Overdose Outreach Specialist/Part Time/20 hours

At Bristol Health, we begin each day caring today for your tomorrow. We have been an integral part of our community for the past 100 years. We are dedicated to providing the best possible care and service to our patients, residents and families. We are committed to provide compassionate, quality care at all times and to uphold our values of Communication, Accountability, Respect and Empathy (C.A.R.E.). We are Magnet ® and received the 2020 Press Ganey Leading Innovator award for our rapid adoption and implementation of healthcare solutions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Use your expertise, compassion, and kindness to transform the patient experience. Make a difference. Make Bristol Health your choice.

Position Summary

The Recovery Specialist/Overdose Outreach Specialist ("Specialist") is a grant-funded subcontractor position supporting the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) “How Can We Help” initiative administered by the Bristol-Burlington Health District (BBHD). This position is funded solely through grant funds and is contingent upon continued grant funding. There is no guarantee of continued work beyond the grant period. The Specialist uses professional experience as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Paramedic, lived experience in recovery, or a combination of both to engage individuals affected by substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions. Through post-overdose outreach and referrals received from Bristol EMS, law enforcement, BBHD, healthcare providers, and other approved referral sources, the Specialist connects individuals and families with treatment, recovery support services, harm reduction resources, and other community-based services. The Specialist works collaboratively with Bristol EMS, Bristol Hospital and other healthcare providers, BBHD, law enforcement agencies, treatment providers, recovery organizations, and community partners to reduce barriers to treatment and improve recovery outcomes.

Essential Responsibilities

• Conduct timely outreach following overdoses, EMS encounters, and referrals from approved sources.
• Establish trusting, recovery-oriented relationships with individuals and their families using peer support principles, motivational engagement techniques, and professional or lived experience.
• Conduct screenings, assess individual needs, and assist in developing individualized recovery support plans.
• Provide education regarding substance use disorders, treatment options, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), overdose prevention, naloxone, harm reduction strategies, and available recovery resources.
• Connect individuals to detoxification services, treatment programs, recovery support services, healthcare providers, transportation, housing resources, employment assistance, insurance or benefits programs, and other community resources.
• Assist individuals in navigating healthcare, behavioral health, social service, and recovery support systems.
• Collaborate with Bristol EMS, Bristol Hospital and other healthcare providers, BBHD, law enforcement agencies, and community partners to coordinate services and promote continuity of care.
• Participate in multidisciplinary case reviews, outreach initiatives, public education activities, and community recovery efforts.
• Maintain accurate, complete, and timely documentation of all client contacts, referrals, outreach activities, and grant-required data in accordance with BBHD policies and grant requirements to meet grant reporting, quality assurance, and program evaluation requirements.
• Perform other grant-related duties as assigned that are consistent with the goals of the program.