DOC Outreach Specialist

Liberation Programs Inc.•Bridgeport, CT

14h•Onsite

About The Position

This position is part of the OnSide department, which focuses on community outreach and homeless services. The role specifically supports the CLEAR (Community and Law Enforcement for Addiction Recovery) initiative, a statewide program funded by a federal grant. Liberation Programs operates the Fairfield County arm of this initiative, collaborating with law enforcement and community partners to assist individuals struggling with substance use disorders (SUD) and their families. The DOC Outreach Specialist will provide in-reach services within Department of Correction (DOC) facilities prior to release and offer ongoing community-based support, including overdose prevention education, referrals, and connections to treatment and other essential services. The position is grant-funded and limited to the term of the grant. The CLEAR initiative aims to prevent overdose and provide support to individuals with SUD. The DOC Outreach Specialist will work closely with DOC personnel to case manage individuals, ensuring they receive overdose prevention education, naloxone, and referrals to support and care. In cases of law enforcement deflection referrals, the Outreach Specialist will coordinate with trained officers for follow-ups. The role involves collaborating with various local agencies and partners to connect at-risk individuals with necessary supports and services.

Requirements

Minimum of one year of experience working with people with SUD/SMI or equivalent lived experience.
Experience and comfort with risk reduction strategy approach.
Experience delivering overdose prevention services and supplies.
Ability to embrace 'meeting people where they are' without judgment or expectation.
Excellent communication skills.
Ability to deliver services respectfully and ensure all participants are treated with respect and dignity.
Understanding and ability to maintain therapeutic boundaries.
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.
Valid driver's license, insurance, and comfort driving a large van.
Familiarity with local support services, resources, and recovery community preferred.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with local support services, resources and recovery community

Responsibilities

Successfully complete all Connecticut Department of Correction requirements for professional visitors, including background checks, facility clearance, and compliance with DOC policies.
Develop and maintain working relationships with DOC personnel, including Addiction Treatment Unit staff, counselors, discharge planners, reentry coordinators, and correctional case managers at assigned facilities.
Conduct in-reach visits within correctional facilities to meet with individuals referred through the Department of Correction prior to release.
Build rapport and establish working relationships with participants before release to support continuity of care and successful community reentry.
Collaborate with DOC staff to identify barriers to reentry and develop individualized transition plans addressing substance use, housing, medical care, behavioral health, transportation, identification, benefits, and social determinants of health.
Coordinate and participate in pre-release planning meetings with correctional staff, treatment providers, and community partners.
Provide overdose prevention education, naloxone education, and risk reduction counseling to individuals prior to release.
Facilitate connections to medication-assisted treatment (MAT), detoxification, outpatient and 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 to the community.
Assist participants with obtaining identification, benefits, transportation, housing referrals, treatment appointments, and other necessary support to reduce overdose risk and recidivism.
Work closely with CLEAR Outreach Specialists, Hospital Liaisons, law enforcement partners, treatment providers, housing providers, and community organizations.
Maintain accurate documentation of participant contacts, referrals, outcomes, and case management activities in Cordata and 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.
Daily monitoring of Cordata for referrals from partner agencies.
Coordinate Overdose Response Follow-Up Visits with the Systems Integration Manager.
Regular documentation in Cordata and coordination of care for shared team caseloads.
Maintain training on Cordata.
Attend Deflection Academy Training.
Provide community engagement via daily outreach to connect with the at-risk population.
Provide overdose prevention education and supplies, including street-side education, naloxone, and risk reduction supplies.
Attend community events, including Naloxone Training / Overdose Prevention events.
Follow up with individuals at risk of overdose to maintain positive relationships, provide support and information, and increase knowledge of available resources.
Provide case management utilizing a trauma-informed approach.
Take initiative in case management.
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of local detox and treatment provider agencies, including eligibility criteria.
Work closely with Admissions/Counselors and the entire Clinical team at Liberation Programs to facilitate referrals and provide case management.
Provide case management/care management and make referrals into a wide variety of services including Detox/Treatment, Shelter/Housing, Medical/Primary Care, Domestic Violence Services, Mental Health Services, Social Services, etc.
Make contact and document active individuals on caseload weekly or bi-weekly depending on engagement status.
Maintain professional boundaries while demonstrating empathy.
Embrace diversity.
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.
Host community events, including set-up and take-down of equipment, providing education, and handing out supplies.
Work outside in all-weather conditions.
Work with a complex population.
Report writing, record keeping as required by DPH and DMHAS, and compliance with any applicable CARF standards.