Salary : $54,955.00 - $61,817.00 AnnuallyLocation : Town of East Hartford, CTJob Type: Full-TimeJob Number: 00258Department: Health and Human ServicesOpening Date: 10/24/2024Closing Date: 11/17/2024 11:59 PM EasternPOSITION DEFINITIONThe East Hartford Department of Health & Human Services is dedicated to promoting the well-being, self-sufficiency, and quality of life for East Hartford residents. We are seeking a Substance Abuse Coordinator for our Crisis Intervention Division. This role focuses on substance misuse prevention, particularly opioid misuse, and involves both outreach and support efforts.As the Town's primary prevention specialist, the Substance Abuse Coordinator will lead community prevention and intervention initiatives. Responsibilities include developing, coordinating, and evaluating substance abuse prevention programs, conducting outreach to individuals and families affected by addiction, and offering case management and referrals to services. This may include individual needs assessments, developing community support for adults aged 18+, and serving as a liaison to connect individuals with recovery resources.The coordinator will collaborate closely with the Police Department Liaison Social Worker to identify and follow up with individuals and families. Additionally, the coordinator will gather data to report back to the municipality of East Hartford and the Connecticut State Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) as required.This grant funded position works under the general direction of the program supervisor and department director and may involve working in various weather conditions during home visits, resident outreach, or prevention training sessions. Employment is conditional upon availability of grant funding. We are committed to the well-being of our employees and offer a comprehensive benefits package.Join us in making a meaningful impact on our community!In the Town of East Hartford, we don't just accept difference - we celebrate it, support it, and thrive on it for the benefit of our employees, residents, and community partners. ?The Town of East Hartford is proud to be an equal-opportunity workplace.ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
- Conducts comprehensive screenings and assessments; assists with client-led goal setting; provides resources and referrals, and short-term case management as indicated for follow-up to referrals.
- Provides risk evaluations both in office and in community and takes appropriate actions to keep client and others safe. Coordinate with municipal programs and community programs to assist individuals to remain safely in the community and to engage in treatment.
- Maintain documentation in compliance with agency and program standards; collects data and information on needs and progress toward goal achievement. Compile and report data related to opioid overdose rates and any trends in the town.
- Contribute to the creation of policies, procedures, and workflows. Collaborate with the Program Supervisor to develop and implement strategic goals and objectives.
- Contribute to the development of state reports, research analyses reports, curriculum development, and manuals for evidence-based best practices
- Initiates outreach strategies targeting underserved and high-risk youth and families in consideration of cultural awareness and community demographics.
- Ongoing consultation with other identified staff through Crisis Intervention Division or other related programs.
- Assists with other program and administrative functions and performs related work as required to benefit the Crisis Intervention Division and other programs within Health and Human Services and East Hartford Police and Fire Departments.
- Assist community in assessing the level of need, determining who is most at-risk for opioid overdoses in each community, and developing appropriate strategies to address the issue.
- Coordinate with key stakeholders across the communities to build partnerships between organizations and across cities and towns, including neighboring municipalities.
- Lead and participate in stakeholder meetings, short-term workgroup meetings, and community meetings, and provide staff support for meetings.
- Develop, maintain, and distribute prevention and education media materials, including the program's website and/or social media pages.
- Serve as ongoing liaison to community providers and residents to determine needs and identify strategies to improve access to resources.
- Participate in staff meetings, supervision, trainings and other meetings as assigned.
- Occasionally works in outside weather conditions while conducting home visits, resident outreach, or prevention trainings.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Must have a working knowledge of Trauma-Informed work, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES), and Motivational Interviewing (MI) with an expertise in Case Management Standards.
- A working knowledge of treatment and prevention of substance misuse, suicide prevention, chronic absenteeism, parenting support, crisis response and juvenile diversion is preferred.
- Knowledge of developmental issues for the full range of adult clients in diagnosing and determining treatment programs that result in positive client progress.
- Excellent time management skills, flexibility regarding scheduling, and the ability to multi?task in the completion of job responsibilities.
- Effective interpersonal and communication skills with individuals with mental health and co?occurring disorders, as well as with their families/caregivers and natural support systems.
- Motivated and able to work as a team player collaborating with peers and staff on formulating appropriate referrals and linkage to care
- Ability to understand and incorporates recovery-based treatment, language, and interventions into documentation and daily operations.
- Good written and verbal skills, computer skills, record keeping, and organizational skills
- Awareness/sensitivity to all types of issues related to client and staff diversity.
- Ability to ensure the security and confidentiality of client information and records.
- East Hartford is a diverse community with 70% of the population comprised of persons of color. The person in this position will need to have a good understanding of cultural competency and cultural humility.
JOB QUALIFICATIONS AND LICENSING
- Bachelor's degree in a related field required; master's degree, or working toward master's degree, preferred.
- 2-4 years of experience in field of substance misuse.
Additional Requirements
- Bilingual/Bicultural, Spanish/English skills helpful, but not required
- Person with lived experience helpful, but not required
- Must possess a valid driver's license
- An acceptable general background check to include a local and state criminal history and sex offender registry check. Individuals in this position cannot be listed as having a founded/substantiated abuse or neglect complaint.
- Experience assisting traditionally underserved populations with a developed understanding of issues of diversity is essential