Community Engagement Specialist

Community Engagement Specialist - Danbury The Community Engagement Specialist will provide support and outreach to individuals with a substance use disorder who have been referred by law enforcement, first responders, reentry services through the Department of Correction, hospitals, probation, and more. The Community Engagement Specialist will provide ongoing support and assistance in navigating community resources, including providing community-based overdose prevention services, and connecting individuals to treatment and other services that would benefit their wellbeing. Full-time / Non-Exempt Pay Range begins at $24.00 Minimum Qualifications Experience with underserved and marginalized populations preferred. Two years of experience with substance use disorders and/or mental health required. Experience working with law enforcement or first responders preferred. Physical Requirements This position requires frequent sitting, ability to talk and hear. It also requires frequent walking. Occasional lifting may be needed but not required except for proper storage of documents and charts and moving objects from one place to another. Valid Driver’s license is required. Benefits 4 weeks of PTO that increases with years of service 11 paid holidays Medical and dental insurance - employer paid premium Life insurance - 100% employer paid Voluntary vision insurance AFLAC voluntary benefits 403(b) retirement plan with employer match Tuition reimbursement Tuition discounts at participating schools Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) NHSC federal loan repayment (for approved sites) Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) 2 gym membership options Agency Overview The McCall Behavioral Health Network is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to inspire hope and promote wellness and healing through a continuum of behavioral health services — prevention, treatment, recovery support, and community engagement — for individuals of all ages and families across Western Connecticut. For more than 50 years, we have reached out to those who often feel isolated in their struggles and have never turned anyone away for their inability to pay. Led by President and CEO Maria Coutant Skinner, LCSW, our passionate team of highly trained professionals is committed to helping individuals and families overcome adversity, foster resilience, and achieve wellness. With locations in Canaan, Danbury, Torrington, Waterbury, and Winsted, McCall serves over 3,500 clients annually, supporting individuals wherever they are on their recovery journey. At McCall, our mission is at the heart of everything we do, ensuring that everyone in our community has equitable access to best-in-class care and the resources they need to heal and thrive. Key Responsibilities Perform assigned case management activities to assist in achieving desired outcomes. Provide recovery coaching and conduct overdose follow-ups as part of the CLEAR outreach program. Develop relationships with referral sources and community partners. Maintain connections with individuals identified through the CLEAR program as needing services. Work with individuals who have a substance use disorder in developing a plan to connect to care, including but not limited to overdose and injury prevention services, medication-assisted treatment, behavioral health care, support groups, and other social service needs. Conduct a minimum of 20 case contacts per week. Utilize community resources and make appropriate referrals in support of the recovery plan. Identify clients who are experiencing barriers to accessing treatment and address said needs through facilitating securement of entitlements and resources. Provide regular community-based overdose and injury prevention services, including syringe exchange services, Narcan training, etc. Plan and provide community engagement activities, including but not limited to community awareness events and community trainings. Identify and implement new strategies to further the mission of CLEAR, including ways to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and build partnerships with law enforcement and other stakeholders. Work with the CLEAR Site Coordinator to share updates, data, and key takeaways from the program with partners and the community. Conduct at least 10 outreach events per week, including community-based outreach, rover sites, community trainings, and community events. Participate in staff meetings and in-service training as required to ensure the quality of care offered to clients. Attend regularly scheduled supervision. Participate in weekly Litchfield County Opiate Task Force (LCOTF) Community Outreach Meetings. Assist in basic needs applications and resources. Perform other duties as may be assigned by supervisor. #J-18808-Ljbffr