Outreach Specialist/Driver - Liberation Programs, Bridgeport

Job Description

Job Description

Who We Are:

Liberation Programs is one of Fairfield County's leading behavioral health organizations specializing in treatment for all types of substance use disorders including alcohol, opiates, depressants and stimulants. Our goal is to help individuals and families overcome addiction in order to restore their lives and ultimately strengthen our communities. Liberation provides services for youth, adults and families that include two inpatient treatment programs, outpatient and intensive outpatient services, health education for older adults and people living with HIV/AIDS and other chronic illnesses, treatment and resources for adolescents and their families, education and prevention efforts in the community, and permanent supportive housing for families. In operation since 1971, the agency has sites in Greenwich, Stamford, Norwalk and Bridgeport and served more than 2,400 individuals in our last fiscal year.

Job Purpose / Function

The Outreach Specialist/MAT Van Driver role is situated within Liberation Programs' Community Outreach and Homeless Services department. This department was established by Liberation to bridge the gap between harm reduction 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 position is limited to the term of the grant funds.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Daily monitoring of Cordata (Software Platform) for Overdose Referrals from partner agencies.
• Co-ordinate Overdose Response Follow-Up Visit with Outreach Operations Manager/ Senior Director of Harm Reduction (CLEAR Site Lead)
• Attend Deflection Academy Training
• Providing community engagement via daily outreach in order to connect with at-risk population. 
• Attend community events as required, including Naloxone Training / Overdose Prevention events.
• Follow up with individuals at risk of overdose to maintain positive / therapeutic relationship, provide support and information, while increasing knowledge of available resources.
• Must be able to work with a non-Judgmental approach.
• Must be able to maintain professional boundaries, while demonstrating empathy.
• Must be able to embrace diversity.
• Must maintain up to date knowledge of local detox and treatment provider agencies including eligibility criteria, etc.
• Must be able to participate in Hazardous Waste Collection at all sites.
• Must be able to provide case-management / care-management and make referrals into a wide variety of services including, Detox / Treatment, Shelter / Housing, Medical / Primary Care services, Domestic Violence Services, Mental Health Services, Social Services, etc.
• Must work closely with Admissions / Counsellors and the entire Clinical team at Liberation Programs to facilitate referrals and provide case-management.
• Educate and assist family members as requested.
• Trained and able to offer HIV / Hep C Testing while on the MAT Van.
• Must be willing to act a host at a number of different community events – Including set-up and take down of required equipment, providing education, handing out supplies, acting as ambassadors of the program.
• Must be willing to work outside in all-weather conditions.
• Must be willing to work with complex population.
• Report writing, record keeping as required by DPH and DMHAS, as well as compliance with any applicable CARF standards

Skills / Experience Required

• Must have a minimum of working for one year with people with SUD / SMI or the equivalent lived experience.
• Must have excellent communication skills.
• Understanding and experience with medication-assisted treatment, outpatient treatment and residential treatment.
• Must have a valid driver's license, insurance and be comfortable driving a large van.
• Familiarity with local support services, resources and recovery community preferred.

What We Offer:

• Competitive Compensation
• Medical/Dental/Vision
• Company Paid Basic Life Insurance
• Company Paid Short Term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts for Health, Dependent Care, Parking and Transit
• 401K with Match
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Generous Paid Time Off Policy
• HRSA Student Loan Forgiveness Participant
• Supportive Work Environment