Navigator & Harm Reductionist for Correctional Linkage - Berkshire Health Systems

• DEFINITION/PRIMARY FUNCTION
  • Link individuals being released from the House of Correction to medical care, including HIV/HCV treatment and harm reduction services. This includes testing for infectious disease, participant navigation to care, coordination with BHS Infectious Disease Dept. and specialty pharmacy, and retention in care activities. Collect data as required by Massachusetts DPH. Provide short-term, extensive support for participants as they move through the care continuum (lasting no more than 12 weeks). Assist people in overcoming barriers to care and improve healthcare outcomes for participants post incarceration by providing an alternative approach to conventional information and support resources. Services will support inmates who are newly diagnosed or chronically infected with HIV and/or HCV to successfully link to medical care (or reconnect with established medical care) and other essential health supports in the community post-release, and to be enrolled (or re-enrolled) in Care Access or MCM programs. Services must include linkage to substance use treatment, including Medically Assisted Treatment (MAT) such as methadone, naltrexone, and buprenorphine, as well as syringe services providers and overdose education and naloxone distribution (OEND) services.
• POSITION QUALIFICATIONS (Minimum qualifications are required unless stated otherwise.)
  • Experience:
    • Minimum of two years’ experience working with individuals with substance use disorder.
    • Demonstrated experience in the effective assessment and engagement of individuals with BH/SUD conditions.
    • Working knowledge of HIV & Hepatitis C, including transmission, prevention strategies, laboratory, and treatment information.
    • Familiarity with community resources and supports, BH/SUD treatment as well as experience in referral for treatment, support and services is required.
    • Experience in providing evidence-based brief interventions to individuals with BH/SUD conditions including Motivational interviewing, Behavioral Activation, and Problem-Solving treatment.
  • Education and Training:
    • Degree in social work or related clinical healthcare field, or equivalent number of years’ experience required. Must complete all mandatory trainings required by DPH and BMC.
    • College degree preferred.
    • Must complete all mandatory trainings required by DPH and BMC.
  • License, Certification & Registration:
    • LCSW, LICSW, LMHC or LMFT preferred but not required.
  • Other Requirements:
    • Familiarity with Harm Reduction principles.
    • Knowledge with tablet-based data entry and telemedicine practices
    • Ability to form rapid engagement and alliance building with participants and their support networks.
    • Experience with care coordination.
    • Ability to maintain and monitor confidentiality of patient records.
    • Proven collaboration & negotiation skills with providers, patients, families, insurance organizations, and government agencies.
    • Ability to work autonomously while meeting goals for productivity.

PI249190985