Overview
Overdose Prevention Navigator Jobs in West Haven at Naugatuck Valley Health District
The nationally accredited Naugatuck Valley Health District is seeking a full-time Overdose Prevention Navigator to join its Overdose Data to Action (OD2A) team. This role embodies a vital mission: linking individuals facing substance use challenges that live in Milford, Orange, and West Haven with essential support services. Through compassionate outreach and expert guidance, you will connect individuals to a range of services, including medical care, substance use treatment programs, housing assistance, and more. Those with lived experience in recovery from substance use and/or with familial substance use are encouraged to apply.
REPORTS TO
Work is performed under the supervision of the Director of Health of the Naugatuck Valley Health District. The Naugatuck Valley Health District has received approval from the Milford, Orange and West Haven Health Departments to provide this service as a regional collaborative initiative. On-site supervisors will depend on the rotating local health department office location.
SUPERVISES
This position has no direct reports.
PRIMARY FUNCTION AND COMPENSATION
This is a full-time (35-hours per week), grant-funded position that is responsible for linking people who use drugs to support services. This position will be housed in a rotating schedule between West Haven, Milford, and NVHD’s Seymour office. Business hours will depend on the office location. This position occasionally requires work to be performed in the evenings and on weekends; compensatory time will be provided. Continued employment and wage increases are limited to the confines of the grant contract.
This position is eligible for the benefits of a full-time employee consistent with the Personnel Policies of the Naugatuck Valley Health District.
- Full-time employees receive Health, Dental, Life, and Short-Term Disability Insurance.
- NVHD is a participant of Connecticut Paid Leave. Employees contribute 0.5% of each paycheck.
- Holiday time will be effective as of your start date.
- Sick days begin accrual (8.75 hours per month added during the third pay period) with employment and earned sick days may be taken as needed.
- Vacation time begins accrual with employment but is not effective until after the six-month probationary period. Your vacation will accumulate 2 weeks (70 hours) per fiscal year
- Required to participate in the Municipal Employee Retirement Fund (MERF) with a percentage of your weekly salary being withheld through payroll. The fiscal year 2025-2026 rate for employees is 5.25%. The employer rate for fiscal year 2025-2026 is 16.71%.
- Participation in the VOYA 457-retirement plan offered by the Health District is optional.
- Mileage is reimbursed monthly at the rate set annually by the IRS.
- District issued cell phone and laptop.
- Training and tuition assistance for continuing education is provided.
TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Navigators are to be trusted staff who build relationships with people who use drugs (PWUD) and help them connect with care and services. Navigators must conduct outreach in areas and communities with high concentrations of people who use drugs, and link patients to treatment and other care options through warm handoffs. Navigators must conduct intake assessments to help them guide patients to appropriate services and distribute resource cards.
- Conducts minimum of five per month community outreach activities to people who use drugs to link individuals to support services. Helps clients access medical and non-medical resources, including medical care, substance use treatment programs, housing programs, food services, etc.
- Develops relationships with local health and social service providers, makes referrals, and maintains contact lists.
- Provides case management services (linkage to substance use disorder (SUD) care and referral to HIV/HCV testing, transportation assistance, appointment reminders, check-in visits, connection to other social services) and re-engagement in care activities.
- Distributes fentanyl test strips, naloxone, and other harm reduction supplies, to people who use drugs and during outreach, at community-based organizations, schools, clubs, music venues, places of worship, clinics/doctor’s offices, pharmacies.
- Reviews and analyzes health data to identify individuals who have experienced an opioid overdose. All data must be treated confidentially, and must follow all applicable rules and regulations of HIPAA.
- Conducts trainings on overdose prevention, stigma, and naloxone administration for community members, organizations/businesses (e.g., local substance use treatment providers, social services agencies, emergency departments, schools, and faith-based organizations), and public safety agencies.
- Coordinates with partner agencies to conduct outreach to their clients.
- Distributes resource cards to organizations, to first responders, and emergency departments for them to hand out.
- Establish a regular schedule at organizations such as at health clinics/FQHCs, libraries and other community locations so that the staff and clients of those organizations understand when a Navigator will be available for connections with clients.
