Engagement & Connection Specialist

Summary:

The Engagement & Connection Specialist is responsible for engaging individuals identified by hospitals, emergency personnel, families, law enforcement, and social service agencies. Includes working with those that have substance use disorder—particularly Opioid Use Disorder (OUD)—and linking them to appropriate treatment services, including Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), especially Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD), as part of 24/7 programming. Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, the Engagement & Connection Specialist ensures integration of medical and mental health care by collaborating with primary care providers, behavioral health teams, crisis responders, and community agencies. The role includes providing case management, education, care coordination, advocacy, and support through both in-home and community-based outreach, with flexible hours including evenings, weekends, and overnights to meet program and member needs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The position is responsible, but not exclusive, for the following:

• Coordinate the delivery of integrated care services to members by collaborating with clinical staff, community systems, and other stakeholders to address comprehensive treatment needs.
• Conduct outreach and engagement efforts in community settings including homeless camps, shelters, emergency departments, jails, detox centers, and other identified locations, with emphasis on high-risk populations such as pregnant individuals, IV drug users, and justice-involved persons.
• Perform initial screenings, assessments, urgent engagements, diagnostic evaluations, and annual updates in both community and crisis settings.
• Assist members with diversion or stabilization, pre-enrollment services, and linkage to Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT).
• Facilitate intake and enrollment in care by coordinating with internal staff and supporting members throughout the process.
• Facilitate care coordination with internal staff for members who are admitted and discharged for identified and allocated community systems and stakeholders.
• Provide transportation and accompaniment to medical, behavioral health, legal, and social services appointments as needed.
• Conduct integrated healthcare assessments and identify barriers to treatment or health access, making appropriate interventions or referrals.
• Support members in following through diagnostic tests, treatment recommendations, and medication adherence, offering education and navigation.
• Obtain and file relevant health records and provider notes in the electronic health record while ensuring documentation is complete and timely.
• Develop, implement, and revise integrated service plans and monitor progress on treatment goals and crisis plans.
• Provide consistent follow-up on referrals and maintain regular contact with treatment teams to track member progress and ensure continuity of care.
• Offer individualized education, advocacy, and support through home-based, office-based, and community-based services.
• Maintain accurate written records of outreach efforts, enrollment potential, and service delivery.
• Assure accurate billing is submitted for each interaction and/or activity supporting a member’s treatment goals.
• Perform crisis intervention, de-escalation, and reengagement outreach via various methods including phone, home, and jail visits.
• Attend required staff meetings, training, and participate in interdisciplinary case conferences.
• Support other departments in service engagement efforts and contribute to continuous program development.
• Coordination of 24/7 hour lines and support of after-hours responsibilities
• Perform additional duties in line with agency growth and evolving service needs

Skills & Requirements

Education:

• Masters or Bachelor’s degree in a healthcare field and no related experience OR;
• Masters or Bachelor’s degree in a non-healthcare related field and 3 months relevant related experience OR;
• Associates’ degree in a healthcare field and 6 months related experience OR;
• Associate’s degree in a non-healthcare field and 1-year related experience OR;
• Certified Medical Assistant and 1-year related experience OR;
• Certified Peer Support Specialist and 1-year years related experience OR;
• High School diploma or General Education Equivalent (GED and 2 years related experience.

Certifications:

• Commission Certified Care Manager (CCCM), a plus.
• Certified Family Support Partner, a plus.
• Certified Peer Support Specialist, a plus.

Additional Requirements:

• Valid Arizona Driver’s license, proof of current insurance and willingness to use personal vehicle. Driver’s license is an essential requirement for performing duties for this position.
• Clean Motor Vehicle Record - no more than 2 moving violations or a license suspension in past 3 years.

Skills:

• Bilingual a plus.
• Extensive knowledge of community resources.
• Extensive knowledge of behavioral health challenges which include knowledge of the impacts of mental illness, domestic violence, and the dynamics of addictive behavior.
• Familiarity with various ethnic and cultural groups.
• Intermediate to advanced computer skills using MS Office products, Word, Excel, Access, etc., importing/exporting data to/from applications.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing

Schedule Available

• Must be able to work 12-hour shifts, evening, nights & weekends

Pay Information:

• Minimum - $18.31 to $35.00 per hour
• Pay rate based on level of education, AZBBHE License and/or years of work experience relevant to this position.

"Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled"