Recovery Outreach Specialist

Description

SUMMARY: The Recovery Outreach Specialist is responsible for supporting AxessPointe's MAT and SUD programing. This role primarily focuses on outreach and engagement with community stakeholders, including judges, courts, detox centers, law enforcement, and other organizations within the substance use disorder (SUD) treatment network.

The Recovery Outreach Specialist will build relationships with community partners to improve access to treatment, enhance care coordination, and reduce stigma surrounding SUDs. The role involves advocacy, education, and resource navigation to support individuals in or seeking recovery.

Supervisor: Clinical Supervisor or Clinical Director

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Establish and maintain partnerships with courts, probation offices, detox centers, treatment providers, and other community agencies to facilitate access to recovery resources.
• Serve as a liaison between the healthcare system and the criminal justice system to improve care transitions for individuals with SUD.
• Conduct outreach and education to increase awareness of recovery resources and harm reduction strategies among community stakeholders .
• Advocate for individuals navigating legal and healthcare systems, helping them access MAT, detox programs, housing, employment, and other recovery supports.
• Promote recovery-oriented best practices and reduce stigma by educating community partners about SUD treatment and harm reduction.
• Assist individuals involved in the criminal justice system by connecting them with appropriate treatment options and advocating for recovery-focused interventions.
• Participate in community events, coalitions, and workgroups focused on substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery.
• Maintain accurate records of outreach efforts, client interactions, and program impact.
• Collaborate with AxessPointe's behavioral, medical, and dental teams to enhance recovery­ oriented care and support whole-person health.
• Ensure compliance with HIPAA, Ohio Department of Mental Health regulations, and agency policies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Required to have the following skills: clinical interview methods; individual, family, and group counseling methods.
• Knowledge and techniques for facilitating personality/behavior change.
• Capacity for collecting, organizing, and reporting data in order to reach valid clinical conclusions.
• Ability to develop and implement treatment plans.
• Skills in crisis intervention and emergency services.
• Specialized knowledge of the mental health field.
• Knowledge in the implementation of current applicable diagnostic standards.
• The ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• The ability to establish and maintain clinically effective relationships with clients and their significant others.
• The ability to function as part of an organization by working with others and by adhering to established policies and procedures.
• This position requires training in First Aid, CPR and De-escalation techniques.
• The ability to function in a host setting and the ability to work comfortably and effectively in the client's natural environment.
• Must have valid Ohio Driver's License, reliable transportation and meet agency requirements for driving insurability.
• Must be able to meet agency requirements for criminal back ground check (Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation).

MINIMUM EDUCATIONAL/LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS:

• Certified or Licensed to provide Chemical Dependency Support, Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor preferred.
• Strong understanding of the range of services available for individuals with SUD.
• Experience in outreach, advocacy, or community engagement, particularly within the criminal justice or public health sectors.
• Ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders, including law enforcement, healthcare providers, and community organizations.
• Skills in crisis intervention, de-escalation, and client advocacy.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Valid Ohio driver's license and motor vehicle liability insurance.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Five years of experience in community outreach, behavioral health or criminal justice settings - Preferred

COMPLIANCE: 

This position requires compliance with API's written standards, including its Compliance Program and Standards of Conduct and policies and procedures. Such compliance will be an element considered as part of the regular performance evaluation.

Failure to comply with API's Written Standards, which may include the failure to report any conduct or event that potentially violates legal or compliance requirements or API's Written Standards or, for managers and supervisors, fails to detect non-compliant conduct where reasonable efforts would have resulted in detection, will be met by the enforcement of disciplinary action, up to and including possible termination, in accordance with API's Compliance Program Policy and Procedure: Addressing Instances of Non-Compliance through Appropriate Disciplinary Actions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, and use hands to finger handle or feel; to talk; or hear. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally stand, walk, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must be able to frequently lift up to 25 pounds. The employee may occasionally be required to lift 25 to 50 pounds; however, this is not essential; duties may be shifted to accommodate lifting restrictions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to use close vision (clear vision at 20 inches or less). The employee will occasionally be working near moving mechanical parts, be exposed to outdoor weather conditions and exposed to a risk of electrical shock while running the copier, printer, other standard equipment and answering the telephone. The noise level in the work environment is low to moderate. Stress level can be high at times.

Note: This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities or qualifications associated with the job.