LDA – Substance Use Consultant-SMART Initiative- IPS Position Available In Knox, Tennessee

LDA – Substance Use Consultant-SMART Initiative- IPS
University of Tennessee Chattanooga Knoxville, TN Full-time Business Management
Posted on June 09, 2025
Job Description
The West TN Substance Use Response Consultant will provide professional advice and technical assistance on a wide variety of issues related to substance use and overcoming the opioid crisis for county officials. Technical assistance includes providing support and guidance for the management and spending of opioid settlement funds, conducting needs assessments, and developing, implementing, and evaluating evidence-based programs. The consultant will be responsible for identifying educational needs throughout the designated grand division and develop and deliver high quality presentations to various community groups and at summits. This position will also assist with identifying state or federal funding opportunities for the use of implementing programs and provide support, assistance, and mentoring for grant application, reporting, and budgeting throughout the funding term for customers.
The University of Tennessee SMART Initiative seeks applications for a Substance Use Response Consultant to serve the West grand division of Tennessee. This position will be a two-year limited appointment, though expected to continue beyond the initial two-year appointment. SMART is an initiative of the University of Tennessee Institute for Public Service that provides technical assistance, consulting, training and research services for Tennessee towns and cities.
Responsibilities
Establish and maintain close relationships with state, county, and municipal leaders, and other state professionals. Provide technical assistance primarily to state, county, and municipal officials in each designated grand division. Provide assistance to other community organizations, including coalitions, law enforcement, schools, or any other group initiating projects utilizing opioid settlement funds if requested by county leadership. Educate local governments on opioid assistance opportunities. Develop and maintain an inventory of substance use programs by county/region in the designated grand division to identify gaps in services and successful programs that could possibly be replicated in other communities. Establish and maintain a close working relationship with Institute for Public Service County Technical Assistance Service and Municipal Technical Advisory Service consultants and collaborate in areas of potential overlap.
Identify educational needs across the designated grand division for various organizations and groups. Determine the most appropriate methodology for education delivery and develop and maintain presentations/materials to address the needs identified. Assist with planning and presentations at summits, workshops, or conferences related to substance use issues.
Assist county officials with identification of state, federal, or other funding opportunities to use for developing and implementing evidence-based substance use programs. Provide support/assistance/mentoring for grant application writing and submission, reporting, and budgeting for customers. Provide support/assistance/mentoring for program evaluation and/or community impact evaluation for programs implemented with the use of grant funds.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications

Education:

Requires a bachelor’s degree in Public Health or related field

Experience:

A minimum of four years of experience in a position related to substance use or equivalent education or experience is required.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment visa status.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

Knowledge:

Computer software knowledge in Microsoft Office applications (MS Power Point, MS Excel, MS Word, etc.) is required. Knowledge of the impact of the opioid crisis on rural and urban communities and knowledge of federal and state laws related to substance use are also required.

Skills:

Exceptional written and verbal communication skills required.

Abilities:

The position requires the ability to:
Complete tasks independently with little supervision while working in the office or remotely.
Develop and deliver high quality presentations.
Apply for and manage state and federal grants for customers.
Work effectively with colleagues, county and city officials, subject matter professionals, and Institute staff.
Multi-task and prioritize activities when reacting to numerous requests for assistance from communities.
Travel daily or occasionally overnight within the state.
Think critically and analyze data.
Preferred Qualifications

Education:

Master’s degree in Public Health or related field is preferred.

Work Location:

Location:

This position will be remote or hybrid, though residing in West TN is required.
The Institute for Public Service (IPS) supports a formal Alternative Work Arrangement program currently in place and more information can be provided if candidate progresses through the recruitment process.
Benefits
Find more information on UT Benefits here
Application Instructions
To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments. To be assured of full consideration, completed applications with all requested materials should be submitted on or before July 9, 2025.
Resume
Cover Letter
List of 3 Professional References
About The College/Department/Division
The UT Institute for Public Service provides outreach and assistance to all of Tennessee. Through our agencies and initiatives, we offer technical assistance, training and consulting on a wide variety of services, including government operations, language services, law enforcement excellence, leadership training, manufacturing excellence, opioid abatement and much more.
University of Tennessee Chattanooga
Knoxville , TN