Substance Use Street Outreach Specialist

Community Care Network•Rutland, VT

About The Position

Community Care Network, comprised of Rutland Mental Health Services and Rutland Community Programs, seeks a Substance Use Street Outreach Specialist to provide outreach and engagement to individuals in the community experiencing symptoms of substance use. The position collaborates with the Rutland Free Clinic, Turning Point, and the Community Resource Team, and promotes a person-centered, trauma-informed, harm reduction approach through community education, modeling, and consultation. The role is primarily community-based, meeting and engaging individuals in a variety of settings. It maintains connections with the broader Adult Services Team at Rutland Mental Health through weekly team meetings, trainings, weekly supervision, and office space. The position coordinates access to treatment and services, contributes to interagency planning and service coordination, and communicates with clinical and medical staff about medication and changes in clients’ adjustment. Community Care Network’s work is guided by the values of Trust, Accountability, Respect, Cultural Competence, Person-Centered Care, and Continuous Learning and Growth.

Requirements

High school diploma required; alternatively, an associate degree and five years of experience working with adults in recovery is accepted.
One to two years of combined mental health work experience and training to perform the principal responsibilities.
Knowledge of community services, systems, and programs, including primary health care, residential treatment, medication-assisted treatment, eligibility criteria, intake processes, community resources, and mental health services.
Working knowledge of substance use, relapse prevention, overdose risk, serious mental illness, mental disabilities, and related clinical and developmental issues.
Understanding of medication use in the care or treatment of the population served.
Ability to work effectively in a conflicting environment with high service needs and limited resources.
Strong verbal and written communication skills and ability to maintain confidentiality.
Ability to work effectively with team members and maintain inter- and intra-agency working relationships.
Ability to work independently under general supervision.
Ability to engage and sustain ongoing relationships with individuals receiving services.
Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation, with personal automobile liability insurance at or above Vermont state-mandated levels.
Successful completion of a criminal history background check after hire.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in psychology, human services, social work, or a related field preferred.

Responsibilities

Participate in Outreach Care Team activities, including field work, presence at community locations serving people experiencing homelessness, trainings, and weekly debrief meetings.
Coordinate and facilitate access to appropriate treatment, including residential placement, access, medication-assisted treatment providers, detox, discharge planning, step-down from residential to outpatient care, and crisis services.
Participate in interagency planning and service coordination to improve continuity and effectiveness, including referrals to other interagency programs.
Communicate with the consulting psychiatrist, Medical Director, and/or nurse about medication compliance, side effects, and medication changes.
Alert appropriate staff to changes in a client’s adjustment that may indicate decompensation or a need for more intensive intervention.
Engage respectfully with individuals to develop rapport.
Provide community education, modeling, and consultation that support person-centered, trauma-informed, harm reduction practices.