Overdose Outreach Specialist/Part Time/20 hours

Bristol Hospital Group; Bristol (CT); On-site; USD 28,000 - 52,000; Part time

Job summary

Bristol Health is seeking a Part Time Peer Recovery Specialist to conduct outreach after overdoses and EMS encounters in Bristol, CT. You will build trusting, recovery-oriented relationships with individuals and families using peer support principles and professional or lived experience.

The role involves conducting screenings, developing recovery plans, and connecting clients to detox, treatment, housing, transportation, and benefits. Strong communication and documentation are essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum five years of Connecticut EMT/Paramedic experience, or three years EMS plus related degree/credentialing.
• Experience engaging individuals with substance use disorders with recovery-focused approaches.
• Strong communication, interpersonal and documentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct timely outreach after overdoses and EMS encounters.
• Establish trusting, recovery-oriented relationships with individuals and families.
• Provide education on substance use disorders, MAT, naloxone, harm reduction and resources.
• Connect individuals to detox, treatment, housing, transportation, and benefits.
• Document all contacts, referrals, and grant-required data accurately.

Skills

EMT/Paramedic experience

Recovery support

Communication skills

Education

High School Diploma

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: EMS BH EMS LLC - Bristol, CT 06010

Position Type: Part Time

Education Level: High School

Job Shift: Any

Position Summary

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.

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.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five (5) years of continuous experience as a Connecticut-certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Paramedic; or
• A minimum of three (3) years of Connecticut EMS experience when combined with: a bachelor's or higher degree in Public Health, Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, Counseling, or a closely related field; or current certification or credentialing as a Recovery Support Specialist, Recovery Coach, Peer Recovery Specialist, or similar approved credential.
• A combination of professional EMS experience and lived experience in recovery that demonstrates the ability to effectively engage individuals affected by substance use disorders.
• Knowledge of substance use disorders, co-occurring mental health conditions, recovery-oriented systems of care, and harm reduction practices.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, advocacy, organizational, and documentation skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Knowledge of local treatment providers, recovery resources, and community support services.
• Valid Connecticut driver's license and reliable transportation.

Professional Expectations

• Demonstrate professionalism, compassion, empathy, cultural humility, and ethical conduct in all interactions.
• Maintain appropriate confidentiality and professional boundaries in accordance with applicable federal and state laws, grant requirements, and BBHD policies.
• Complete all required training, continuing education, and grant-required certifications.
• Represent Bristol EMS, BBHD, and community partners professionally while promoting recovery-oriented and trauma-informed practices.
• Maintain regular communication with BBHD regarding referrals, outreach efforts, grant performance measures, and program activities.
• Serve a minimum of 100 individuals annually.
• Attend and participate in Bristol Opioid Task Force meetings.
• Attend and participate in HCWH grant meetings
• Conduct face-to-face outreach in areas where individuals may be at risk of opioid overdose.
• Distribute naloxone and provide training on its proper use to individuals with opioid use disorder and, when possible, their family members.
• Build partnerships with community-based treatment and recovery providers to improve access to recovery resources and services.
• Provide culturally competent, person-centered services that support empowerment, stability, and recovery.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.