Early Diversion Outreach Specialist - Perry

Community Counseling Center (CCC)•Perryville, 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. The position serves Perry and Ste. Genevieve Counties, with work 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; provides behavioral health education and screenings; offers motivational support and crisis stabilization; and links individuals to treatment and community resources. The role also supports community education and training, system mapping, coalition meetings, and collaborative planning. Follow-up and navigation generally continue for no more than three months, until individuals are linked with long-term treatment and recovery supports. The regular schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Times may vary, and occasional evening or weekend work may be required. Pay is $20.00–$22.40 per hour, depending on experience. The position is non-exempt.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree, or a 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; Illinois residents must hold or obtain a Class D Driver's License.
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 and substance use treatment, healthcare, housing, employment, and other community support services based on individual 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 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 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.