Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act Navigator; DOH

Overview

The Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) Navigator program works with families whose child has been born substance exposed. CARA Navigators collaborate with families, hospitals, providers, and managed care organizations to identify effective support systems, assess needs, and connect families to available services and resources.

The CARA Navigator ensures compliance with CARA state law (effective July 1, 2019). The Navigator completes comprehensive family assessments, builds relationships with families, coordinates with state agencies and hospitals, and supports access to needed services through plan of care development and related activities.

CARA Navigators review plans of care to ensure completeness and accurate insurance information for appropriate referrals. They conduct comprehensive family assessments and revise plans as needs evolve. They perform home visits to support engagement and compliance with CARA requirements and contact Statewide Central Intake (SCI) when safety concerns arise.

Additional duties include:

• Assisting in training providers and individuals on CARA law and plan of care creation
• Providing outreach to target populations across the state
• Providing technical assistance to providers on CARA and plans of care
• Managing and participating in the CARA workgroup by developing agendas and leading discussions
• Collaborating with other state agencies to implement CARA across sectors

• Review and coordinate plans of care; ensure accurate insurance information and referrals
• Conduct comprehensive family assessments; engage families; monitor progress and modify plans as needed
• Perform home visits to support engagement and adherence to CARA requirements
• Coordinate with SCI for safety concerns
• Provide training and outreach on CARA and plans of care
• Support cross-agency collaboration for program implementation

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (spreadsheets, formulas, data tracking, and report generation)
• Experience with data entry, quality assurance, and data analysis
• Knowledge of culturally responsive practices and experience with tribal communities
• Experience working independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Experience with case management systems, electronic databases, and tracking systems
• Ability to perform user acceptance testing, document results, troubleshoot issues, and collaborate with technical teams

• Knowledge of substance use and substance exposure impact on individuals and families
• Working knowledge of community resources and ability to facilitate connections to sustain family stability
• Experience working with individuals who have experienced substance abuse
• Knowledge of strength-based, de-stigmatizing approaches
• Ability to multitask, work in a team, and communicate effectively

Associate’s Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Guidance and Counseling, Education, Sociology, Criminal Justice, Criminology, Family Studies/Services, Social Sciences, or Human Services plus one year of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience totaling three years.

Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.

Office setting with occasional late hours and weekend work. Travel required. May involve long periods of video display terminal use, stressful situations, and time constraints. Incumbent may need to provide a personal vehicle for assignments.

For total compensation information, please consult the agency’s resources.

Agency Contact Information:
Kathy Blea,

For statutory requirements, refer to the Classification Description linked in the job advertisement.

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement; terms and conditions apply.