Regional Overdose Prevention Specialist (ROPS)

Position Title:

Regional Overdose Prevention Specialist (ROPS)

Reports To:

Director of Recovery Support Services Employment Type:

Full-Time (Grant Funded)

Location:

Knoxville/Knox County Region Overview The Regional Overdose Prevention Specialist (ROPS) works to prevent overdose deaths and reduce stigma through education, collaboration, and community engagement. This position is designed for an individual in recovery with strong communication and facilitation skills who enjoys engaging audiences such as schools/colleges/universities, healthcare providers, first responders, community agencies, faith communities, and general community members. The ROPS leads trainings, builds partnerships, distributes naloxone, and represents the lived experience perspective in formal and community settings. Key Responsibilities

• Facilitate overdose prevention and naloxone training for a variety of audiences, including professional, community, and grassroots groups.
• Plan and lead monthly outreach and education events across multiple areas of Knox County (all zip codes in Knox County)
• Build partnerships with organizations such as treatment centers, schools, the business community, social service agencies, and a variety of public safety agencies.
• Distribute and track naloxone, fentanyl test strips, and other prevention materials according to State protocols.
• Collaborate with other MDC staff and One Team - One Vision team members from across the State to develop and evaluate overdose prevention and response strategies.
• Participate in statewide and regional events such as Day of Hope, Fentanyl Awareness Day, and Overdose Awareness Day as part of the efforts to reduce stigma and strengthen community understanding and support for primary prevention, overdose prevention, and recovery support.
• Provide consultation and education to agencies seeking overdose prevention training and/or resources.
• Report all trainings, outreach activities, and naloxone distributions in the State data system accurately and promptly (same-day reporting).
• Attend required trainings, calls, and professional development opportunities.
• Maintain CPRS certification and uphold peer support values in all interactions. Qualifications
• Must be CPRS certified or CPRS-eligible and willing to obtain certification within one year of hire.
• Lived experience with substance use and sustained recovery required.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage both grassroots community groups and professional audiences.
• Experience or demonstrated ability to organize and lead educational programs.
• Strong organizational and recordkeeping skills.
• Familiarity with prevention principles and public health approaches.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation. Personal Attributes
• Empathetic, articulate, and confident in professional environments.
• Collaborative and dependable, with strong attention to detail.
• Comfortable working independently and as part of a team.
• Committed to recovery-oriented values, a high standard of ethics, and stigma reduction.
• Passionate about using lived experience to strengthen community understanding and support for primary prevention, overdose prevention, and recovery support.

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee assistance program Flexible schedule Flexible spending account Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid time off Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person