Early Diversion Outreach Specialist - Perry

CCC • Perryville, MO

2d

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. The position serves Perry and Ste. Genevieve Counties, with work locations split between Perryville and Ste. Genevieve, Missouri.

The specialist builds rapport in the community; coordinates with behavioral health providers, healthcare organizations, emergency responders, law enforcement, and other partners; offers behavioral health education; completes screenings; provides motivational support; and connects individuals with appropriate treatment and community resources. The role also supports community education and training to strengthen awareness and referral pathways. Services generally last no more than three months, with follow-up and navigation continuing until individuals are linked to longer-term treatment and recovery supports.

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 (Class D 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 may be 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 help identify mental health and substance use concerns.
• Provide brief engagement, motivational support, and crisis stabilization services to encourage treatment and recovery participation.
• Coordinate care by connecting individuals with behavioral health and substance use treatment, healthcare, housing, employment, and other community support services based on their needs.
• Provide 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 to 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 required program data and outcome measures for grant compliance and program evaluation.
• Participate in required supervision, staff meetings, professional development, and ongoing training.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the Early Diversion Program and Community Counseling Center.

Benefits

• 24 paid days off during the first year, plus a birthday off.
• Seven paid holidays.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Company-paid life and long-term disability insurance.
• Retirement plan with automatic enrollment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time