Substance Use Disorder; SUD Recovery Outreach Worker

Develop, implement, and maintain SMMHC's privacy policies and procedures in compliance with HIPAA, HITECH, 42 CFR Part 2, and state mental health confidentiality laws. Serve as the primary point of contact for all privacy-related inquiries from staff, patients, and external entities. Conduct regular risk assessments to identify potential privacy vulnerabilities and implement appropriate safeguards. Investigate and respond to privacy complaints, breaches, and incidents according to established protocols.

Lead privacy training and awareness programs for all staff members, ensuring they understand privacy requirements specific to mental health services. Collaborate with IT security personnel to ensure technical safeguards adequately protect PHI. Monitor regulatory developments and update policies as needed to maintain compliance. Prepare and submit required reports to regulatory agencies and SMMHC leadership.

Work closely with Recovery Support Specialists to track/support individuals after discharging from SUD residential and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). Provide support during an individual’s recovery journey, while striving to prevent relapses. Offer support and make referrals/recommendations to other services that can aid in an individual’s recovery journey. Generate a monthly report of all discharges from SUD residential, IOP, and outpatient services for those with primary substance use or co-occurring diagnoses.

Contact individuals via telephone, telehealth, or through home visits (with consent) for individuals residing within Jackson County. Initial contact will be made within 30 days of discharge. Contact individuals no less than 1 time per month for 6 months post discharge in an effort to promote continued recovery, reduce recidivism, and increase the number of completed 6-month follow-up GRPA’s. When unable to reach discharged individuals, a minimum of 3 attempts will be made/documented.

Be available to provide emotional support, assist the individual in problem solving/ conflict resolution, promote relapse prevention strategies, and refer to other support systems as indicated. Be available to provide crisis support when indicated. Attends clinical staffings when indicated. Offer supports to individuals who relapse to help reduce the negative effects. Establish and maintain referral relationships with community agencies and the recovery community.

If necessary, refer to appropriate level of care. Assist individuals by modeling effective coping techniques and self-help strategies based on prior experience. Create relationships with other recovery-oriented organizations and groups to help individuals integrate back into their community, develop a support system, and acquire a sense of belonging. Maintain confidentiality at all times. Complete additional job duties assigned by supervisor.

Demonstrate appropriate interactions at work that promote a pleasant work environment. Maintain documentation in compliance with DMH standards and agency policy. Promote/assist in the completion of GPRA’s post discharge. Develop and maintain a monthly tracking form for all contacts and be available for review when requested. Submit tracking logs by the 15 th of the following monthly that reflects all contacts made/attempted.

Maintain data detailing re-admissions to a SUD facility/program, new crisis team involvement, and or hospitalizations related to the individual’s substance use. Share their unique insight into SUD concerns and mental illness with non-consumer staff and what makes recovery possible. Serve as a role model and emphasize the value of each individual’s recovery experience. Respond to individual needs in an appropriate and timely manner.

Demonstrate appropriate interactions with coworkers that promote a pleasant work environment.

Required

High School diploma or GED and one year of work-related experience. An individual who has received treatment for and self-identifies as a consumer or former mental health/substance use consumer. Satisfactory completion of CPR prior to reporting to the work site. Satisfactory completion of CPI within the first 30 days of employment. Ability to be covered under company insurance to drive a company vehicle for client transportation.

Valid driver’s license and current auto liability insurance. Ability to transport clients in a private vehicle when necessary.

Preferred

Peer support certification preferred or eligible to be certified as a Peer Support Specialist.

You may also pick up an application at Human Resources (2915 Canty Street, Pascagoula, MS 39567)