Community Resource Specialist-40 hours per week

The Community Resource Specialist plays a key role in the Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Bridge Clinic, which provides on-site rapid assessment, treatment initiation and stabilization for patients with substance use disorder with a specific focus on equitable care which seeks to eliminate any disparities in access to or retention in treatment by race, ethnicity or language.

The primary responsibility of the Resource Specialist is to work as part of a collaborative care team with a therapist, nurse, recovery coaches, physicians, and nurse practitioners, to facilitate referrals for patients seen in the outpatient setting to services within all levels of the addiction treatment care continuum.The CRS is responsible for working with the care team to assist patients in finding community resources related to ongoing SUD treatment, mental health services and other community resources related to social determinants of health.

• Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Work with Bridge Clinic clinicians to assist with patients' transition to further addiction treatment; take direction from team medical and clinical leadership as appropriate to optimize patient care.
  • Make referrals to all levels of care by providing clinical information and documentation to support patients' transfer to other facilities. This may include drafting letter of engagement and preparing information to fax, copying portions of the medical record, and scheduling intake appointments for patients. It will also include arranging outpatient follow-up appointments for patients , which may include helping the patient connect to community providers (pcp, therapy, or psychiatry), to outpatient treatment programs for methadone, and to inpatient placement (detox & CSS).
  • Providing individual assistance to individuals/families in accessing a variety of public services including financial and medical assistance and housing, including assistance on an emergency basis and directly helping to meet needs for food, shelter and clothing.
  • Complete follow up phone calls to patients to ensure a successful transition to the treatment organization in the disposition plan.
  • Compile and organize treatment resources that are easily accessible to the Bridge Clinic care team members.
  • Provide flexible support and ongoing engagement to patients when goals of care shift or plans need to be altered
  • Understand financial services and self-pay resources and provide patients with information as needed
  • Adhere to federal and state policies and ensure appropriate releases are obtained to exchange and disclosure necessary patient information.Abide by HIPAA and 42-CFR guidelines.
  • Document each in person and phone communication related to patient coordination of care into theElectronic Medical Record
  • Assist with administrative duties and data entry, especially related to patient disposition plans.
  • Attend and participate in interdisciplinary and staff meetings as needed.
  • Perform other duties to support patient clinical care needs as directed
  Qualifications

  The position requires a high degree of flexibility, independence, and willingness to participate in multiple activities that provide support to both patients and caregivers. The position requires strong communication skills and the ability to converse comfortably with patients and their caregivers, as well as with clinical and administrative staff.

  • High school diploma required
  • At least 2-3 years of work experience in the mental health care field, especially with substance use disorders, preferred
  • Familiarity with addiction treatment, systems of care, and community resources or a willingness to learn
  • Excellent interpersonal, collaborative, customer service and advocacy skills
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Excellent organizational and time management skills; ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment
  • Excellent judgment and ability to work independently in a unique position
  • Flexibility and resourcefulness as well as strong assessment and problem-solving skills
  • Strong computer skills
  • Bilingual candidates strongly encouraged to apply