Drug Counselor / Navigator - Middlesex Sheriff’s Office

The Middlesex Sheriff’s Office (MSO) is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Drug Counselor / Navigator (Navigator).  The Navigator will be responsible for providing assistance, case management, and re-entry services to inmates and detainees while also involving families through educational programs and trainings regarding the MSO Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) program.  The Navigator will be an integrated member of the treatment and program services team that facilitates the Medication Assisted Treatment and Directed Opioid Recovery (MATADOR) program.  Through an enhancement of the MATADOR program, the Navigator will provide families with naloxone to involve them in their family member’s treatment.  This position is an exempt, at-will position and is under the direct supervision of the Assistant Superintendent of Program Services and the MATADOR Program Director.

Additional responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Identifying, enrolling and providing oversight of participants in the MSO MATADOR program.  Specifically:

• Obtaining signed consent forms and emergency contact information for participants;
• Scheduling community provider appointments;
• Providing medication education to current and former inmates;
• Coordinating with aftercare services regarding recovery and housing;
• Assisting with MassHealth enrollment and ensuring insurance coverage is transmitted to community provider;
• Monitoring of former inmates in the community and contacting former inmates to ensure their success in the program;
• Coordinating with MSO research staff to collect data and file reports in accordance with program needs;
• Corresponding with multiple drug courts

• Engaging families of incarcerated individuals through outreach and education and provide information, assistance, referrals and support to family members in the following activities:

• Developing and implementing naloxone trainings and naloxone distribution for family members of inmates with opioid use disorder (OUD);
• Providing a comprehensive family services program for inmates with substance use disorders (SUD), including outreach to engage families in the project, educational programs for families on substance use disorder, family counseling and support groups, and;
• Evaluating the project’s impact in improving treatment outcomes and reducing the risk of overdose deaths;

• Other work duties as assigned by the Assistant Superintendent of Program Services, the MATADOR Program Director or their designee. 

The individual selected for the position of Navigator must have the ability to exercise good judgment and focus on detail as required by the job.  The individual selected shall also be cognizant of the confidential and sensitive nature of working in a law enforcement agency and must comply with all institutional rules regarding safety and security.

Working Conditions: 

The applicant will be required to interact with people who are under physical and/or emotional stress; may encounter verbal and physical abuse from offenders while working in a correctional facility; stand and walk for prolonged periods of time; lift and carry heavy objects; restrain inmates/detainees in accordance with policy; work under exposure to adverse weather conditions. 

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred;
• Five (5) years of documented experience working with inmates or detainees and three (3) years of documented experience working in social services, case management, and substance abuse services;
• Experience and ability to assist inmates and detainees who have mental health issues;
• Strong knowledge/access to services/benefits available to incarcerated individuals from community-based organizations, as well as state and federal agencies;
• Ability to work independently, as well as, and with other internal departments in a fast-paced environment and execute close attention to detail;

• Strong written, communication, organizational and time-management skills;
• Able to complete multiple projects in a timely and accurate manner;
• Maintain comprehensive and cohesive records;
• Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access preferred.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.  Must have an active valid driver’s license and the right to legally operate a motor vehicle in Massachusetts and pass a criminal background check.

Salary:  Annual base salary is $54,232.88 plus additional benefits. Interested candidates can review this job posting at www.middlesexsheriff.org and may submit a cover letter and resume via email to HR@sdm.state.ma.us.

The Middlesex Sheriff’s Office is an equal opportunity employer