Disease Intervention Specialist

Position: Disease Intervention Specialist 1

Location: Newport, Tennessee 37821

• Facilitate Screening and Assessments: Conduct SUD screenings using validated tools, receive referrals, and perform evidence-based mental health and substance use disorder assessments. Provide crisis intervention and solution-focused counseling both in and out of health department settings.
• Education and Outreach: Deliver education aimed at preventing drug overdose deaths and the spread of communicable diseases, such as Hepatitis C and HIV. Engage in outreach at non-traditional organizations to identify clients in need of services. Distribute naloxone to clients.
• Community Partnerships: Build and maintain partnerships with community resources, including Syringe Service Providers (SSPs), Regional Overdose Prevention Specialists (ROPS), mental health agencies, and treatment providers. Foster linkages with other agencies in the assigned county/counties.
• Client Linking and Support: Connect clients to a range of services including community mental health, substance use treatment, harm reduction, primary health services, and recovery support services. Disperse overdose education materials to clients and the public.
• Documentation and Record-Keeping: Complete detailed progress notes, track referrals, and enter information accurately into record systems. Maintain records to comply with contract, state, grant, and agency requirements.
• Team Participation: Attend team meetings, case conferences, and relevant training sessions to support continuous improvement initiatives and enhance service delivery.
• Additional Duties: Perform other related tasks as required to meet the needs of the community and uphold agency standards.
• Travel: Travel is required (with mileage reimbursement).

SKILLS:

• Ability to work well in a team and provide peer support.
• Understanding of addiction recovery and medication-assisted recovery.
• Ability to build relationships with clients and community organizations.
• Strong communication skills, including active listening and asking open-ended questions.
• Commitment to treating everyone with respect and dignity.
• Familiarity with recovery services in the area.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, etc.).
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus.

SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must have a valid driver s license, vehicle, and insurance.
• Background check required; a felony conviction will be reviewed individually.
• Must pass checks on vulnerable person registries.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• This position requires occasional moderate physical effort or periods of frequent light physical activity. Regular use of body members to work is expected.