Substance Use Disorder Resource Specialist

Overview

Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Resource Specialist at Newton-Wellesley Hospital (NWH) plays a critical role in supporting substance use disorder care within the Emergency Department at NWH and across Mass General Brigham. This position is designed to help achieve key system-wide goals, including increasing addiction consults, expanding access to medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD), and improving equity in treatment outcomes.

• Identifying and engaging patients with SUD for potential MOUD initiation.
• Facilitating referrals to NWH's Addiction Consult Team and SUS Clinic.
• Connecting patients to ongoing care and community resources, addressing barriers such as transportation and clothing.
• Promoting a stigma‑free, trauma‑informed environment within the ED.
• Conducting outreach to patients post‑ED visit to support follow‑up care.
• Collaborating with external treatment organizations to strengthen referral pathways.
• Assisting patients to arrange transportation to/from the hospital for ongoing medical treatment and/or to locate affordable accommodations and support groups.
• Working closely with the unit‑based case manager to facilitate discharge plans to other psychiatric or medical settings.
• Other responsibilities may include making referrals to and organizing and disseminating information about a range of other related social resources.

• Researches information on community social resources.
• Maintains files of brochures, information packets and applications for all types of community resources.
• Collaborates with social work staff and personnel from community agencies to obtain needed information.
• Assists in planning/implementing in‑service presentations by and about community resources.
• Assesses patient/family understanding of available resources.
• Educates patients/families about appropriate resources and how to access them.

High School Diploma or Equivalent required or Associate's Degree Related Field of Study preferred

No experience in lieu of a degree is accepted.

Related experience 2‑3 years preferred

None specified.

• Familiarity with medical terminology.
• Familiarity with community services/resources.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with patients/families.
• Knowledge of current community resources.
• Strong assessment and crisis intervention.
• Strong collaborative skills and a desire to work in a complex, fast‑paced environment.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Excellent collaboration, customer service and advocacy skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Standing Frequently (34‑66%)
• Walking Frequently (34‑66%)
• Sitting Occasionally (3‑33%)
• Lifting Frequently (34‑66%) 35lbs+ (w/assisted device)
• Carrying Frequently (34‑66%) 20lbs - 35lbs
• Pushing Occasionally (3‑33%)
• Pulling Occasionally (3‑33%)
• Climbing Rarely (Less than 2%)
• Balancing Frequently (34‑66%)
• Stooping Occasionally (3‑33%)
• Kneeling Occasionally (3‑33%)
• Crouching Occasionally (3‑33%)
• Crawling Rarely (Less than 2%)
• Reaching Frequently (34‑66%)
• Gross Manipulation (Handling) Frequently (34‑66%)
• Fine Manipulation (Fingering) Frequently (34‑66%)
• Feeling Constantly (67‑100%)
• Foot Use Rarely (Less than 2%)
• Vision - Far Constantly (67‑100%)
• Vision - Near Constantly (67‑100%)
• Talking Constantly (67‑100%)
• Hearing Constantly (67‑100%)

Yes

No

Newton-Wellesley Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.