MAT Navigator

The Harm Reduction Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) Resource Navigation Peer works to facilitate access for harm reduction clients to medication-assisted treatment, primary medical care, and other services reducing harm surrounding substance use. This person is responsible for conducting outreach as well as onsite services, providing supportive counseling to participants, and following up with clients to support their treatment progression and adherence.

The MAT Resource Navigation Peer should understand the social determinants of health and how they impact our clients, The MAT Resource Navigation Peer must be able to work independently and show excellent judgment related to client issues and needs, while also working in conjunction with the Harm Reduction Program Team to advance recruitment of new clients and support client retention and treatment adherence. The job involves direct client contact with diverse, high-risk individuals, many of whom are active substance users, and involves substantial community outreach. Regular and predictable attendance is required.

Responsibilities and Duties:

• Provide linkage to medication-assisted treatment (MAT) accessed via telehealth and in-person modalities.
• Build rapport, provide supportive counseling, and discuss/address barriers preventing client linkages to MAT and primary medical care.
• Provide follow-up with clients to assist with MAT adherence.
• Empower and educate clients to make informed decisions regarding their utilization of relevant services.
• Provide support such as escorting clients to appointments and accessing linkages to other relevant services.
• Conduct case-finding outings such as home visits, shelter visits, cell phone check-ins, etc.
• Serve as a contact person for linkage to care MAT referrals. Provide referrals to clients as needed and maintain referral information.
• Maintain a relationship with all clients after linkage to care through periodic follow-up defined by client needs. Provide follow-up for clients not returning to receive services.
• Conduct street outreach in settings where clients gather. Participate in mobile outreach services to shelter-in-place (SIP) hotels and other community spaces where unhoused clients reside and gather.
• Document and maintain client records for services provided in accordance with all state and federal privacy laws. Submit monthly activity reports and data.
• Adhere to professional boundaries and standards. Understands and follows basic ethics, values, and principles of case management regulatory practices. Adhere to all laws and requirements regarding HIPAA, confidentiality, child protective services, contractual agreements, etc.
• Assist with maintaining the Program's databases. Assist with preparing outreach materials.
• Assist with coordinating Special Events to promote MAT, linkages to care, health and wellness, prevention education, etc.
• Provide group education and organizational presentations about public health practices appropriate for harm reduction clients.
• Assist with other Harm Reduction Program activities, including syringe access services (SAS) and other provisions of safe using supplies.

Education and Experience Requirements:

• 1-2 years of work or volunteer experience providing harm reduction services, including MAT linkage and navigation, to similar populations or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Familiarity with the social determinants of health and how they impact people experiencing homelessness and other marginalized populations.
• Experience with working in "street-based" outreach situations.
• Experience working with drug users and providing harm reduction interventions.
• Experience working with homeless populations in a culturally appropriate way.
• Experience working with people who are diverse in sexual identity and orientation, ethnicity, race, living with HCV/HIV, and other perceived differences.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

• CA Rapid HIV/HCV Testing and/or Harm Reduction certification preferred.
• Must have a valid CA driver's license and clean driving record to drive agency fleet vehicles as needed.

$24.20 - $27.98 an hour

GLIDE is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to identifying and developing the skills and leadership of people from diverse backgrounds. People of color, differently abled people and LGBT persons are strongly encouraged to apply.