Disease Intervention Specialist 2

Spectraforce Technologies, Inc.; Newport (TN); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Spectraforce Technologies, Inc. in Newport, Tennessee, seeks a Disease Intervention Specialist 2 for a contract position up to 2 years. The role emphasizes screening, crisis counseling, and linking clients to care within the Cocke Rise program.

The specialist will educate the public to prevent overdoses and disease spread, distribute naloxone, and collaborate with community resources. Travel with mileage reimbursement is required.

Qualifications

• Require high school diploma or GED.
• Experience in support services with diverse populations is preferred.
• Understanding of recovery practices and harm reduction is helpful.

Responsibilities

• Conduct screenings and assessments and provide crisis intervention and counseling.
• Deliver education to prevent overdose and disease spread; distribute naloxone.
• Build partnerships with community resources and agencies.
• Link clients to mental health, substance use treatment, and recovery services.
• Maintain accurate records and prepare progress notes.
• Attend team meetings and trainings to improve service delivery.
• Travel as needed with mileage reimbursement.

Skills

Communication skills

Bilingual (Spanish)

Active listening

Relationship building

Microsoft Office

Cultural competency

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Title - Disease Intervention Specialist 2

Duration: Contract position: up to 2 years

Location - Newport, Tennessee 37821Hybrid)

Shift - Mon - Fri (8am - 4:30 pm)

Description

THIS POSITION WILL SERVE IN 1 EAST COUNTY: COCKE RISE (Recovery, Information, Support, and Engagement) Navigator

Essential Functions:

• 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/counites.
• Client Linkage 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).

Education and Experience:

• Be at least age eighteen (18) or older.
• At minimum, 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 is preferred (Spanish and English).

Necessary Special Qualifications:

Applicants for this call may be required to:

• Possess a valid driver's license, vehicle, and proof of insurance.
• Applicants agree to release all records involving their criminal history to the appointing authority. All contract employees will undergo a background check prior to their start date. A felony conviction will not automatically disqualify an applicant but will necessitate further investigation and review. If any records are identified, the applicant must provide written explanation and/ or documentation within seven days.
• 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. Applicants listed on any of these registries will be disqualified.

Physical Requirements:

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

Occupational Hazards:

Possible exposure to communicable diseases and/or unpredictable behavior by clients.