Prevention Specialist

University of Kentucky, United States

Updated: over 1 year ago
Location: Fort Thomas, KENTUCKY
Job Type: FullTime
Deadline: ;

Posting Details
Posting Details


Job Title Prevention Specialist
Requisition Number RE36474
Working Title Prevention Specialist / Floater-Campbell County
Department Name 40113:Opioid Abuse Research Strategic Invstmnt
Work Location Fort Thomas, KY
Grade Level 42
Salary Range $17.07-27.31/hour
Type of Position Staff
Position Time Status Full-Time
Required Education
HS
Click here for more information about equivalencies: http://www.uky.edu/hr/employment/working-uk/equivalencies
Required Related Experience
0 yrs
Required License/Registration/Certification
None
Physical Requirements
The essential job functions of this position require: communicating effectively; building positive working relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds; abiding by University, state, and federal guidelines; maintaining confidentiality; prioritizing and managing independent work effectively; ensuring work is detailed, accurate, and completed in a timely manner; performing work in a sedentary position; walking with objects up to 25lbs, driving a vehicle, reporting to meetings at different locations; interacting with individuals from various levels throughout the university; and working successfully with a team, as well as independently. Significant travel is required.
Shift
Primarily days, with core hours from 8:00 am-5:00 pm, Monday-Friday. Weekend and evening hours may be required as workload demands.
Job Summary
Note: Position is located in Campbell County and requires travel to other participating communities as needed.

The University of Kentucky is seeking a Prevention Specialist for the HEALing Communities Study (HCS) grant to serve Campbell County. This is a multi-year grant aimed to decrease opioid overdose deaths by 40 percent within participating communities. This is a unique opportunity to be a part of a community-level care team positioned to bring together talented and dedicated individuals from the university community and partner organizations/communities around the state to address one of the nation’s biggest public health crises.
Under the direction of the Community Coordinator and scientific leads, the Prevention Specialist has many responsibilities, including to:
  • Conduct overdose prevention and training within regional community settings.
  • Provide public health counseling to interested clients and conduct overdose prevention training to individuals and organizations seeking education and distribution of Narcan kits.
  • Assist clients who are interested in treatment, including medications for opioid use disorder, by linking clients with partner Care Navigators and VOH Peer Support providers.
  • Engage and support clients with problem-solving, coordination, and promotion of local services/resources, and assist in stigma reduction through training and educational efforts.
  • Research, identify and promote credible information and options on needed social services.
  • Advocate for the needs and desires of clients by engaging local providers from mental health services, addiction services, and physical medicine to meet the needs of clients.
  • Collaborate with the entire community-level team to ensure access to local care is meeting all essential study-related requirements.
  • Communicate and address potential issues and/or obstacles before they negatively impact research success.
  • Assist with study data collection and interpretation.


The University of Kentucky considers the health, safety and well-being of our entire community to be a top priority. In alignment with this priority, all new hires must provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination or obtain an approved medical or religious exemption as a condition of employment. For areas that fall under the federal CMS mandate, start of employment cannot occur until two weeks after receiving the full COVID-19 vaccination series or upon obtaining an approved exemption. Only vaccines approved by the World Health Organization can be accepted. 
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities
A successful candidate will have strong empathy skills and work ethic, possess a high level of integrity, as well as an appreciation and respect for the cultural, spiritual beliefs and practices of individuals in the criminal justice system, their families, and criminal justice staff. Candidates will also be required to follow University HIPAA and privacy practices.
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No
Preferred Education/Experience
One year of experience as a Prevention Specialist or in working with individuals with substance use disorder, training, education, research, or project coordination.
Deadline to Apply 10/16/2022
University Community of Inclusion
The University of Kentucky is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce by ensuring all our students, faculty, and staff work in an environment of openness and acceptance. We strive to foster a community where people of all backgrounds, identities, and perspectives can feel secure and welcome. We also value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we strongly encourage veterans, individuals with disabilities, women, and all minorities to consider our employment opportunities.
Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.

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