Job Title: Linkage Specialist
Location: Syracuse, Utica, Watertown
Salary: $24.00 – $26.00/hourly
Classification: Non-Exempt, full-time, thirty-five-hour (35.0) week; occasional evenings and weekends required for meetings, workshops, conferences, and seminars.
Position Summary: The Engagement & Linkage Specialist will provide low-threshold case management and support services to individuals engaged through the mobile unit. This role involves conducting intakes, assessments, care planning, risk evaluations, and delivering education. The specialist will facilitate linkage to medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), hepatitis C treatment, primary care, and other community-based services. Additional responsibilities include assisting clients with obtaining benefits, entitlements, and identification documents, as well as tracking and entering client data. The position requires traveling on the mobile unit 3–4 days per week to engage eligible individuals and ensure continuity of care.
Apply: recruitment@acrhealth.org
Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience:
- A minimum of one year experience in a social service or healthcare environment delivering direct services to individuals who use drugs and other diverse populations, including but not limited to people of color, LGBTQI+ individuals, those facing behavioral health challenges, and those experiencing homelessness.
Skills and Competencies:
- Excellent communication and documentation skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Suite applications such as Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams, SharePoint, and PowerPoint.
- Strong commitment to harm reduction principles, health equity, and strict adherence to HIPAA and confidentiality standards.
- Awareness and sensitivity to HIV/AIDS, chronic illnesses, substance use, overdose, and LGBTQ-related concerns.
- Strong dedication to harm reduction principles and health equity with ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams, community partners, and referral agencies.
- Outstanding attention to detail and proficient data entry capabilities.
- Preferred candidates will have lived experience related to substance use, justice system involvement, and/or overdose.
- Proven ability to deliver stigma-free, non-judgmental, culturally competent services.
- Ability to work Tuesday to Saturday schedule including evenings, weekends, and non-traditional business hours as required.
Other Requirements:
- Valid New York State driver’s license and reliable access to a vehicle with current insurance for work-related travel, training, outreach, and occasional client transport. Personal vehicle ownership is not required but consistent access is necessary
- The position requires traveling on the mobile unit 3–4 days per week to engage eligible individuals and ensure continuity of care.
Primary Responsibilities
- Incorporate best practices regarding confidentiality into all job duties and communications consistent with Article 27-F, 42 CFR, HIPAA and ACR Health’s policies and procedures as well as other applicable regulations.
- Maintain accurate client and service records in accordance with agency policies and procedures.
- Complete monthly, quarterly, and/or annual reports accurately within agency and departmental guidelines.
- Participate in outreach services with providers in the community.
- Assist with general Harm Reduction Department work, including special projects and agency program initiatives.
- Participate in training and professional development for a minimum of 24 hours annually.
- Function as a culturally competent member of the Harm Reduction Services Department and agency, effectively engaging with clients within the context of their cultural beliefs and community needs.
- Maintain confidentiality of agency clients and organizational components.
- Maintain all agency and program property/equipment in good condition and cooperate with IT for routine security maintenance.
- Perform daily vehicle safety checks and assure sufficient fuel (if applicable).
- Work cooperatively and collegially with organizational personnel, conducting oneself professionally as an agency representative.
- Perform other duties as assigned by relevant management staff.
Benefits
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
- Generous paid time off and holiday pay.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
- 403(b) retirement savings plan with agency contributions.