Linkage to Care Specialist (LCS)

McCall Behavioral Health Network • Torrington, CT

10d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Linkage to Care Specialist (LCS) at McCall Behavioral Health Network, in partnership with the University of Miami, will conduct opt-out testing as part of a research project. This role involves outreach, overdose prevention, and serving as a trusted connection for individuals seeking health-related services. The LCS will provide HIV and HCV testing, education, care coordination, and referrals to various services, aiming to reduce barriers to care and help individuals navigate healthcare and social service systems.

Requirements

• Two years of experience in a relevant field working with diverse communities, including people who use drugs, individuals experiencing homelessness, LGBTQIA+ populations, and communities disproportionately impacted by HIV, HCV, and other health disparities is required.
• Experience with data collection and interpretation required.
• Valid CT driver’s license required.

Nice To Haves

• Lived experience with substance use and/or living with HIV/HCV preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide rapid HIV and HCV testing services in outreach sites, mobile settings, and community-based locations.
• Administer HIV and Hep-C Rapid testing.
• Link individuals with positive HIV or HCV test results to medical care and treatment services.
• Coordinate referrals to primary care, behavioral health, substance use treatment, housing, recovery supports, and other community resources.
• Adhere to all bloodborne pathogen safety protocols.
• Participate in regular training and technical assistance with University of Miami team.
• Conduct outreach and engagement activities.
• Build trusting relationships with program participants through a non-judgmental, trauma-informed, and health-oriented approach.
• Collaborate with healthcare providers, public health agencies, and community organizations to facilitate timely access to care.
• Provide education and supplies for overdose and infectious disease prevention.
• Participate in community events, health fairs, outreach initiatives, meetings, and overdose prevention activities.
• Collect and report program data in accordance with funding requirements, agency policies, and quality assurance standards.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of participant interactions, testing services, referrals, and outcomes in designated data systems.
• Provide regular community data and grant reports.
• Monitor linkage-to-care outcomes and assist with tracking participant engagement and service utilization.
• Serve as an advocate for participants by helping reduce barriers to healthcare and social services.
• Follow up with participants to support appointment attendance, address barriers to care, and encourage ongoing engagement in services.
• Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to develop participant-centered service plans and achieve program goals.
• Maintain compliance with agency policies, confidentiality requirements, HIPAA regulations, and applicable public health guidelines.
• Attend required training, meetings, and professional development opportunities.
• Support quality improvement initiatives and contribute to program evaluation efforts.
• Meet all grant deliverables and outcome expectations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• 4 Weeks of PTO that increase with years of service
• 11 Paid Holidays
• Medical & Dental Insurance - with large employer-paid premium
• Life Insurance - 100% employer paid
• Voluntary Vision Insurance
• AFLAC Voluntary Benefits
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with employer match
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Tuition Discounts at participating schools
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• NHSC Federal Loan Repayment (for approved sites)
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
• 2 Gym Membership Options

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed