Wellness Navigator

POSITION SUMMARY

Wellness Navigators (Navigators) will provide pre and post-release support to male and female incarcerated individuals diagnosed with substance use disorders.  Navigators will collaborate with staff on the Wellness Team by facilitating psychoeducational groups pertaining to recovery, relapse, and overdose prevention; conducting psychosocial and treatment assessments; and other program needs and requirements.

Navigators will work with individuals throughout their incarceration to identify recovery goals, and create individualized treatment plans, as well as post-release treatment and aftercare plans.  Navigators may attend court with individuals to assist the court and counsel in the development of individuals’ treatment needs and plans.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Receives direction and oversight from both the Assistant  Superintendent and Director of Behavioral Health and Treatment

MAJOR DUTIES

1.  Evaluate and assess individuals for post-release treatment programs to include, but not limited to, facilitating phone screens/interviews and applications;

2.  Collaborate with the Treatment Coordinator, Reentry teams as well as other Department staff for pre and post-release needs, referrals, and treatment plans;

3.  Provide treatment and clinical case management to individuals; address all legal, mental health, medical, and reentry needs;

4.   Conduct and perform biopsychosocial assessments, and intake screenings, and develop reentry/discharge and treatment plans;

      5.  Manage individual progress and compliance with established goals and treatment plans

                6.   Provide support and services to individuals classified and released to SCSD halfway house partners.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

1.  Minimum of 1-3 years of full-time experience working with individuals living with substance use disorders in a criminal justice setting;

2.  CADC, LADC, or Recovery Coach Certificate required.  Bachelor's Degree in related major preferred;

      3.  Experience with evidence-based practices in the treatment and criminal justice field; including but not limited to medications for the treatment of substance use disorders

4.  Knowledge of community-based resources that meet the treatment, housing, employment and health care needs of individuals involved in the criminal justice system;

5.  Knowledge and understanding of the criminal justice system, including corrections, parole, probation and courts;

6.  Ability to assess and evaluate individuals to develop effective treatment plans and make appropriate referrals;

7.  Ability to demonstrate initiative and to work cooperatively with co-workers, consultants, contractors and various community-based stakeholders.  Self-motivator, the ability to meet project deadlines and work on multiple projects simultaneously is essential;

8.  Good oral and written communication skills with technical and non-technical audiences as well as problem-solving and analytical skills.  Excellent organizational skills;

      9.  Experience with personal computers, Microsoft operating systems including Word, Excel, and Outlook email;

     10. Possess and maintain a valid Massachusetts driver’s license; and

     11. Flexibility and ability to learn and perform new duties and skills as assigned.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1.  Regular, punctual, and predictable attendance at assigned workplace and at scheduled meetings;

2.  Knowledge of, compliance with, and enforcement of Department policies and procedures;

3.  Compliance with security procedures;

4.  Obeying of moderately complex oral and written orders;

           5.  Effectively observe and interact with incarcerated individuals in person, individually, and in groups within a correctional setting;

6.  Communicating effectively both orally and in writing;

7.  Conduct initial intake and assessment of a patient in a correctional setting;

8.  Conduct mental health educational programs and/or workshops in inmate housing units;
9.  Able to independently initiate a project, execute the necessary steps, and complete in a timely and effective manner;
10. Maintaining professional but cordial relations with patients, coworkers, the public, and outside agencies;

11. Proper handling of medical information; ensure any data entry performed is accurate;