Clinical Practice Lead/Coach - LCSW

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 individuals struggling with substance use disorders who may not currently be engaged in treatment services and traditional treatment approaches, while also serving individuals experiencing homelessness and other complex life challenges. OnSide offers culturally competent, trauma-informed outreach in an emotionally safe environment while delivering practical interventions and support.

CLEAR (Community and Law Enforcement for Addiction Recovery) is a statewide deflection initiative supported by DMHAS through funding from the Bureau of Justice Assistance (Comprehensive Opioid and Stimulant Use Program). CLEAR brings together public health providers, hospitals, community agencies, first responders, law enforcement, and correctional partners to prevent overdose and provide support to individuals and families impacted by substance use disorders.

The Clinical Practice Lead serves as a part-time clinical resource and consultant to the CLEAR Initiative and Community Outreach and Homeless Services Department. The position supports Outreach Specialists, Family Recovery Coaches, Hospital Liaison staff, Peer Staff, and other team members by providing clinical consultation, coaching, case review, care coordination support, staff development, and guidance related to best practices in community-based service delivery.

The Clinical Practice Lead assists staff in working effectively with individuals experiencing substance use disorders, mental health concerns, homelessness, trauma, criminal justice involvement, chronic health conditions, and other complex challenges. The position promotes trauma-informed, harm reduction-oriented, person-centered approaches while supporting staff in navigating complex participant situations and service systems.

The Clinical Practice Lead may provide direct services to selected participants when clinically indicated, including brief assessment, crisis intervention, family consultation, care coordination, and short-term supportive counseling.

This position functions as a subject matter expert and clinical resource. It does not provide operational supervision of staff. Responsibility for personnel management, performance evaluations, disciplinary action, scheduling, leave approval, hiring, and other supervisory functions remains with program management.

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

Major Duties and Responsibilities

Serve as a clinical resource and consultant to Outreach Specialists, Family Recovery Coaches, Peer Staff, Hospital Liaison staff, and other members of the Community Outreach and Homeless Services team.

• Provide individual and group coaching sessions to staff focused on participant engagement, care coordination, crisis response, professional boundaries, documentation, and service planning.

• Facilitate clinical consultation regarding participants with complex substance use, mental health, housing, medical, legal, or social service needs.

• Assist staff in developing individualized engagement and intervention strategies for participants experiencing barriers to care.

• Provide guidance regarding trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, harm reduction principles, crisis intervention, participant engagement, de-escalation, and recovery-oriented practices.

• Participate in multidisciplinary case review meetings and support staff in addressing complex participant situations.

• Assist staff in identifying appropriate referrals and navigating community systems including substance use treatment, behavioral health services, housing resources, medical services, social services, and recovery supports.

• Support care coordination efforts involving hospitals, treatment providers, correctional facilities, housing providers, medical providers, law enforcement partners, and community agencies.

• Provide consultation regarding participant risk factors including overdose risk, mental health concerns, psychiatric instability, victimization, and other behavioral health challenges.

• Assist staff in addressing family concerns and support needs when appropriate.

• Provide limited direct services to selected participants requiring clinical assessment, crisis intervention, brief counseling, family consultation, or intensive care coordination.

• Conduct assessments and provide recommendations regarding participant needs and service planning when requested.

• Support onboarding and professional development activities for new staff.

• Participate in reflective supervision and staff wellness.

• Develop and deliver training related to substance use disorders, harm reduction, trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, mental health, participant engagement, and related topics.

• Assist in identifying trends, service gaps, and opportunities for quality improvement.

• Collaborate with the Hospital Liaison and Systems Integration Manager regarding care coordination processes, participant outcomes, workflow development, and service quality.

• Review documentation and case records as requested to identify opportunities for strengthening participant engagement and care coordination practices.

• Maintain accurate documentation within agency systems as required.

• Participate in meetings, training, supervision, and other activities required by Liberation Programs, DMHAS, and funding agencies.

• Report writing, record keeping, and compliance activities as required by DMHAS, DPH, CARF, and other applicable funding or regulatory entities.

Skills / Experience Required

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the State of Connecticut required.

• Minimum three years of experience working with individuals experiencing substance use disorders, mental illness, homelessness, trauma, or co-occurring conditions.

• Experience providing consultation, coaching, supervision, mentoring, or staff development preferred.

• Strong understanding of harm reduction philosophy and community-based service delivery models.

• Knowledge of substance use disorders, overdose prevention, medication-assisted treatment, recovery support services, and behavioral health systems.

• Experience conducting assessments, crisis intervention, care coordination, and brief therapeutic interventions.

• Ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams and community partners.

• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to provide constructive coaching and consultation while maintaining collaborative working relationships.

• Knowledge of local treatment, housing, healthcare, criminal justice, and social service systems preferred.

• Valid driver's license and ability to travel throughout Fairfield County.

• Commitment to treating all participants with dignity, respect, compassion, and cultural humility.

What We Offer

• Competition Compensation
• Comprehensive Benefits
• Generous Paid Time Off
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Referral Bonuses
• 401K
• FSA
• HSA
• Employee Assistance Program