[Hiring] Community Needs Consultant @University of Tennessee

Role Description

The Community Needs Consultant is an initial 2-year limited duration appointment (LDA) position for the SMART Initiative (Substance Misuse and Addiction Resource for Tennessee) with the Institute for Public Service (IPS), though the position is expected to extend beyond the initial 2-year appointment.

The SMART Initiative is a state-wide program whose primary goal is to empower Tennessee communities to overcome the overdose crisis. The SMART Initiative guides community leaders in implementing evidence-based, cost-effective strategies that mitigate damage from substance use disorders and the opioid crisis. The SMART Initiative’s vision is a healthy Tennessee where people impacted by substance use can live and thrive.

The SMART Initiative Community Needs Consultant will work with local government leaders to identify community needs and develop program strategies related to substance use, as well as provide state-wide technical assistance and education to local government for the management and spending of opioid settlement funds. This position will provide services in the absence of the other SMART Initiative consultants by delivering educational presentations, attending meetings, assisting with community grant processes, and other activities needed to support local government in spending settlement funds. This position will focus primarily on more intensive services, including but not limited to:

• Conducting county level comprehensive substance use needs assessments
• Leading all phases of project implementation
• Working with other members of the SMART Initiative team to identify spending priorities
• Evaluating projects for success and impact

Qualifications

• Education: 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
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
  • Substance use disorder content expert or knowledge of the impact of the opioid crisis on rural and urban communities
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Detail-oriented with a commitment to producing accurate and reliable results
  • Familiarity with data ethics and protocols
  • Experience working in diverse settings, including academic, non-profit, or government environments
  • Knowledge of data visualization tools for conveying data findings
  • Ability to multi-task and prioritize activities when reacting to numerous and competing requests for assistance from communities
  • Ability to complete tasks independently with little supervision while working in office or remotely while overseeing multiple projects simultaneously
• 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-based visa status

Requirements

• Preferred Qualifications:
  • Education: Master’s degree in public health or related field
• Work Location: This remote position will serve the state of Tennessee. Full-time residence within Tennessee is required, though this can be anywhere within the state. Office space may be provided if needed depending on area of residence.

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 December 11, 2026.

• Resume
• Cover Letter