Reach-In Specialist - Access Point

Graceworks Lutheran Services; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Wisconsin Community Services in Milwaukee seeks a Reach-In Specialist - Access Point to provide screening, assessment, and linkage to care for individuals with substance use needs across Milwaukee County. The role emphasizes trauma-informed practice and coordinating with community resources.

Responsibilities include conducting screenings, completing forms in Avatar, and collaborating with a recovery team to ensure access to services.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field.
• 1 year of experience with mental health/substance use preferred.
• Criminal and caregiver background checks, driver’s record, and drug screen required.
• Valid driver’s license and adequate auto insurance.

Responsibilities

• Screen and assess individuals with trauma-informed approach.
• Coordinate linkage to community or Milwaukee County services.
• Complete required forms in Avatar by deadlines.
• Collaborate with supports to build a recovery network.
• Attend quarterly Department of Corrections meetings.
• Serve as liaison with providers to ensure coordinated care.
• Document follow-ups accurately in Avatar.

Skills

Trauma-informed approach

Assessment interviewing

Crisis support

Documentation

Communication with diverse populations

Coordination of services

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field

Experience with mental health/substance use

Tools

Avatar/EHR documentation

Microsoft 365

Email and internet usage

Job description

Wisconsin Community Servicesis an Equal Opportunity Employer (M/F/Disability/Vet).

Reach-In Specialist - Access Point

Job Code: 2026-BHS-030

Location: Milwaukee

Department: WIser Choice

FT/PT Status: Full Time

Job Responsibilities:

Job Summary

The Reach-In Specialist provides screening, assessment, and linkage to care services to individuals throughout Milwaukee County experiencing substance use and recovery support needs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Utilize a trauma informed approach when assessing and coordinating support and services.
• Respond to referral sources including but not limited to individuals who self-refer, probation and parole agents with the Wisconsin State Dept. of Corrections, and case managers from the Division of Milwaukee Child Protective Services to complete substance use screens and assessments.
• Based on outcome of the assessment and the determined level of need, provide follow-up coordination of services to ensure the individual is linked to services in the community or through Milwaukee County.
• Complete all forms in Avatar by the required deadline, set forth by the Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Services division. This includes but is not limited consents/authorizations, PPS NOMS, the Comprehensive Assessment form, CARS Referral form, CARS Assessment Result and Placement form, Crisis Progress Note, and other documents pending the level of need of the individual being assessed.
• Collaborate with individuals, their natural supports, community resources, and identified recovery team members to establish a larger support network for people starting their recovery journey.
• Attend quarterly meetings with the Department of Corrections to discuss workflow, problem-solving, and any general needs related to the population being referred and served through WCS’ Access Point.
• Serve as a liaison with service providers, including therapists, healthcare professionals, probation agents, and case managers, to ensure coordinated care and quality service delivery.
• Document all follow-up interactions accurately in Avatar, in compliance with agency and regulatory standards.
• Complete all county and agency-required trainings.

Job Qualifications:

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field such as Psychology, Sociology, or Criminal Justice.
• 1 year of experience working with individuals with mental health, substance use, and/or co-occurring needs preferred.
• Meet all WCS and contractor requirements for criminal and caregiver background checks, driver’s record, and drug screen.
• Valid driver's license, automobile, and sufficient insurance to meet agency requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in social work or related field
• Bilingual abilities

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong understanding of mental health, substance use, and/or co-occurring needs, with the ability to communicate clearly and support individuals in crisis.
• Skilled in assessment, interviewing, and applying recovery and harm reduction models.
• Passion for mental health advocacy and person-centered care.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; able to effectively interact with diverse populations, supervisors, colleagues, and community partners.
• Works effectively both independently and as a team member; promotes a respectful and collaborative work environment.
• Excellent organization, time management, and multitasking abilities. Able to meet deadlines, manage multiple projects and adapt to changing priorities.
• Solution-oriented with strong critical thinking skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft 365, email, and internet usage.
• Skilled in documentation, electronic health records, and maintaining accurate and timely records.
• Demonstrate commitment to the agency’s mission and values.
• Conduct self ethically and professionally in all interactions. Maintain respectful, collaborative relationships with staff, individuals served, and external partners.
• Adhere to agency Code of Conduct, Core Values, and all relevant policies and procedures and funding source requirements.
• Demonstrate cultural sensitivity and awareness of ethnic, gender, and disability-related issues.

Other Job Information (if applicable):

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Position is mobile with time spent in the community, including driving to various community locations in Milwaukee County to complete assessments (correctional facilities, detox or other recovery-based centers, shelters). Able to navigate stairs. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work is performed in an office and community environment, including people’s homes and various community-based locations. Hours average 40 hours per week. Travel is required. A flexible work schedule is required to meet the needs of staff and the people being served.

Wisconsin Community Services, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.