DOC Outreach Specialist

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Full-Time Bridgeport, CT, US

4 days ago Requisition

This position sits within OnSide – the Community Outreach and Homeless Services department of Liberation Programs. OnSide was established by Liberation to bridge the gap between working with people struggling with SUD but not may not be currently engaged/enrolled in treatment services and traditional addiction treatment approaches, and those who may be experiencing homelessness. OnSide offers culturally competent, trauma informed outreach in an emotionally safe environment, while delivering practical interventions.

CLEAR (Community and Law Enforcement for Addiction Recovery) is a statewide deflection initiative that DMHAS supports with a federal grant from the Bureau of Justice (the Comprehensive Opioid and Stimulant Use Program). CLEAR brings together public health providers, first responders, hospitals, community agencies, and law enforcement to prevent overdose and provide support to individuals with SUD and their families.

Liberation operates the Fairfield County arm of the Statewide CLEAR initiative serving vulnerable adults and their families struggling with SUD identified by law enforcement and community partners including Norwalk PD, Greenwich PD, Stamford PD and the Dept. of Corrections - where Outreach Specialists work closely to case manage individuals – while ensuring they are provided with overdose prevention education and support, along with referrals and connections to support and care.

In the case of a law enforcement deflection referral, the Outreach Specialists connect with a deflection trained police officer to conduct follow ups within 48 hours of the referral.

Contracted by DMHAS to deliver the CLEAR Project, Liberations works across local collaborations to connect those most at risk of overdose into relevant supports and services.

The DOC Outreach Specialist will provide support and outreach to individuals with a substance use disorder who have been referred through the Department of Correction. The Outreach Specialist will provide in‑reach to DOC facilities prior to release, as well as ongoing support and assistance in navigating community resources, including providing community‑based overdose prevention services, and connecting individuals to treatment and other services that would benefit their wellbeing.

The position is limited to the term of the grant funds.

• Must successfully complete all Connecticut Department of Correction requirements for professional visitors, including submission of background checks, facility clearance processes, and compliance with all DOC policies and procedures.
• Develop and maintain working relationships with Addiction Treatment Unit (ATU) staff, counselors, discharge planners, reentry coordinators, correctional case managers, and other DOC personnel at facilities including York Correctional Institution, Bridgeport Correctional Center, Carl Robinson Correctional Institution, Hartford Correctional Center, and other facilities as assigned.
• Conduct in‑reach visits within correctional facilities to meet with individuals referred through the Department of Correction prior to release.
• Build rapport and establish a working relationship with participants before release to support continuity of care and successful community reentry.
• Collaborate with DOC staff to identify barriers to successful reentry and develop individualized transition plans that address substance use, housing, medical care, behavioral health needs, transportation, identification, benefits, and other social determinants of health.
• Coordinate and participate in pre‑release planning meetings with correctional staff, treatment providers, and community partners as appropriate.
• Provide overdose prevention education, naloxone education, and risk reduction counseling to individuals prior to release from incarceration.
• Facilitate connections to medication‑assisted treatment (MAT), detoxification services, outpatient treatment, residential…