Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act Navigator (DOH/PHD Position #10118405)

Salary: $27.37 - $41.06 hourly / $56,931 - $85,396 annually. This position is classified as Pay Band C7.

About the role

The Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) Program supports families whose child has been born substance exposed. CARA Navigators work with families, hospitals, providers, and managed-care organizations to identify support systems and remove barriers to services. Navigators assess needs and connect families to resources, ensuring compliance with CARA state law effective July 1, 2019, which mandates a plan of care for every newborn with in-utero substance exposure.

Responsibilities

• Complete comprehensive family assessments and build working relationships with families.
• Review and ensure completeness of plans of care, capturing insurance information for accurate referrals.
• Conduct home visits to support engagement in services and compliance with CARA law.
• Contact Statewide Central Intake (SCI) when safety concerns arise.
• Train providers and individuals on CARA law and plan-of-care creation.
• Provide statewide outreach to target populations.
• Offer technical assistance to providers on CARA and plan-of-care requirements.
• Manage and participate in the ongoing CARA workgroup, developing agendas and leading discussions.
• Collaborate with other state agencies to implement CARA across sectors.
• Perform data entry, quality assurance, and data analysis using Microsoft Excel (spreadsheets, formulas, report generation).
• Use case-management systems, electronic databases, and tracking systems.
• Conduct user-acceptance testing, document results, troubleshoot issues, and collaborate with technical teams to improve database functionality.

Requirements

• Associate’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Guidance and Counseling, Education, Sociology, Criminal Justice, Criminology, Family Studies/Services, Social Sciences, or Human Services, plus one year of experience as a social-work assistant or in social/community coordination, health/social-service matters, case management, or behavioral-health care.
• Any combination of related college education and direct experience totaling three years may substitute for the required education and experience.
• Valid driver’s license and defensive-driving certificate.
• Must have own mode of transportation; may be required to furnish a personal vehicle for assignments.

Qualifications

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (spreadsheets, formulas, data tracking, report generation).
• Experience with data entry, quality assurance, and data analysis.
• Knowledge of culturally responsive practices and experience working with tribal communities.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Experience with case-management systems, electronic databases, and tracking systems.
• Understanding of the impact of substance use and exposure on individual and family functioning.
• Working knowledge of community resources and how to connect families to them.
• Experience working with individuals who have experienced substance abuse, using a strength-based, de-stigmatizing approach.
• Strong multitasking, teamwork, and communication skills.

Working Conditions

• Office setting with regular use of video display terminals and keyboards.
• Late hours, weekends, and travel may be required.
• Exposure to stressful situations and frequent time constraints.

Benefits

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement; all terms and conditions of that agreement apply.