Deflection Specialist at Tasc, Inc in Chicago, Illinois

Job Description:

At TASC (Treatment Alternatives for Safe Communities) our mission is to build a healthier, safer, more just society. 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 the use of 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!

Division Overview: The Deflection Division works collaboratively with law enforcement, and other community stakeholders, throughout Illinois to promote recovery from drug use, reduce drug overdoses, and interrupt the cycle of drugs and crime by

deflecting individuals experiencing substance use and/or mental health disorders away from arrest and incarceration and into community-based support systems.

We are currently looking for full-time – Deflection Specialist

Starting at $41,600 – contingent upon experience, education, etc.

Summary: This position will be responsible for connecting with clients within targeted geographic communities in Cook County

and a forthcoming Chicagoland Youth Deflection Initiative to provide services to participants deflected by law enforcement as well as outreach, education and training on targeted subject matter; including substance abuse disorders, community resources, pre-arrest deflection, health insurance, etc. This position will serve as a public face of TASC in the designated areas and be responsible for direct client services and community partners relations and training.

Essential Duties:

• Provide assertive and continuous outreach activities related to direct services for participants, including active outreach with law enforcement in suburban Cook County communities
• Make referrals to all essential needed direct services: Substance abuse disorder treatment, recovery support services, housing, etc.
• Attend community events and conferences to provide education and awareness on law enforcement diversion and outreach to individuals with an opioid or substance use disorder.
• Conduct enrollment assistance for Medicaid with individuals who are without insurance when needed.
• Responsible for follow-up activities related to obtaining required for all participant needs.
• Develop effective working relationships with appropriate project staff and community partners, providers, police departments etc.
• Attend community events representing the program and TASC.
• Provide training on an ongoing basis related to the programs targeted goals and objectives and subject matter including naloxone administration & distribution.
• Work with participants with substance use disorder and assess their needs

Our Ideal candidate:

• Bachelor's degree preferred in human services, social work, or psychology from an accredited college/university or related field
• Knowledge of human behavior for the assessment and signs and symptoms of substance abuse disorders. Specific knowledge is necessary for working with special populations.
• CADC preferred at time of hire
• One or more years of outreach work related to direct client services.
• One or more years of experience with providing training and/or presenting at local or national conferences preferred.
• Knowledge of treatment and services providers in geographic area would be beneficial
• High organized with the ability to multitask possess great follow-up skills
• Ability to work independently
• Must be able to work well under pressure in a very fast-paced environment
• Good computers skills which include proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and the Internet
• Good communication, organizational, and time management skills
• Ability to work with a diverse population

Our benefits package includes:

• Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance and Flexible Spending
• Paid Leave - STD/LTD
• Paid Time Off/Sick Time/ Floating Holiday
• Tuition Reimbursement
• 403 B (retirement plan)

The agency currently offers hybrid work schedules that combines in-office and remote work. Employees are required to report to the work site three days per week with the option to work up to two days remotely.

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

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

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