Disease Intervention Specialist (Hybrid) - Newport, TN 37821

About the role

Disease Intervention Specialist (Hybrid) position located at 430 College Street, Newport, Tennessee 37821. Contract position with a duration of up to 2 years.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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 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 to support continuous improvement initiatives and enhance service delivery.
• Perform other related tasks as required to meet community needs and uphold agency standards.
• Travel is required (with mileage reimbursement).

Requirements

• Be at least eighteen (18) years of age 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.
• Bilingual (Spanish and English) is preferred.

Qualifications

• Possess a valid driver's license, vehicle, and proof of insurance.
• Agree to release all records involving criminal history to the appointing authority.
• Undergo a background check prior to start date; a felony conviction will not automatically disqualify but necessitates further investigation and review.
• If any records are identified, provide written explanation and/or documentation within seven days.

Skills

• Active listening and open‑ended questioning.
• Relationship building and maintenance.
• Crisis intervention and solution‑focused counseling.
• Knowledge of SUD screening tools and evidence‑based assessments.
• Outreach and education delivery (overdose prevention, Hepatitis C, HIV).
• Naloxone distribution.
• Community partnership development (SSPs, ROPs, mental health agencies, treatment providers).
• Client linkage to mental health, substance use treatment, harm reduction, primary health, recovery support services.
• Documentation and record‑keeping compliance.
• Team participation and training attendance.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Bilingual communication (Spanish/English) preferred.
• Customer service orientation.
• Cultural competency and boundary maintenance.