What are the responsibilities and job description for the Outreach and Recovery Specialist position at Greater Mental Health of New York?
Reports To: Program Supervisor / SOR Program Manager
Program: OASAS 822 Outpatient Substance Use Disorder Program
Location: White Plains, NY-Community-based / On-site with significant field work
Hours Per Week: 35
FLSA Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt
Annual Salary Range: $40,000-$50,000
Summary Description:
The Outreach and Recovery Specialist provides community-based outreach, engagement, and recovery support services under the Substance Use Disorder – State Opioid Response (SOR) Grant. The role focuses on identifying individuals at high risk for opioid and substance-related overdose, engaging underserved populations, facilitating access to treatment and recovery services, and providing ongoing recovery-oriented support in alignment with SOR grant objectives and OASAS 822 requirements.
Responsibilities:
- Conduct community-based outreach to individuals at risk of substance use-related harm, including those not currently engaged in treatment.
- Provide recovery support services, including care coordination, system navigation, and linkage to OASAS-certified treatment programs.
- Facilitate warm handoffs to detoxification, inpatient, outpatient, medication-assisted treatment, and recovery services.
- Distribute harm reduction supplies and provide education in a manner consistent with program policy and grant guidelines.
- Collaborate with community partners, hospitals, criminal justice entities, shelters, and other referral sources.
- Support participants in developing recovery goals and addressing barriers to treatment engagement.
- Document outreach activities, encounters, and services in accordance with SOR grant reporting and OASAS documentation requirements.
- Track and report required SOR performance metrics and deliverables.
- Participate in supervision, team meetings, trainings, and grant-related reporting activities.
Competencies:
- Knowledge of substance use disorders, harm reduction, and recovery-oriented care.
- Familiarity with community-based outreach models and systems navigation.
- Ability to use an Electronic Health Record and data tracking systems.
- Strong engagement, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work independently in field-based settings.
- Highly organized, detail-oriented, and adaptable.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):
- Number of outreach contacts and successful engagements.
- Timely linkage to treatment and recovery services.
- Completion and accuracy of SOR-required documentation and data reporting.
- Compliance with grant deliverables and productivity expectations.
Requirements:
- High School Diploma or equivalent required; Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in human services or related field preferred.
- CRPA or other relevant peer or recovery support credential preferred or required per grant specifications.
- Experience working with adults with substance use disorders, including outreach or field-based services.
- Valid driver’s license and ability to travel locally as required.
- Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office and data systems.
- Fluency in English (reading, writing, speaking); bilingual skills a plus.
- Must be cleared and maintain clearance by applicable regulatory clearances as required.
- Legally eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship.
Special Considerations:
- Requires extensive community-based and field work.
- May require evenings or flexible hours based on outreach needs.
- Hours per week, reporting structure, and location are subject to change per program needs.
Mandated Reporter:
This is a Mandated Reporter position. The NYS Justice Center legislation defines anyone who has regular and substantial contact with any person with special needs as a “custodian” under the law and, therefore, a mandated reporter. You can be held liable by both the civil and criminal legal systems for intentionally failing to make a report.
Greater Mental Health of New York is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Greater Mental Health of New York is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request a reasonable accommodation, contact the Human Resources Department.
Salary : $40,000 - $50,000