Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act Navigator

New Mexico Department of Health; Santa Fe (NM); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

New Mexico Department of Health is seeking a CARA Navigator to support families with child birth substance exposure under CARA. You will complete comprehensive family assessments, build relationships with families and providers, and coordinate referrals with hospitals and state agencies.

The role includes home visits, data tracking, and ongoing collaboration with the CARA workgroup to ensure compliant plans of care.

Job description

THIS POSTING WILL BE USED FOR ONGOING RECRUITMENT AND MAY CLOSE AT ANY TIME. APPLICANT LISTS MAY BE SCREENED MORE THAN ONCE.

The Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) Program is designed to support families whose child has been born substance exposed. CARA Navigators will work with the family, hospitals, providers and managed care organizations to identify the best support systems for the family and break down any barriers that may be preventing families from accessing services. CARA Navigators will assess and identify additional resources to meet the needs of each individual family.

Why does the job exist?

Incumbents will be responsible for ensuring compliance with the CARA state law that became effective July 1, 2019. This law (CARA) requires the creation of a plan of care for every newborn with in-utero substance exposure and provides an opportunity to offer supportive services for parents with substance use and their infants. The CARA Navigator will be responsible for completing comprehensive family assessments, building working relationships with families, working with other state agencies/hospitals, and supporting them in accessing needed services.

How does it get done?

• CARA Navigators review every plan of care to make sure it's complete and that insurance information is captured to ensure correct referrals to the right insurance for care coordination.
• They also complete comprehensive family assessments and revise the plan as necessary based on needs identified.
• CARA Navigators conduct home visits with families who have a plan of care to support engagement in services as well as compliance with state law and rules regarding CARA. They also contact Statewide Central Intake (SCI) when there are safety concerns.

Additional job duties include:

• Assisting in training providers and individuals in CARA law and how to create a plan of care
• Providing outreach to target populations throughout the state
• Providing technical assistance to providers as needed on CARA and plan of care
• Managing and participating in the ongoing CARA workgroup by developing agendas and leading workgroup discussion in topics related to CARA
• Working with other state agencies in continued implementation of CARA across various sectors

Incumbent must have the following:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including spreadsheets, formulas, data tracking, and report generation.
• Experience with data entry, quality assurance, and data analysis.
• Knowledge of culturally responsive practices and experience working with tribal communities
• Experience working independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Experience with case management systems, electronic databases, and tracking systems
• Ability to perform user acceptance testing, document testing results, troubleshoot issues, and collaborate with technical teams to improve database functionality and reporting processes.

Who are the customers?

Those who enroll into the CARA program, internal and external partners, outreach programs.

Ideal Candidate

Potential impact of substance uses and substance exposure on individual and family functioning.

Possess a working knowledge of resources in the community, as well as how to facilitate connections to resources, that have the capacity to support the family in maintaining stability.

Experience Working with Individuals Who Have Experienced Substance Abuse.

Have knowledge of and experience working with individuals from a strength-based de stigmatization approach. Ability to multitask, work as a team, and communicate effectively.

Associate's degree in social work, Psychology, Guidance and Counseling, Education, Sociology, Criminal Justice, Criminology, Family Studies/Services, Social Sciences, or Human Services and one (1) year of experience as a social work assistant and/or in social or community coordination, working with communities, working on health or social service-related matters, social work/case management experience, and/or behavioral health care. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling three (3) years may substitute for the required education and experience.

Employment Requirements

Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in an office setting: late hours and weekends work may be required. Will be exposed to regular periods of video display terminal and keyboard usage and stressful situations. Travel may be required. Incumbent will work under stress and frequent time constraints. Must have own mode of transportation. Incumbent may be required to furnish a personal vehicle for carrying out assignments.

Bargaining Unit Position

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement, and all terms/conditions of that agreement apply and must be adhered to.