Hiring Community Champions in WNY

Help Spread the Word About a New Addiction Support Text Information Service in Western NY!

Appius Communications is seeking 4–6 Community Champions to promote a new text service called “GetHelpNY” which connects people with information on local addiction treatment and prevention services. Community Champions will use their local knowledge, networks, and outreach skills to raise awareness and encourage community members to use this important resource.

Locations:

Applicants must live full-time in one of the following NYS counties: Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Livingston, Wyoming, or Steuben.

Responsibilities & Activities

Outreach & Promotion

  • Share flyers, posters, and other materials in libraries, schools, grocery stores, health centers, recovery centers, churches, community centers and other public venues.

  • Table or present at community events, town meetings, and health fairs.

  • Promote the service through contact with local organizations, coalitions, and civic groups.

  • Actively coordinate and assist in sourcing social media content to share campaign messages.

Community Networking

  • Connect with faith leaders, teachers, health workers, recovery advocates, and local officials to spread awareness.

  • Build partnerships with youth groups, peer recovery networks, and prevention coalitions.

Engagement & Community Education

  • Speak at local gatherings and events on the service.

  • Encourage local service providers and stakeholders to share the text service in their newsletters, bulletin boards, and meetings.

  • Source local stories or individuals willing to speak about their personal experiences related to substance use disorder.

Reporting & Feedback

  • Submit a quarterly report on who you reached, where you posted/shared information, what community conversations were held, events attended.

  • Collect feedback from residents about awareness and ease of using the text service.

  • Participate in mid-contract and final evaluation check-ins with Appius Communications staff.

Ideal Candidates

  • Must reside full-time in one of the six counties listed.

  • Have strong local connections and are known or trusted in your community.

  • Comfortable with both in-person engagement and digital/social media promotion.

  • Passionate about reducing addiction stigma, promoting recovery, and helping neighbors access services.

  • Preferred: lived experience with addiction recovery, or prior involvement in community outreach, health education, or social services.

  • Most work can be done on your own time, with occasional group calls or check-ins.

How to Apply

Please send:

  • A brief resume (or description of your community involvement).

  • A short statement (1–2 paragraphs) about why you want to serve as a Community Champion and how you would promote the service in your community.

Send applications to: Adam.Howell@appiuscomms.com

Deadline: Friday, September 19, 2025

Community Champion Support:

Community champions will be supported by outreach campaign management staff and provided a toolkit of information and materials to assist their efforts. Community champions will be expected to work together as a team by communicating, collaborating, sharing information, and assisting one another. Community Champions will be provided digital tools for instant messaging and a digital dashboard where information can be posted and shared.

Compensation

  • Annual stipend: $3,000 – $4,500

  • Paid in two installments:

    • First upon contract signing.

    • Second after a successful mid-contract evaluation.

  • Position Type: Independent Contractor

  • Potential for contract renewal subject to funding availability.

  • Flexible schedule.