Disease Intervention Specialist 2 - Newport, TN

STI•Newport, TN

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

This position is responsible for facilitating screening and assessments, providing education and outreach, building community partnerships, connecting clients to services, documenting client progress, and participating in team activities. The role requires travel within the service area and involves potential exposure to communicable diseases and unpredictable client behavior.

Requirements

Be at least age eighteen (18) or older.
Hold a high school diploma, General Equivalency Degree (GED) or equivalent.
Understanding and support for medication-assisted recovery practices.
Ability to develop and sustain relationships with individuals and organizations in the community.
Familiarity with community-based recovery support services in the service area.
Experience providing peer support and building effective relationships.
Strong commitment to treating all individuals with dignity and respect.
Proficient in active listening and asking supportive open-ended questions.
Ability to maintain appropriate boundaries.
Cultural competency and experience with diverse populations.
Strong customer service ethic.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
Possess a valid driver's license, vehicle, and proof of insurance.
Agree to release all records involving their criminal history to the appointing authority.
Undergo a background check prior to their start date.
Submit to a review of their status on the Department of Health's vulnerable persons registry and any abuse registry for any state in which the person has lived in the previous seven (7) year, the TDH Abuse Registry, the Tennessee Sex Offender Registry, and the National Sex Offender Registry.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual is preferred (Spanish and English).

Responsibilities

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.
Deliver education aimed at preventing drug overdose deaths and the spread of communicable diseases.
Engage in outreach at non-traditional organizations to identify clients in need of services.
Distribute naloxone to clients.
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.
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.
Complete detailed progress notes, track referrals, and enter information accurately into record systems.
Maintain records to comply with contract, state, grant, and agency requirements.
Attend team meetings, case conferences, and relevant training sessions.
Perform other related tasks as required.