Early Diversion Outreach Specialist

Community Counseling Center (CCC)•Cape Girardeau, MO

3d•$20 - $22•Onsite

About The Position

The Early Diversion Outreach Specialist provides short-term outreach, engagement, and care coordination for adults living with mental illness and co-occurring substance use disorders who may be at risk of criminal justice involvement. The role helps people connect with behavioral health supports before crises escalate. Services generally last no more than three months, with follow-up and navigation continuing until individuals are linked to long-term treatment and recovery supports. The specialist works with individuals, families, behavioral health providers, healthcare organizations, emergency responders, law enforcement, courts, and other community partners. The role also supports community education, training, system mapping, coalition meetings, and collaborative planning to strengthen local early diversion initiatives. When appropriate and available, the specialist may respond alongside law enforcement and EMS to behavioral health-related calls. The position is located in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, and is scheduled Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; times may vary, and occasional evening or weekend work may be required.

Requirements

A bachelor's degree, any four-year combination of higher education and qualifying experience, or four years of qualifying experience.
Must hold or obtain by the start date a Missouri Class E Driver's License, or a Class D license for Illinois residents.
Must provide proof of continuous auto insurance.

Responsibilities

Conduct community outreach and engagement to identify adults with mental illness and co-occurring substance use disorders who are at risk of criminal justice involvement.
Build collaborative relationships with law enforcement, EMS, fire departments, hospitals, behavioral health providers, courts, and other community partners to promote early diversion and improve referral pathways.
Screen individuals for behavioral health needs and assist with early identification of mental health and substance use concerns.
Provide brief engagement, motivational support, and crisis stabilization services to encourage participation in treatment and recovery.
Coordinate care by connecting individuals with behavioral health, substance use treatment, healthcare, housing, employment, and other community support services based on their needs.
Provide ongoing follow-up and navigation until individuals are linked to long-term treatment and recovery supports; services generally last no more than three months.
Educate individuals, families, and community partners about available behavioral health services, evidence-based treatment options, and recovery resources.
Assist with developing, coordinating, and delivering community education and training on behavioral health, substance use disorders, suicide prevention, trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and early diversion practices.
Participate in community system mapping, coalition meetings, and collaborative planning to strengthen local early diversion initiatives.
When available and appropriate, respond alongside law enforcement officers and EMS personnel during behavioral health-related calls for service.
Maintain timely, accurate, and confidential documentation of outreach, referrals, service coordination, and client progress in accordance with agency policies and grant requirements.
Document in the electronic health record and other required systems.
Collect and report program data and outcome measures to support grant compliance and program evaluation.
Participate in required supervision, staff meetings, professional development, and ongoing training.
Perform other duties as assigned to support the goals of the Early Diversion Program and Community Counseling Center.