Early Diversion Outreach Specialist - Fredericktown

CCC•Fredericktown, MO

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

As an Early Diversion Outreach Specialist, you'll provide 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. This role exists to help people connect to the right behavioral health supports earlier-before crises escalate. Key responsibilities include building rapport in the community; coordinating with behavioral health providers, healthcare organizations, emergency responders, law enforcement, and other partners; offering behavioral health education; completing screenings; providing motivational support; and linking individuals to appropriate treatment and community resources. You'll also support community education and training efforts that strengthen awareness and referral pathways.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree, or Any four-year combination of higher education and qualifying experience, or Four years of qualifying experience
Must hold or obtain by start date, MO Class E Driver's License (Class D for IL Residents), and proof of continuous Auto Insurance.

Responsibilities

Conduct community outreach and engagement activities 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 appropriate behavioral health, substance use treatment, healthcare, housing, employment, and other community support services based on individual needs.
Maintain ongoing follow-up and navigation services until individuals are successfully linked to long-term treatment and recovery supports, with services generally lasting no more than three months.
Educate individuals, families, and community partners regarding available behavioral health services, evidence- based treatment options, and recovery resources.
Assist with the development, coordination, and delivery of 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 efforts to strengthen local early diversion initiatives.
When available and appropriate, Early Diversion Outreach Specialists will respond alongside law enforcement officers and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel during behavioral health-related calls for service.
Maintain timely, accurate, and confidential documentation of outreach activities, referrals, service coordination, and client progress in accordance with agency policies and grant requirements.
Document in the electronic health record and other systems as required by programming.
Collect and report required 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.