Deflection Specialist - WISE Initiative

TASC, Inc.; Rock Island (IL); Hybrid; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance

Flexible Spending Account

Paid Leave - STD

Paid Time Off/Sick Time/ Floating HOL

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

TASC, Inc. is seeking a full-time Deflection Specialist to serve Rock Island and surrounding counties. You will connect with clients in local communities, provide outreach and education on substance use topics, and coordinate access to behavioral health services and housing resources.

You will act as the public face of TASC in the region, delivering trainings, building community partnerships, and supporting Medicaid enrollment when needed. A hybrid in-office/remote schedule is expected.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• CRSS, CPRS, or CADC credential preferred and may be required within two years of employment.

Responsibilities

• Engage with individuals in targeted communities to provide outreach and education on program topics.
• Coordinate and link clients to behavioral health, public agencies, and community resources.
• Provide enrollment assistance for Medicaid when needed.
• Deliver training and education to community partners and law enforcement on deflection and referral processes.
• Represent the program and agency at community events and maintain partner relations.

Skills

Outreach

Training

Community liaison

Public speaking

Relationship building

Independent work

Lived experience

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

At TASC, your work can change lives — starting here.

We are a mission-driven team fueled by compassion, grounded in science, and united by a deep belief in the power of human potential. Every day, we bring together lived experience, professional expertise, and a commitment to justice to create real, lasting impact.

Whether you are providing direct care, shaping policy, or supporting vital operations, your contribution helps build a healthier, safer, stronger, and more equitable society. At TASC, you’ll find purpose, opportunities to grow, and the power to make a difference every day.

• Blue Cross Blue Shield Health (HMO, HDP) & Dental (HMO, PPO) Insurance
• Paid Sick Days and 11 Core Paid Holidays
• VSP Vision Plans (Base and Premium)
• Employer-Paid Life Insurance and Voluntary Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• 403(b) Retirement Plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Generous PTO (Paid Time Off)
• Free Parking (varies by location)

Discover your next role at TASC

At TASC (Treatment Alternatives for Stronger Communities), our mission is to empower people and strengthen communities with impactful services. Since 1976, we have been guided by the belief that every individual holds the potential for positive change. We advocate for, support, and, most importantly, empower people to break barriers, find recovery, and reshape their destinies. Through Specialized Case Management™, we create a world where recovery, justice, and empathy lead to thriving communities. Our foundation is anchored at the intersection of behavioral health and the criminal legal system. Today, TASC also operates at the forefront of transformative solutions. We are a social impact organization that embodies a future where health, safety, and justice are synonymous with hope. We are TASC!

We are currently looking for a full-time Deflection Specialist for our WISE Deflection Initiative serving Rock Island, Knox, Mercer, Henry, and Warren Counties

We are currently looking for full-time Deflection Specialist

SUMMARY
This position will be responsible for connecting with clients within targeted geographic communities to provide outreach, education, and training on specific subject matter, including substance abuse disorders, community resources, pre-arrest diversion, health insurance, and other relevant topics. This position will serve as the public face of TASC in the designated areas and be responsible for providing direct client services, maintaining community partner relations, and delivering training.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Assist individuals in achieving service plan goals through direct services and coordination of behavioral health, public agencies, and community resources.

• Develop positive, supportive relationships with individuals referred to program and assist them in planning and achieving service goals through direct services and coordination and linkage to behavior health, public agencies, and community resources.
• Provide assertive and continuous outreach activities to enroll participants in the program
• Make client referrals and provide warm handoffs to all essential needed direct services, including substance use disorder and mental health treatment, and recovery support services such as housing, etc.
• Provide outreach and community intervention services to individuals with an opioid or substance use disorder.
• Follow established program guidelines and SOPs in working with participants.
• Develop effective collaborative working relationships with appropriate project staff, community partners, providers, police departments and other community stakeholders.
• Identify, and increase knowledge base of, local treatment and service providers within program service area
• Attend community events representing the program and TASC.
• Provide education and awareness on deflection and local initiative with community partners, law enforcement, and other community stakeholders
• Provide presentations and training related to the deflection program and referral process, targeted goals and objectives, and other subject matter including naloxone administration & distribution.
• Conduct enrollment assistance for Medicaid with individuals who are without insurance when needed.

Our Ideal candidate:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• CRSS, CPRS, or CADC credential preferred and may be required within two years of employment with TASC based on contractual requirements.
• One or more years of outreach work related to direct client services.
• Experience and comfort with providing community presentations and trainings on program related subject matter
• Knowledge of local treatment & service providers would be beneficial
• Knowledge of human behavior for the assessment and signs and symptoms of substance abuse disorders. Specific knowledge necessary for working with special populations.
• Highly organized with the ability to multi task and possess great follow up skills
• Good communication, organizational and time management skills
• Strong relationship building skills and the ability to work with a diverse population
• Ability to work independently.
• Lived experience valued in role.

Our benefits package includes:

• Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance and Flexible Spending
• Paid Leave - Short-term Disability (STD)
• Paid Time Off/Sick Time/ Floating Holiday
• Tuition Reimbursement

The agency currently offers hybrid work schedules that combine in-office and remote work. Employees are required to report to the work site three days per week, with the option to work from home to two days remotely after 60 days of employment contingent upon job duties.

TASC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug-Free workplace. The agency does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age disability, veteran or military status, or any other protected status in accordance with federal and state law.

Our Commitment

TASC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug Free workplace. The agency does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any protected status under applicable laws.
If you are a qualified candidate with a disability, please email us at [e-mail] if you require reasonable accommodation to complete the application.