DOC Outreach Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Job Purpose / Function

This position sits within OnSide – the Community Outreach and Homeless Services department of Liberation Programs. OnSide was established by Liberation to bridge the gap between working with people struggling with SUD but not may not be currently engaged/enrolled in treatment services and traditional addiction treatment approaches, and those who may be experiencing homelessness. OnSide offers culturally competent, trauma informed outreach in an emotionally safe environment, while delivering practical interventions.

CLEAR (Community and Law Enforcement for Addiction Recovery) is a statewide deflection initiative that DMHAS supports with a federal grant from the Bureau of Justice (the Comprehensive Opioid and Stimulant Use Program). CLEAR brings together public health providers, first responders, hospitals, community agencies, and law enforcement to prevent overdose and provide support to individuals with SUD and their families.

Liberation operates the Fairfield County arm of the Statewide CLEAR initiative serving vulnerable adults and their families struggling with SUD identified by law enforcement and community partners including Norwalk PD, Greenwich PD, Stamford PD and the Dept. of Corrections - where Outreach Specialists work closely to case manage individuals – while ensuring they are provided with overdose prevention education and support, along with referrals and connections to support and care. In the case of a law enforcement deflection referral, the Outreach Specialists connect with a deflection trained police officer to conduct follow ups within 48 hours of the referral.

Contracted by DMHAS to deliver the CLEAR Project, Liberations works across local collaborations to connect those most at risk of overdose into relevant supports and services

The DOC Outreach Specialist will provide support and outreach to individuals with a substance use disorder who have been referred through the Department of Correction. The Outreach Specialist will provide in-reach to DOC facilities prior to release, as well as 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.

The position is limited to the term of the grant funds.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Must successfully complete all Connecticut Department of Correction requirements for professional visitors, including submission of background checks, facility clearance processes, and compliance with all DOC policies and procedures.
• Develop and maintain working relationships with Addiction Treatment Unit (ATU) staff, counselors, discharge planners, reentry coordinators, correctional case managers, and other DOC personnel at facilities including York Correctional Institution, Bridgeport Correctional Center, Carl Robinson Correctional Institution, Hartford Correctional Center, and other facilities as assigned.
• Conduct in-reach visits within correctional facilities to meet with individuals referred through the Department of Correction prior to release.
• Build rapport and establish a working relationship with participants before release to support continuity of care and successful community reentry.
• Collaborate with DOC staff to identify barriers to successful reentry and develop individualized transition plans that address substance use, housing, medical care, behavioral health needs, transportation, identification, benefits, and other social determinants of health.
• Coordinate and participate in pre-release planning meetings with correctional staff, treatment providers, and community partners as appropriate.
• Provide overdose prevention education, naloxone education, and risk reduction counseling to individuals prior to release from incarceration.
• Facilitate connections to medication-assisted treatment (MAT), detoxification services, outpatient treatment, residential treatment, recovery housing, primary care, mental health services, and other community resources.
• Conduct outreach and follow-up with participants immediately following release and maintain regular contact to support engagement with services.
• Provide intensive case management and care coordination for individuals transitioning from incarceration into the community.
• Assist participants with obtaining identification, benefits, transportation, housing referrals, treatment appointments, and other support necessary to reduce risk of overdose and recidivism.
• Work closely with CLEAR Outreach Specialists, Hospital Liaisons, law enforcement partners, treatment providers, housing providers, and community organizations to support successful participant outcomes.
• Maintain accurate documentation of all participant contacts, referrals, outcomes, and case management activities in Cordata and any other required systems.
• Track participant engagement and outcome measures required by DMHAS, BJA, DOC, and Liberation Programs.
• Participate in DOC meetings, reentry planning activities, training opportunities, and collaborative initiatives as assigned.
• Daily monitoring of Cordata (Software Platform) for Referrals from partner agencies.
• Co-ordinate Overdose Response Follow-Up Visit with Systems Integration Manager.
• Responsible for regular documentation in Cordata, and the accompanying coordination of care for shared team caseloads.
• Maintain training on Cordata
• Attend Deflection Academy Training
• Providing community engagement via daily outreach to connect with at-risk population.
• Provide overdose prevention education and supplies including street-side overdose prevention education, naloxone, and risk reduction supplies and education.
• 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 case-manage – utilizing a trauma-informed approach.
• Must be able to take initiative in case-management.
• Must maintain up to date knowledge of local detox and treatment provider agencies including eligibility criteria, etc.
• Must work closely with Admissions / Counsellors and the entire Clinical team at Liberation Programs to facilitate referrals and provide case-management.
• 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 make contact and document active individuals on caseload weekly or biweekly depending on status of engagement.
• Must be able to maintain professional boundaries, while demonstrating empathy.
• Must be able to embrace diversity.
• Must be able to participate in Hazardous Waste Collection at all sites.
• Educate and assist family members as requested.
• May be trained to offer HIV / Hep C Testing as requested.
• Must be willing to host 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 a 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 experience and be comfortable with a risk reduction strategy approach, delivering overdose preventoin services and supplies and be able to embrace “meeting people where they are” without judgement or expectation.
• Must have excellent communication skills.
• Must be able to deliver services respectfully and ensure all participants are treated with respect and dignity and feel supported.
• Must understand and have an ability to maintain therapeutic boundaries.
• Must have cross-cultural skills and experience with diverse populations.
• Capability of building effective peer relationships.
• 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

• Competition Compensation
• Comprehensive Benefits
• Generous Paid Time Off
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Referral Bonuses
• 401K
• FSA
• HSA
• Employee Assistance Program