Aftercare Recovery Specialist (Human Services Coordinator I)

The Recovery from Addictions Program (RAP) operated by the Department of Mental Health (DMH) is seeking a dynamic individual to participate in individual/team meetings and providing advocacy for clients while discharge plans are being developed and arranged.

Please Note: The selected candidate will cover the Central Area Region will meet with clients on the unit and in the community on a regular basis with some travel to and from the RAP program in Taunton, required minimally at least 2 per month. The primary work location will be at 49 Nursery Lane Fitchburg, MA 01420. Selected candidate must attend orientation during first shift the first three weeks, Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm in Taunton. 

Work Schedule: 40 hours per week. The selected candidate will work from 8:30am to 5:00pm on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday and from 10:00am to 6:30pm on Thursday. The days off for this position are Sunday and Saturday, with alternating days off every 10th weekend.

Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):

• Collaborates with the clinical and medical staff to establish client’s aftercare needs and provides follow-up on services; participates in team and discharge meetings.
• Creates service/support plans and goals for rehabilitation, stabilization, and delivery of services; supports clients through completion of services.
• Meets with clients on the unit and in the community on a regular basis to continue to provide support for community living needs, medical, psychiatric and rehabilitation services and other support services.
• Partners with clinical and medical staff to assess/determine the clinical and rehabilitative services needed by clients; refers to and arrange needed services and provides direct services on an interim basis.
• Schedules and coordinates meetings to assist with preparing service/support plans and crisis prevention plans. 
• Monitors clients’, guardian’s, and family’s response to services; determines the effectiveness of services, arranges for and coordinates crisis intervention for individuals receiving services.
• Provides clients with professional comprehensive interdisciplinary social services, including casework and service placements, and provides consultation to other community, public, or private agencies.
• Recommends and refers to services relating to substance treatment services, benefits, housing, education, and employment.
• Conveys information and explains options to clients with varying expectations, needs, cultures, and languages and assists them in determining their best methods or actions.
• Participates in staff meetings, case conferences, educational conferences, and mandatory trainings to enhance professional and personal growth.
• Accompanies clients to appointments, court appearances, programs, and medical appointments; and assist as needed.

Required Qualifications:

• Ability to facilitate groups.
• Demonstrated understanding of boundaries and ethics
• Skilled in the ability to follow oral and written instructions/directions.
• Talent for establishing and maintaining harmonious working relationships and deal tactfully with others.

Program Requirements:

• Minimum of one (1) year experience working with clients with primary substance use disorders; knowledge of substance use and treatment systems.
• Lived experience.
• Travel is required for this function: Incumbents who elect to use a motor vehicle for travel must have a current and valid motor vehicle driver's license at a class level specific to assignment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ability to demonstrate a positive, non-judgmental, and accepting attitude toward individuals with substance use disorder.
• Self-motivated with strong organizational skills and superior attention to detail.
• Given the population served, bilingual or multilingual fluency.

About the Recovery from Addictions Program (RAP):
The Department of Mental Health (DMH) in collaboration with the Department of Public Health (DPH) Bureau of Substance Addiction Services operates a statewide Recovery from Addictions Program (RAP) for individuals civilly committed by the courts for substance use treatment for up to 90 days (“Section 35 commitment”).

The program model will provide acute detoxification and early clinical stabilization services as we help clients develop community-based linkages to outpatient supports and substance use disorder treatment providers. The individuals treated within this program will be linked upon discharge to a range of services within the DPH continuum of care for substance use conditions. RAP provides administrative, medical, clinical, and non-clinical services. Its mission to provide quality client-centered care and recovery-oriented treatment.

DMH Vision and Mission:
The Department of Mental Health, as the State Mental Health Authority, assures and provides access to services and supports to meet the mental health needs of individuals of all ages, enabling them to live, work and participate in their communities. The Department establishes standards to ensure effective and culturally competent care to promote recovery. The Department sets policy, promotes self-determination, protects human rights, and supports mental health training and research. This critical mission is accomplished by working in partnership with other state agencies, individuals, families, providers, and communities.

Learn more: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-department-of-mental-health

Pre-Hire Process:
A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori and click on "Information for Job Applicants."

Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines.

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website.

ADA Reasonable Accommodation:

If you require a reasonable accommodation with the application/interview process, please contact us at: EOHHS Candidate ADA Requests

For questions, please contact the Office of Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 and select option #4.