Details
Posted: 11-Jan-22
Location: Lexington, Kentucky
Salary: Open
Department Name: 40113:Opioid Abuse Research Strategic Invstmnt
Job Summary:
The University of Kentucky is seeking a Prevention Specialist for the HEALing Communities Study (HCS) grant to serve Franklin County. This is a five-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 local 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.
Given the COVID-19 pandemic, and the need to protect our university community including our students, staff, faculty and visitors, the University of Kentucky is requiring COVID-19 vaccination for all new hires prior to starting employment. Therefore, as of October 18, 2021, all new hires prior to their first day of employment must submit appropriate documentation showing, i) completion of the first vaccination against COVID-19, or ii) completion of the full vaccination series against COVID-19, or iii) approved exemption (medical contraindications or a sincerely held religious belief) through the formal exemption process from the COVID-19 vaccination requirement. For those employees who have completed the first vaccination against COVID-19 prior to their first day of employment, the second vaccination (if applicable) must be completed following the vaccination recommended schedule to be considered fully vaccinated.
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.
Position Time Status: Full-Time
Required Education:
HS
Required Related Experience:
0 yrs
Required License/Registration/Certification :
None
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.
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.
