SUD Client Navigator & Recovery Support Specialist

Northeast New Jersey Legal Services; Jersey City (NJ); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health/dental/vision insurance

403(b)/401(a) with employer match

Paid time off and holidays

Job summary

Northeast New Jersey Legal Services is seeking a Client Navigator to support individuals with substance use disorders in Bergen, Hudson, and Passaic Counties. You will coordinate services, advocate for clients, and connect them with housing, benefits, treatment, and civil legal assistance.

The role emphasizes holistic, client-centered care, collaboration with attorneys, and community partners. Spanish proficiency is highly valued; travel across counties is required.

Qualifications

• Associate’s Degree or higher required in Social Work, Counseling, Human Services, Psychology, Public Health, or related field.
• Minimum of 2-4 years of experience in case management, behavioral health, recovery services, social services, healthcare, nonprofit services, or related fields.
• Experience with individuals with substance use disorders, mental health needs, trauma histories, or vulnerable populations preferred.
• Experience in a legal services program or nonprofit serving under-resourced individuals is a plus.
• Knowledge of New Jersey resources, public assistance programs, housing resources, and recovery networks.
• Strong organizational, communication, relationship-building, and documentation skills.
• Fluency in Spanish strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct client engagement, resource coordination, advocacy, and supportive case management services.
• Coordinate referrals and ongoing relationships with treatment providers, recovery programs, healthcare systems, shelters, county agencies, and community-based organizations.
• Assist clients in identifying and overcoming non-legal barriers impacting recovery, treatment engagement, housing stability, or legal outcomes.
• Collaborate with the case manager, attorneys, and staff to identify and address barriers to healthcare and treatment adherence.
• Develop and maintain resource guides, referral pathways, outreach relationships, and supportive service protocols.
• Assist with monitoring quality assurance, documentation standards, client follow-up practices, and program compliance requirements.
• Assist with grant reporting, regional tracking, data collection, outcome measurement, and compliance activities.
• Participate in trainings related to SUD, trauma-informed care, cultural competence, crisis intervention, and recovery-oriented practices.
• Travel regularly throughout Bergen, Passaic, and Hudson Counties to support outreach and program operations.
• Assist with other duties as needed to ensure delivery of services.

Skills

Case management

Behavioral health

Nonprofit services

Spanish language

Education

Associate’s Degree or higher

Bachelor’s Degree preferred

Job description

Northeast New Jersey Legal Services is seeking a Client Navigator to support individuals with substance use disorders in Bergen, Hudson, and Passaic Counties. You will coordinate services, advocate for clients, and connect them with housing, benefits, treatment, and civil legal assistance.

The role emphasizes holistic, client-centered care, collaboration with attorneys, and community partners. Spanish proficiency is highly valued; travel across counties is required.