This position is offered through Wheeler Clinic, not the Hispanic Health Council (HHC).
Location: Norwalk, CT and Bristol, CT
The Bilingual MDFR (Multidimensional Family Recovery) Specialist will spend the majority of their time in the community meeting with clients in their homes or community locations where they feel comfortable. MDFR Specialists will provide MDFR in three phases with initial contact weekly, contact every other week during the second phase, and contact every three weeks during the third phase. Throughout, the goal is to help increase engagement in treatment services and foster stronger relationships and functioning within the family. The MDFR Specialist will focus on the caregivers as individuals, the children, parenting and co-parenting, parental intimate relationships, family relationships, and connection to the community. The specialist will provide brief MDFR interventions as identified by DCF and/or the family’s needs following the MDFR curriculum.
Minimum Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, or a related human services field (required)
Experience working in substance use treatment or with adults in community-based settings
Valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including crisis response as needed
Fluency in both English and Spanish (required)
Coordinate services with community professionals to provide integrated care
Deliver MDFR sessions weekly (and as outlined in each program phase) in-home or in the community
Assess family dynamics using DCF-approved screening tools
Collaborate with caregivers to develop and implement Recovery Support Plans
Support engagement in substance use and mental health treatment
Connect families to developmental, educational, and medical services for children
Strengthen parenting, co-parenting, and overall family functioning
Reinforce therapeutic skills learned in counseling to support continued recovery
Facilitate improved communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution
Promote family healing by repairing relationships and increasing positive involvement
Conduct and coordinate drug/alcohol testing per model guidelines
Document all clinical interactions and services per Wheeler Clinic standards
Maintain and develop cultural competency to support families effectively
Required Skills:
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to build rapport and trust with families from diverse backgrounds
Critical thinking and problem-solving in dynamic family environment
Time management and documentation proficiency
Multidimensional Family Recovery • New Britain, CT, US