Navigator at Alliance for Living Inc – New London, Connecticut

POSITION: Navigator

PURPOSE: The primary responsibility of this position is to provide outreach, education, and connections to care for individuals experiencing mental health and substance use. This is a grant-funded program and position, subject to periodic renewal.

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

POSITION REPORTS TO: Director of Navigators for New London County CARES

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

· Operates within the Harm Reduction model.

· Conducts community outreach about mental health, substance use disorder, and treatment options. This can involve locations like encampments, shelters, food kitchens, and other public spaces.

· Engages in conversations with people concerning their mental health and substance use.

· Explores treatment options with participants based on their desired goals.

· Facilitates timely referrals and placements with treatment and support providers. This can include referrals to primary care, medication assisted treatment, and wound care.

· Connects participants to the larger community of care.

· Educates and assists community members regarding mental health, trauma, and substance use disorder.

· Participates in ongoing training and education.

· Maintains records of engagements.

· 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. Must have own vehicle to conduct outreach in the Southeastern CT area.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

· Prolonged periods sitting/driving in vehicle for outreach

· Occasional sitting at a desk and working on a computer at the main office.

· Occasional bending, stooping, kneeling and/or crouching for outreach efforts.

· Prolonged periods outside with exposure to weather when conducting outreach.

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: 2/5/2026