Triage Navigator & Volunteer Coordinator at Alliance for Living Inc – New London, Connecticut

POSITION: Triage Navigator & Volunteer Coordinator

PURPOSE: The primary responsibility of this position is to be the first point of contact for community members who arrive at Alliance For Living (AFL), triaging their needs, and providing appropriate direction and connection to care across all programs. This role will also be responsible for coordinating AFL volunteers.

CLASSIFICATION: Non-exempt, at-will position. Full-time, benefits eligible.

POSITION REPORTS TO: CEO

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES: (Examples – not an all-inclusive listing)

Triage Navigator

• Operates and actively participate within the Harm Reduction model.
• Engages in conversations with community members concerning their individual needs including their mental health, substance use, physical health, and housing.
• Facilitates timely connection to appropriate staff, community providers, and/or local support services. This can include referrals to AFL program staff, primary care, and medication assisted treatment.
• Maintains records of engagements and referrals for data collection.
• Works in collaboration with AFL staff to ensure access to programs, including coordinating appointment scheduling for services (Example: Updates, Haircuts, Testing, etc.)
• Works in collaboration with clinical staff to ensure access to care and treatment, including coordinating appointment scheduling with CHC for clinic hours.
• Connects participants to the larger community of care.
• Participates in ongoing training and education.
• Provides overdose response education including the use of Naloxone.
• Assists in the Syringe Services Program (SSP), as needed.
• Maintains records of engagements.
• Other duties as assigned.

Volunteer Coordinator

• Coordiantes with the COO for volunteer scheduling and tasks to be completed.
• Serves as point-of-contact for volunteers during their scheduled hours, available to answer questions that arise.
• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Extensive knowledge and practice of Harm Reduction and the ability to connect with the people who we serve.
• Extensive knowledge of local support services and resources.
• Ability to be outside and mobile to conduct outreach and participate in community events.
• Experience with mental health diagnoses, treatment and support.
• Understanding of substance use and substance use disorder, medication, and support.
• Ability to work with minimum supervision and engage in critical problem-solving methods. Escalate issues and suggestions for resolution to the Director for consideration.
• Ability to develop trust and rapport with participants, project staff, and community partners.
• Demonstrated skill in active listening and conflict management.
• Understanding and ability to maintain appropriate boundaries.
• Cross-cultural skills and experience with diverse populations.
• Strong communication and time management skills, including multi-tasking in a high-volume environment.
• Basic computer proficiency (MS Office).
• Desire to engage in continuous learning to expand skill sets.
• Ability to honor confidentiality requirements during both employment and post-employment periods.
• Valid driver’s license and vehicle insurance is required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk.
• Occasional bending, stooping, kneeling and/or crouching, as needed.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Those with lived experience with substance use disorder, mental health diagnoses, incarceration, and knowledge of current drug supply are encouraged to apply as well as individuals with diverse cultures, backgrounds, life experiences, and identities, to effectively manage both diverse programs and client base.

Revised: 3/25/2026