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Position Summary
The Recovery Specialist/Overdose Outreach Specialist ("Specialist") is a grant-funded subcontractor position supporting the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) “How Can We Help” initiative administered by the Bristol-Burlington Health District (BBHD). This position is funded solely through grant funds and is contingent upon continued grant funding. There is no guarantee of continued work beyond the grant period. The Specialist uses professional experience as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Paramedic, lived experience in recovery, or a combination of both to engage individuals affected by substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions. Through post-overdose outreach and referrals received from Bristol EMS, law enforcement, BBHD, healthcare providers, and other approved referral sources, the Specialist connects individuals and families with treatment, recovery support services, harm reduction resources, and other community-based services. The Specialist works collaboratively with Bristol EMS, Bristol Hospital and other healthcare providers, BBHD, law enforcement agencies, treatment providers, recovery organizations, and community partners to reduce barriers to treatment and improve recovery outcomes.
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
The Specialist shall:
- 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.
