leads for certification
follow-up and technical assistance.
Develop outreach materials, presentations, and success stories that illustrate the business
and social impact of the RFW initiative.

2. Education and Training
Deliver presentations and workshops to employers, supervisors, and employees on
Recovery Friendly Workplace principles, mental health, and substance use awareness.
Facilitate training sessions that promote stigma reduction, communication, and workforce
well-being.
Assist employers in fulfilling the training requirements for RFW certification and provide
continued education as needed.
Represent RFW at statewide and regional professional development events, conferences,
and summits.

3. Communications and Public Engagement
Provide stories, photos, and written content for social media and newsletter publication,
highlighting RFW-certified businesses and community partnerships.
Support the communications team with up-to-date field activity, event coverage, and
success metrics.
Build and maintain strong relationships with local chambers, employer associations, and
recovery community organizations to advance the RFW mission.

4. Data, Reporting, and Administration
Maintain accurate contact records, meeting notes, and activity data in the RFW CRM.
Submit weekly and monthly activity reports summarizing outreach efforts, employer
engagement, and training sessions delivered.
Contribute to quarterly and annual program reports, success stories, and grant
deliverables.
Assist in planning and implementing statewide events, recognition ceremonies, and
employer learning sessions.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills; able to represent the program
professionally to diverse audiences.
Strong interpersonal and relationship-building abilities with business leaders, HR
professionals, and community partners.
Knowledge of behavioral health, substance use, and recovery-supportive workplace
practices.
Public speaking, facilitation, and presentation experience required.
Organizational and time-management skills; ability to work independently in the field
while collaborating with a small team.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, CRM platforms, AI tools, and digital communications
(Teams, Zoom, social media).
Demonstrated initiative, creativity, and professionalism.
Reliable transportation and willingness to travel throughout the State of Rhode Island.
Ability to work occasional early morning, evening, or weekend events.

Education and Experience
Bachelor's degree in communications, public health, business, marketing, or related field
preferred, not required.
Three (3) or more years of experience in business development, public outreach, or
community engagement preferred.
Experience delivering group presentations or trainings required.
Lived experience with recovery from substance use disorder and/or mental health
struggle preferred, but required
Familiarity with behavioral health, recovery, or workplace wellness initiatives preferred.

Work Environment
This position combines office-based, remote, and field work. The incumbent will regularly travel
throughout Rhode Island to meet with employers, attend community events, and deliver
presentations. Schedule is four days in the office with one approved work from home day after
the completion of the six-month probationary period.
Supervision
This position reports directly to the BHDDH Program Director, Recovery Friendly
Workplace at BHDDH.