Care Coordinator for First Responders, TN Save a Life Program

JPosition Summary The Care Coordinator is a grant-funded, full-time position focused on strengthening referral pathways, recovery support access, and community resource connection for individuals impacted by substance use disorder, opioid overdose, and related behavioral health needs. This position will work closely with first responder agencies, behavioral health providers, treatment programs, recovery housing providers, peer recovery supports, and other community partners to help individuals move from crisis or referral into appropriate services and long-term support. The Care Coordinator will serve as a bridge between referral sources and the recovery support system by accepting referrals, conducting follow-up, identifying needs, making warm handoffs, documenting services, and helping build a stronger and more reliable system of connection for individuals and families. This position is grant-funded and contingent upon continued funding. Essential Duties and Responsibilities The Care Coordinator will:

• Build and maintain strong working relationships with first responder agencies, including law enforcement, EMS, fire departments, and other public safety partners.
• Accept referrals from first responder agencies and other approved referral sources for individuals experiencing substance use disorder, opioid overdose, or related recovery support needs.
• Provide care coordination, peer-based support, and linkage to behavioral health treatment, recovery support services, recovery housing, medical care, harm reduction resources, and other community-based supports.
• Conduct basic screening and needs assessments to identify appropriate treatment, recovery, housing, transportation, employment, medical, and social service referrals.
• Provide warm handoffs to treatment providers, recovery support programs, The Gateway Recovery Community Center, recovery housing providers, and other community partners.
• Follow up with referred individuals on a predetermined schedule, including 30-day follow- up and additional follow-up as appropriate for up to one year.
• Support individuals and families with navigation of treatment and recovery systems, including overcoming barriers related to transportation, documentation, insurance, housing, communication, and service access.
• Assist with naloxone education, overdose prevention education, and connection to overdose response resources in coordination with MDC's approved program guidelines.
• Help strengthen referral processes, protocols, and communication pathways between MDC, first responders, treatment providers, recovery support organizations, and other community partners.
• Assist with outreach and engagement strategies for first responder agencies and community stakeholders.
• Participate in community meetings, partner meetings, trainings, and outreach events related to substance use disorder, opioid overdose prevention, recovery support, and community resource coordination.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential documentation of referrals, contacts, follow- ups, services provided, and outcomes.
• Comply with all grant reporting requirements, including ongoing data entry, monthly reports, status updates, and any required state or funder reporting systems.
• Attend all required MDC, funder, and state-organized program trainings and meetings.
• Work collaboratively with MDC leadership, Recovery Support Services staff, The Gateway team, and other program staff to ensure services are coordinated and aligned with MDC's mission.
• Protect the confidentiality and dignity of all individuals served.
• Perform other duties as assigned. Qualifications Required Qualifications
• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate's or bachelor's degree in social work, counseling, psychology, public health, criminal justice, human services, or a related field preferred.
• At least 2 years of lived experience in recovery and/or experience working with individuals impacted by substance use disorder, behavioral health needs, homelessness, justice involvement, or poverty preferred.
• Certified Peer Recovery Specialist certification, or willingness to begin the certification process.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals in crisis or early recovery using compassion, patience, and professionalism.
• Ability to build and maintain strong working relationships with a diverse group of partners, including first responders, treatment providers, recovery housing providers, government agencies, and community organizations.
• Strong organizational skills, time-management skills, and ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information appropriately.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Comfort with documentation, data entry, reporting, and basic computer systems.
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings, weekends, or nontraditional hours as program needs require.
• Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and ability to travel locally.
• Must be able to pass required background checks. Preferred Experience
• Experience working in substance use disorder treatment, recovery support services, peer support, case management, care coordination, outreach, crisis response, or behavioral health.
• Experience working with first responders, hospitals, jails, recovery courts, homeless service providers, or community-based referral systems.
• Knowledge of local treatment providers, recovery housing options, recovery support services, and social service resources in Knox County and surrounding areas.
• Familiarity with naloxone, overdose prevention, harm reduction strategies, and recovery- oriented systems of care. Core Competencies The successful candidate will demonstrate:
• Compassionate and nonjudgmental engagement
• Strong follow-through and attention to detail
• Ability to build trust with both clients and professional partners
• Good judgment and appropriate boundaries
• Respect for confidentiality
• Cultural humility and respect for diverse backgrounds
• Problem-solving ability
• Dependability and professionalism
• Commitment to recovery-oriented care
• Ability to represent MDC well in the community Work Schedule This is a full-time, non-exempt position.

Some evening, weekend, and after-hours work may be required based on program needs, community events, partner schedules, or referral activity. Compensation and Benefits Compensation will be based on experience, qualifications, and availability of grant funds. Benefits are offered in accordance with MDC's personnel policies and benefit structure. Equal Opportunity Statement Metro Drug Coalition is an equal opportunity employer. MDC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other status protected by applicable law. Drug-Free Workplace Metro Drug Coalition maintains a drug-free workplace and expects employees to support and uphold MDC's mission, values, and commitment to community health, prevention, recovery, and wellness. About Metro Drug Coalition Metro Drug Coalition is a nonprofit organization serving the greater Knoxville community through substance misuse prevention, overdose prevention and response support, and recovery services. MDC works to improve community health by reducing the use and misuse of alcohol and other substances through education, collaboration, direct service, and strong community partnerships.

Mission:

To improve the health of the greater Knoxville community by reducing the use/misuse of alcohol and other substances through prevention, overdose prevention and response support, and recovery services.

Vision:

A healthy and safe community free of substance misuse.

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Flexible schedule Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid time off Retirement plan Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person