- Trains medical providers and pharmacists on best practices related to pain opioid prescribing by completing at least two Academic Detailing on Opioids Safety site visits (or attempt to schedule series by contacting at least ten providers/pharmacists).
- Conducts a minimum of one training for public safety officers (fire, police, and EMS) in relevant topics such as mental health first aid, QPR, overdose response, stigma reduction, or other identified training needs (or attempt to schedule trainings by contacting at least three entities)
- Supports the development of communications materials and social media posts to educate the public.
- Collects data and produces relevant reports. Recording and entering data on all client interactions and referrals into designated tracking platform within one business day.
- Participates in meetings, coalitions, and workgroups as assigned.
- Handles inventory of outreach project materials, equipment, and supplies.
- Maintains confidentiality and complies with HIPAA regulations.
- Works with the OD2A evaluation team to collect and provide data throughout the program in designated areas
- Performs other related duties, as needed.
NOTE: The above description covers the principal duties and responsibilities of the job and shall not be construed as a complete listing of all duties or as a contract.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Possession of an Associate’s Degree in Public Health, Social Work, or related field required; a Bachelor’s or Masters Degree in Public Health, Social Work, or related field preferred.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum 2 years of experience working with individuals who have a substance use disorder, mental health challenges, or experiencing homelessness and the necessary knowledge, abilities, and skills listed below.
Bilingual English/Spanish strongly preferred. We encourage applicants with lived experience in recovery from substance use and/or with familial substance use to apply.
NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
- Flexibility of schedule (position will include evenings/weekends/early morning hours) and rotating office locations.
- Possession of, and ability to maintain, a valid State of Connecticut driver’s license with access to a motor vehicle and current motor vehicle insurance coverage is required.
- Frequent in-state travel required.
KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES
1. Ability to communicate effectively in a professional manner, both verbally and in writing. Bilingual (English/Spanish) strongly preferred.
2. Ability to work cooperatively and establish effective working relationships with other staff members, community organizations, and the public.
3. Self-motivated, organized; able to work independently and as part of a team.
4. Strong time management skills including organization, prioritization, and multitasking.
5. Ability to interact in a non-judgmental manner with culturally diverse populations and persons experiencing a wide range of social conditions.
6. Ability to use discretion, maintain confidentiality, and maintain ethical standards.
7. Ability to develop concise records and prepare reports.
8. Proficiency in the use of computers including data entry, database management, Word, Excel, and similar programs.
9. Knowledge of the principles, practices, and regulations applied in public health as well as current developments in the fields of community health and overdose prevention.
10. Common knowledge of the cause, transmission, and prevention of vaccine preventable diseases.
This position is aligned with current Core Competencies for Public Health Professionals published by The Council on Linkages between Academia and Public Health Practice:
Communication Skills
· Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
· Ability to prepare accurate and concise reports.
· Ability to communicate in a respectful manner both written and orally, in person, and through electronic means, with linguistic and cultural proficiency.
Leadership and Systems Thinking Skills
· Advocates for individual, team, and organizational learning opportunities within the organization.
· Contributes to the development of a vision for a healthy community.
Policy Development/Program Planning Skills
· Implements plans and programs consistent with policies.
· Implements strategies for continuous quality improvement.
· Collaborates in and contributes to individual, team, and Departmental performance management, quality improvement and evaluation activities.
Cultural Competency Skills
· Ability to work with diverse people and cultures within the community.
· Interacts with clients, community partners, and coworkers with fairness and equity and delivers services free of bias or prejudice.
· Ensures the health and safety of the community and treats diverse customers with thoughtful listening and respect.
Community Dimensions of Practice Skills
· Ability to develop cooperative relationships with state and local partners, businesses, and the public.
TO APPLY:
Submit a cover letter and resume to Director Jessica Kristy, Naugatuck Valley Health District, 98 Bank Street, Seymour, CT 06483 or email as an attachment to [email protected]. The position will remain open until a suitable candidate is identified.
EOE/AA
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $30.22 – $32.92 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Title: Overdose Prevention Navigator
Company: Naugatuck Valley Health District
Location: West Haven
