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Position Title: Jail-Based MAT Clinician/Patient Navigator

Department: Addictions/MAT

Reports to: Jail Based MAT Program Manager

Salary: $51,125

Location: Gainesville, FL

Why Choose Meridian?

For over 50 years, Meridian Healthcare has been a trusted provider of compassionate care for individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges. With service centers across 13 counties in North Central Florida, we are committed to transforming lives and communities from the inside out.

We live by our core values: Hope, Empathy, Accountability, Resilience, and Teamwork (H.E.A.R.T.). If these resonate with you, we invite you to become part of our dedicated and mission-driven team.

About the Role

The Jail-Based MAT Clinician/Patient Navigator is a highly skilled clinical professional responsible for delivering comprehensive screening, assessment, treatment, and referral services to individuals within the jail system and following their release into the community. This role is integral to supporting recovery through the use of evidence-based, trauma-informed practices, including motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and standardized screening and assessment tools.

The Clinician/Patient Navigator builds empathetic, supportive, and professional relationships with clients, ensuring the delivery of timely, appropriate, and effective clinical services. This position plays a critical role in bridging care between correctional settings and community-based treatment, promoting continuity of care and long-term recovery outcomes.

You Will:

• Provide screening, assessment, treatment, and linkage and referral services within the jail and post-release in the community. Use evidence-based, trauma-informed screening and assessment tools and intervention models.
• Employ motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral therapy as part of the treatment regime.
• Develop treatment plans that are measurable, use best practices, and indicate significant participation by the patient in the treatment plan documentation and in the delivery of services.
• Demonstrate behaviors that recognize the rights of patients, respect diversity, and show sensitivity, knowledge, and understanding of other cultures.
• Comply with rules related to Personal Health Information and ensure information is shared with other providers as directed by the patient in a manner consistent with Center policy and HIPAA requirements.
• Work effectively with others, be part of a team, and be willing to take on new tasks and responsibilities when requested.
• Complete urine drug screens on patients, observed and unobserved, and complete alcohol breathalyzer tests on patients.
• Provide effective and accurate documentation in progress notes, discharge summaries, and other required reports.
• Coordinate and deliver clinical services, including family, group, and individual therapy for assigned patients, which may include scheduled and unscheduled clients.
• Accept other duties as required to meet program and departmental goals and objectives.

Supervision:

· Clinicians/Patient Navigators are supervised at least monthly by individuals credentialed to conduct clinical supervision.

What We're Looking For

· Master's degree in criminal justice, social work, psychology, sociology, public health, or a related field.

· At least one year of experience in a relevant field.

· Licensed or eligible for licensure in counseling or a similar discipline, preferably in substance abuse.

· Must have a current Florida Driver's License with a clean driving record while meeting company insurance requirements.
·Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.

· Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.

· Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of the organization.

· Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.

· Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

· Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.

· Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

What You'll Love About Working at Meridian

·Vibrant Culture: Friendly, flexible, and engaging work environment with regular celebrations and wellness events.

· Work-Life Balance: Generous PTO for vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

· Comprehensive Benefits: Multiple health insurance options, dental, vision, life insurance, long-term disability, and more.

· Wellness & Support: Employee Assistance Program (EAP), wellness incentives, and mental health resources.

· Retirement & Compensation: Competitive salary and a 403(b) retirement plan with up to 8% company match after 7 years.

· Growth Opportunities: Tuition reimbursement, career advancement pathways, and eligibility for public service loan forgiveness.

· Perks: Discounts on cell phone plans, travel reimbursement, LegalShield, pet insurance, and more.

Ready to Make an Impact?

Apply today and help us bring hope and healing to our communities.

Meridian is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all qualified applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status.