KNOX COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE - SUBSTANCE ABUSE COORDINATOR




Position Summary


The Substance Abuse Coordinator has the responsibility of working with KCSO mental health staff and programs staff to make appropriate referrals internally and externally. The Substance Abuse Coordinator will provide courts with documentation of assessment to assist with appropriate placement.


Required Duties


The following are required duties of this position:



  • Perform biopsychosocial assessments of inmates prior to release.

  • Make referrals to KCSO Mental Health Staff, when needed or to outside mental health facilities.

  • Make referrals to the KCSO Programs Division to assist offenders while incarcerated.

  • Make referrals to outside treatment facilities based on inmates’ assessment.

  • Provide the court system with documentation of assessment and treatment plan, where needed or arrange for beds within the community in treatment or sober living.

  • Provide explanation/clarification of treatment status from the psychosocial assessment to the court system as needed.

  • Arrange for bed placement into treatment facilities and/or sober living housing, access of grant funds when warranted.



Education and Training Required


The following are the educational and/or training requirements for this position:



  • Must be able to read and comprehend English language directives, training materials, and other documentation. 

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent required in Social Work, Psychology, or similar area of study.

  • Willingness to be under clinical supervision and working towards Substance Abuse Licensure.

  • Willingness to follow all laws related to treatment, HIPPA, following 42 CFR part 2 (Confidentiality of Substance Use Disorder Patient Records).


Experience Required


The following experience is required for this position:



  • Substance abuse assessments, knowledge of treatment and community resources.

  • Experience in working with the Criminal Justice/Corrections System preferred


Knowledge, Skills and Abilities


The following non-physical knowledge, skills and abilities are required for this position:



  • Ability to learn Sheriff’s Office policies and procedures

  • Knowledge of local community services and programs

  • Must be physically able to operate a variety of office equipment


Physical Abilities


The following physical ability(s) is/are required for this position:



  • Must maintain the ability to work any hours, shift, and any days off during your career

  • Executes other responsibilities as assigned by the Sheriff, Chief Deputy, or Supervisor


Position-Specific Responsibilities


The following responsibilities are required for this position:



  • Executes other responsibilities as assigned by the Sheriff, Chief Deputy, Chief of
    Administration, or supervisor.


Tools, Machinery and Equipment


Ability to operate or use the following machinery and/or equipment is required for this position:



  • Computer equipment

  • Multi-line telephone

  • Fax machine

  • Photocopier


The Knox County Sheriff’s Office is an equal opportunity employer.

Type : INTERNAL & EXTERNAL

Location : SHERIFF

Posting Start : 09/11/2026

Posting End : 12/31/2026

MINIMUM HOURLY RATE: $21.90