MOUD Care Navigator

Full Job Description

The MOUD Care Navigator is a vital member of the correctional health team, responsible for helping incarcerated individuals access and continue their Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) treatment.

This role focuses on ensuring seamless continuity of care, from intake through to discharge. As the primary point of contact, you'll provide patients with education, support, and advocacy.

Ultimately, your work will help to reduce recidivism, prevent post-release overdose deaths, and improve health outcomes by connecting individuals to MOUD and other essential services both within the facility and in the community.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Patient Intake & Assessment: Identify and screen incarcerated individuals for Opioid Use Disorder (OUD). Assist with initial assessments to determine eligibility and readiness for MOUD treatment.

• Treatment Coordination: Schedule and facilitate appointments with medical providers, including doctors and nurses.

• Patient Education & Counseling: Provide comprehensive, trauma-informed education to patients about OUD, the benefits of MOUD (including buprenorphine and naltrexone), and the importance of continued treatment. Offer group education courses.

• Resource Navigation: Connect patients with appropriate internal resources, such as behavioral health services, group therapy, and peer support programs.

• Release Planning & Community Linkage: Assist in developing individualized transition plans for each patient's release. This includes arranging appointments with community-based MOUD providers and social support networks.

• Documentation & Data Management: Maintain accurate and confidential patient records, documenting all interactions, treatment plans, and referrals in the electronic health record (EHR) system.

• Interdepartmental Collaboration: Work closely with a multidisciplinary team including medical staff, mental health professionals, custody officers, and social workers to ensure a holistic approach to patient care.

• Advocacy: Serve as an advocate for patients, helping them navigate the correctional system and access necessary care and support. Address and resolve any barriers to treatment.

Why work for the Utah Department of Health and Human Services? Check out the rich benefits the State of Utah offers.

For more information on the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, please click here or for Correctional Health Services, please click here.

If offered this position, your employment will be contingent upon passing a background check and drug testing. There will be no cost to you for these checks.

This check will include fingerprinting, which will be available at various DHHS locations for your convenience and drug testing at a facility close to your location.

Fingerprinting will be completed prior to your first day of employment.

Qualifications

• Education: An associate degree or some college coursework in a related field is preferred.

• Experience: At least 1 year of experience in substance use disorder treatment, case management, or a related field.

• Experience working in a correctional or justice-involved setting is preferred.

• Skills:

  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

  • Ability to work effectively with diverse populations, including individuals with a history of substance use and criminal justice involvement.

  • Knowledge of OUD and MOUD best practices.

  • Excellent organizational and time management skills.

  • Proficiency in using electronic health records (EHR) and other data management systems.

  • Empathy, patience, and a non-judgmental approach.

  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Certifications: Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC), Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS), or a similar certification is a plus.

Physical Demands

This role requires the ability to walk and stand for extended periods, navigate a correctional facility, and perform administrative duties at a computer. Must be able to pass a background check and meet all security clearance requirements of the correctional facility.

Additional Information

• May be required to provide 24 hour on call services.
• Risks found in potentially dangerous or unusual environmental stress situations, e.g., being subject to possible physical attack.
• Safety and risk issues inherit while working within a correctional facility with an inmate population are presumed.
• Work requires physical exertion. May require the ability to stand; walk over rough surfaces; bend, crouch, stoop, stretch, reach, lift moderately heavy items (up to 50 lbs.) in a recurring manner and/or for long periods of time.
• This position is contingent the applicant pass the criminal background check and drug screening.