The specialist serves as the primary point of contact for individuals seeking substance use support, coordinating referrals to treatment and recovery services. They also manage opioid abatement funding, ensure regulatory compliance, and collaborate with community partners to implement prevention initiatives.
Requirements summary
A high school diploma is required, though a college degree and Peer Support Certification or social work credentials are preferred. Candidates must have at least 2 years of experience in substance use services or a related field.
Summary: The Substances Resource Specialist (SRS) combines expertise in substance use disorders with community-based resource coordination to support individuals and families affected by substance use and recovery. This role bridges direct client support with community outreach to ensure access to prevention, treatment, recovery, and support services. Funded through Opioid Abatement Funds, this position also ensures compliance with K.R.S. 15.293 and 40 K.A.R. 9:020, including resource management and required state reporting. If you have any questions or would like any more information about this job posting please contact Chrissy Mattingly at christined.mattingly@ky.gov.
Description
1.
Client
Support &
Resource
Coordination
Primary
Point of
Contact: Serve as the central referral source for individuals and families seeking substance use support, connecting them to treatment, recovery services, and essential resources.
Case
Management &
Navigation: Coordinate services to address client needs, ensuring efficient use of available resources and strong outcomes.
Resource
Alignment: Participate in or lead a Critical Resource Committee (CRC) to ensure coordination among community providers. 2.
Opioid
Prevention &
Program
Oversight
Prevention
Programming: Collaborate with existing programs or develop opioid-specific prevention initiatives tailored to community needs.
Opioid
Abatement
Liaison: Review and manage funding and programs related to Opioid-Use Disorder or any co-occurring Substance Use Disorder or mental health (SUD/MH) Monitor and document funded programs for compliance with KRS 15.291(5) and effectiveness Communicate updates to
Benefits
Benefits included
ASAP,
Fiscal
Court, and
City
Councils
Data
Tracking: Maintain accurate data on opioid-related metrics, including overdose rates, Narcan use, and incarceration trends. 3. Community
Partnerships &
Non-Opioid
Substance
Prevention
Resource
Knowledge: Maintain up-to-date awareness of local, state, and federal resources (AA, NA, PALS, etc.) to support client referrals.
Integrated
Collaboration: Work with healthcare providers, social services, and community partners to ensure coordinated care.
Community
Liaison: Build relationships with stakeholders and provide regular reports on program outcomes and funding use. 4.
Compliance &
Administration
Regulatory
Reporting: Support preparation of required reports for the Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission (KYOAAC).
Audit
Readiness: Maintain documentation to ensure compliance and avoid funding penalties.
Confidentiality
Follow HIPAA and all applicable privacy laws.
Accountability
Meet quarterly (or more often, as needed) with a small Advisory Committee comprised of ASAP Board members and city/county elected officials
Other
Duties as
Assigned
Key
Skills &
Competencies
Communication: Strong interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills
Clinical
Approach:
Trauma-informed, empathetic, and culturally competent
Organization: Ability to manage multiple priorities in a high-demand environment
Regulatory
Knowledge: Understanding of opioid abatement requirements and reporting standards
Typical
Qualifications
Education:
High school diploma required (college degree preferred)
Certification: Peer Support Certification or relevant social work/case management credentials
Experience: Minimum 2 years in substance use services or related field; case management experience preferred
Training: Knowledge of evidence-based practices, mental health first aid, and resource navigation
Work
Environment
Location: Full-time, based at the
Woodford
County
Health
Department (benefits included)
Service
Delivery:
In-person, virtual, or hybrid
Culture: Collaborative, compassionate, and self-directed work style required An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D Come for a job. Stay for a career. Make a difference for a lifetime. The Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH) is responsible for developing and operating state public health programs and activities for the citizens of Kentucky. The mission of DPH is to improve the health and safety of people in Kentucky through prevention, promotion and protection. The department oversees programs designed to improve the lives of citizens and visitors through prevention of negative health outcomes, promotion of healthy lifestyles and protection from diseases, injury and environmental health impacts. DPH has almost 150 different programs to help Kentuckians become healthier in cooperation with its partners such as local health departments, universities, private providers, etc. To support many of these programs, the department relies on high-quality data to guide decision making at the state and local levels such as the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, Immunization Registry and Office of Vital Statistics. The department is organized into seven divisions with the Commissioner's Office providing oversight and support for the divisions and programs. The Office of Health Equity and the Public Health Nursing Office are located in the Commissioner's Office. More information about each division can be found under Related Agencies at the bottom of this page. You can create a Job Alert and we will notify when the job you are looking for is available! All you need to do is create an account with and then click the Job Alerts button in the right hand corner. Enter in the facets and type of job your looking for and we will email you when one is posted and available! Local Health Personnel Branch - Cabinet for Health and Family Services (ky.gov)
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