Deflection Specialist – NW IL Deflection Initiative

At TASC (Treatment Alternatives for Stronger Communities), our mission is to empower people and strengthen communities with impactful services. Since 1976, we have been guided by the belief that every individual holds the potential for positive change. We advocate, support, and most importantly, empower people to break barriers, find recovery, and reshape their destinies. Through Specialized Case Management™, we create a world where recovery, justice, and empathy lead to thriving communities. Our foundation is anchored at the intersection of behavioral health and the criminal legal system. Today, TASC also operates at the forefront of transformative solutions. We are a social impact organization that embodies a future where health, safety and justice is synonymous with hope. We are TASC!

We are currently looking for a full-time Deflection Specialist for our NW IL Deflection Initiative serving Winnebago, Boone, Stephenson, Jo Daviess, and Carroll Counties

Starting at $44,676 – $47,000 contingent upon experience, education, etc.

SUMMARY
This position will be responsible for connecting with clients within targeted geographic communities to provide outreach, education, and training on specific subject matter, including substance abuse disorders, community resources, pre-arrest diversion, health insurance, and other relevant topics. This position will serve as the public face of TASC in the designated areas and be responsible for providing direct client services, maintaining community partner relations, and delivering training.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Assist individuals in achieving service plan goals through direct services and coordination of behavioral health, public agencies, and community resources.

Develop positive, supportive relationships with individuals referred to program and assist them in planning and achieving service goals through direct services and coordination and linkage to behavior health, public agencies, and community resources.
Provide assertive and continuous outreach activities to enroll participants in the program
Make client referrals and provide warm handoffs to all essential needed direct services, including substance use disorder and mental health treatment, and recovery support services such as housing, etc.
Provide outreach and community intervention services to individuals with an opioid or substance use disorder.
Follow established program guidelines and SOPs in working with participants.
Develop effective collaborative working relationships with appropriate project staff, community partners, providers, police departments and other community stakeholders.
Identify, and increase knowledge base of, local treatment and service providers within program service area
Attend community events representing the program and TASC.
Provide education and awareness on deflection and local initiative with community partners, law enforcement, and other community stakeholders
Provide presentations and training related to the deflection program and referral process, targeted goals and objectives, and other subject matter including naloxone administration & distribution.
Conduct enrollment assistance for Medicaid with individuals who are without insurance when needed.
Our Ideal candidate:

High School Diploma or equivalent
CRSS, CPRS, or CADC credential preferred and may be required within two years of employment with TASC based on contractual requirements.
One or more years of outreach work related to direct client services.
Experience and comfort with providing community presentations and trainings on program related subject matter
Knowledge of local treatment & service providers would be beneficial
Knowledge of human behavior for the assessment and signs and symptoms of substance abuse disorders. Specific knowledge necessary for working with special populations.
Highly organized with the ability to multi task and possess great follow up skills
Good communication, organizational and time management skills
Strong relationship building skills and the ability to work with a diverse population
Ability to work independently.
Lived experience valued in role.
Our benefits package includes:

Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance and Flexible Spending
Paid Leave – Short-term Disability (STD)
Paid Time Off/Sick Time/ Floating Holiday
Tuition Reimbursement
The agency currently offers hybrid work schedules that combine in-office and remote work. Employees are required to report to the work site three days per week, with the option to work from home to two days remotely after 60 days of employment contingent upon job duties.

If you are interested in this position, please visit the TASC website at www.tasc.org and submit
your application online.

TASC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug-Free workplace. The agency does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age disability, veteran or military status, or any other protected status in accordance with federal and state law.