Community Engagement Specialist DOC

McCall Behavioral Health Network; Torrington (CT); On-site; USD 27,276 - 38,848; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

4 Weeks PTO increasing with tenure

11 Paid Holidays

Medical & Dental Insurance - employer‑

Life Insurance - 100% employer paid

Voluntary Vision Insurance

AFLAC Benefits

403(b) Retirement Plan with employer

Tuition Reimbursement

Tuition Discounts at participating5

Job summary

McCall Behavioral Health Network is seeking a Community Engagement Specialist to support individuals with substance use disorders referred by the Department of Corrections. The role includes in-reach to DOC facilities, ongoing support, and connecting clients to treatment and community resources in Northwest Connecticut.

Responsibilities include recovery coaching, overdose follow-ups, building referral networks, and coordinating harm reduction and outreach activities.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience with substance use disorders and/or mental health required.
• Experience with underserved and marginalized populations and reentry preferred.
• Experience working with law enforcement or first responders preferred.
• Requires a reliable personal vehicle, valid driver’s license, and ability to travel extensively within the service area.

Responsibilities

• Perform assigned case management activities to assist in achieving desired outcomes.
• Provide recovery coaching and conduct overdose follow-ups as part of the CLEAR outreach program.
• Develop relationships with referral sources and community reentry partners.
• Conduct regular in-reach and post-release outreach to meet individuals with a substance use disorder returning from incarceration to Northwest Connecticut.
• Maintain connections with individuals identified through the CLEAR DOC program as in need of support.
• Work with individuals who have a substance use disorder in developing a plan to connect to care, including harm reduction services and treatment options.
• Conduct a minimum of 25 case contacts per week with face-to-face support.
• Conduct a minimum of 5 community outreaches per week.
• Identify and facilitate securement of entitlements and resources for clients facing barriers to treatment.
• Provide community-based harm reduction services, including syringe exchange and Narcan training.
• Plan and provide community engagement activities and trainings.
• Build partnerships with stakeholders and share program updates with partners and the community.
• Attend staff meetings and supervision as required.

Skills

Reentry experience

Substance use disorder experience

Mental health experience

Community outreach

Driver's license

Job description

Community Engagement Specialist - DOC

The Community Engagement Specialist will provide support and outreach to individuals with a substance use disorder who have been referred by reentry services through the Department of Corrections. The Community Engagement Specialist will provide in-reach to DOC facilities prior to release, as well as ongoing support and assistance in navigating community resources, including providing community-based overdose prevention services, and connecting individuals to treatment and other services that would benefit their well‑being.

Full Time / Non-Exempt

Hourly Rate Starts at: $24.00

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience with underserved and marginalized populations and reentry is preferred. Two years of experience with substance use disorders and/or mental health required. Experience working with law enforcement or first responders preferred.

Requires a reliable personal vehicle, a valid driver’s license, and the ability to travel extensively within the service area. Frequent driving is an essential function of this position.

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

AGENCY OVERVIEW

The McCall Behavioral Health Network is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to inspire hope and promote wellness and healing through a continuum of behavioral health services — prevention, treatment, recovery support, and community engagement — for individuals of all ages and families across Western Connecticut. For more than 50 years, we have reached out to those who often feel isolated in their struggles and have never turned anyone away for their inability to pay. Led by President and CEO Maria Coutant Skinner, LCSW, our passionate team of highly trained professionals is committed to helping individuals and families overcome adversity, foster resilience, and achieve wellness. With locations in Canaan, Danbury, Torrington, Waterbury, and Winsted, McCall serves over 3,500 clients annually, supporting individuals wherever they are on their recovery journey. At McCall, our mission is at the heart of everything we do, ensuring that everyone in our community has equitable access to best‑in‑class care and the resources they need to heal and thrive.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform assigned case management activities to assist in achieving desired outcomes.
• Provide recovery coaching and conduct overdose follow-ups as part of the CLEAR outreach program.
• Develop relationships with referral sources and community reentry partners.
• Conduct regular in-reach and post-release outreach to meet individuals with a substance use disorder returning from incarceration to Northwest Connecticut.
• Maintain connections with individuals identified through the CLEAR DOC program as in need of support.
• Work with individuals who have a substance use disorder in developing a plan to connect to care, including but not limited to harm reduction services, medication-based treatment, behavioral health care, support groups, and other social service needs.
• Conduct a minimum of 25 case contacts per week with an emphasis on face‑to‑face support.
• Conduct a minimum of 5 community outreaches per week.
• Utilize community resources and make appropriate referrals in support of the recovery plan.
• Identify clients who are experiencing barriers to accessing treatment and address said needs through facilitating securement of entitlements and resources.
• Provide regular community‑based harm reduction services, including syringe exchange services, Narcan training, etc.
• Plan and provide community engagement activities, including but not limited to community awareness events and community trainings.
• Identify and implement new strategies to further the mission of CLEAR, including ways to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and build partnerships with stakeholders.
• Work with the CLEAR Site Coordinator to share updates, data, and key takeaways from the program with partners and the community.
• Participate in staff meetings and in‑service training as required to ensure the quality of care offered to clients. Attend regularly scheduled supervision.
• Participate in weekly Litchfield County Opiate Task Force (LCOTF) Community Outreach Meetings.
• Assist in basic needs applications and resources.
• Perform other duties as may be assigned by supervisor.