Deflection Specialist - NWIDI

Deflection Specialist

Located within our NW Illinois Deflection Initiative serving Winnebago, Boone, Stephenson, Jo Daviess, and Carroll Counties.

Starting salary: $44,676 - $47,000 contingent upon experience, education, etc.

This position will be responsible for connecting with clients within targeted geographic communities to provide outreach, education, and training on substance abuse disorders, community resources, pre‑arrest diversion, health insurance, and other relevant topics. The role serves as the public face of TASC in the designated areas, providing direct client services, maintaining community partner relations, and delivering training.

• Provide assertive and continuous outreach activities related to direct services for participants.
• Make referrals to all essential direct services needed, including substance abuse disorder treatment, recovery support services, and housing.
• Attend community events and conferences to provide education and awareness on law enforcement diversion and outreach to individuals with an opioid or substance use disorder.
• Conduct enrollment assistance for Medicaid with individuals who are without insurance when needed.
• Responsible for follow‑up activities related to obtaining the required items for all participants’ needs.
• Develop effective working relationships with relevant project staff, community partners, providers, and law enforcement agencies, among others.
• Attend community events representing the program and TASC.
• Provide training on an ongoing basis related to the program’s targeted goals and objectives, as well as subject matter, including naloxone administration and distribution.
• Work with participants with substance use disorder and assess their needs.

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Knowledge of human behavior for the assessment of signs and symptoms of substance abuse disorders; specific knowledge is necessary for working with special populations.
• CADC preferred at time of hire.
• One or more years of outreach work related to direct client services.
• One or more years’ experience with providing training and/or presenting at local or national conferences preferred.
• Knowledge of treatment and service providers in the service area would be beneficial.
• Highly organized with the ability to multitask and possess great follow‑up skills.
• Flexibility in thinking and approaches to leading group discussions.
• Must be able to work well under pressure in a very fast‑paced environment.
• Good computer skills, which include proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and the Internet.
• Good verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Good time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.

• Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance and Flexible Spending.
• Paid Leave – Short‑term Disability (STD).
• Paid Time Off/Sick Time/Floating Holiday.
• Tuition Reimbursement.
• 403(b) retirement plan.

TASC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug‑Free workplace. The agency does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran or military status, or any other protected status in accordance with federal and state law.