Outreach & Engagement Specialist II

Who is Alpharus Health?

Alpharus Health is a national nonprofit behavioral health provider dedicated to helping people build healthier lives. For nearly 60 years, we have provided substance use and mental health treatment that helps individuals, families, and communities find healing, hope, and lasting wellbeing. Our mission is simple: We help people build healthier lives. By combining clinical expertise with a person-centered approach, we help people build the skills, resilience, and support systems needed to create meaningful, lasting change. 

Why join us?

Consider joining our team, where your impact can be truly meaningful. Our organization focuses on delivering high quality clinical services as a recognized leader in evidence-based treatment proven to get results. By joining our team, you'll be working for an organization that values you and aims to be an employer of choice. You can expect to be part of a vibrant culture that emphasizes teamwork and professional growth. When you join us, you have the opportunity to find both personal and professional fulfillment by aligning your career with your values.

Location: Springfield Residential - 2200 Lake Victoria Dr, Springfield, IL 62703

• Residential Center - Adult Male and Female population

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 9:00AM - 5:30PM

Outreach & Engagement Specialist Summary:
Under direct supervision, supports patient access to care through community-based outreach, referral coordination, and engagement activities. The position focuses on connecting individuals to appropriate substance use and mental health services, reducing barriers to care, and supporting ongoing treatment engagement through community partnerships and service coordination.

Responsibilities:

• Engage individuals in community and field-based settings to assess needs, provide education, and support connection to appropriate services and level of care.
• Coordinate referrals and facilitate timely access to care by connecting patients with appropriate internal programs and external providers, prioritizing organizational services when appropriate and collaborating with admissions and program staff to support seamless care coordination.
• Provide follow-up and basic care coordination to reduce barriers to engagement and support service access.
• Conduct outreach activities, including community events, site visits, and meetings to promote services and increase awareness.
• Develop and maintain working relationships with referral sources and community organizations.
• Assist individuals in navigating behavioral health, substance use treatment, and community resources.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of outreach, patient interactions, and referral activities.
• Monitor outreach and referral activity and communicate trends, barriers, and opportunities to leadership.
• May be required to maintain billable service hours tied to patient engagement, outreach services, and care coordination activities.
• Complete screenings and assessments of patients to Alpharus Health programs as needed.
• Support complex cases requiring advanced resource navigation.

Requirements:

• High School Diploma or GED required; Bachelor’s degree preferred in Social Work, Psychology, Marketing, Healthcare Administration, or related field.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel locally; ability to transport patients when required or assigned.
• State-recognized behavioral health certification, peer support certification/designation, or professional licensure required, as applicable to the position's responsibilities and permitted scope of practice.
• 2+ years of experience in behavioral health, outreach, or intake services.
• Demonstrated ability to leverage recovery experience to engage patients during their recovery journey.
• Experience working with individuals impacted by substance use disorders and/or mental health conditions in a community, healthcare, or social service setting preferred.
• Experience in outreach, care coordination, or referral support preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse populations.
• Ability to develop and foster working relationships with referral sources and community partners.
• Ability to assess needs and connect individuals to appropriate services.
• Familiarity with the assigned region, including community resources and service networks, or ability to quickly develop this knowledge.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, community-based environment.
• Basic proficiency in documentation systems and standard office software.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to communicate effectively in person, by phone and in writing, including by digital media.
• Ability to travel throughout the community and operate a motor vehicle
• Ability to stand, walk, and engage in outreach activities for extended periods
• Ability to lift and carry materials up to 20 pounds
• Ability to use a computer and standard office equipment

Work Environment

• Work is performed primarily in community-based settings, including public locations, shelters, community service sites, and areas where individuals experiencing housing instability may reside (e.g., encampments).
• Role requires regular field-based outreach and engagement with individuals in non-traditional environments.
• May involve exposure to unpredictable or high-risk environments; adherence to safety protocols and situational awareness is required.
• May be exposed to outdoor weather conditions and varying environmental settings.
• Travel throughout the local service area is required.

Benefits at Alpharus:

Health and Wellness:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents
• Employee wellness program promoting health and fitness and offering cash-saving premiums
• Employee assistance programs focused on mental health

Financial Wellbeing:

• 403(b) Retirement Plan with 3% employer match 
• Short-term and Long-term Disability and Life and AD&D Insurance paid for by Alpharus
• Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Flexibility and Time Off:

• 18 paid time off days per year – accrual rates increase with years of service
• 9 paid company holidays
• Work-life-balance

Personal Development:

• Training & Development Programs
• Tuition Reimbursement - up to $5,250 per calendar year
• eLearning access to online courses that provide CEU’s and job-related training
• Clinical Supervision: Formal and informal guidance

Alpharus Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/ Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets. Please view Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP here.