Opioid Outreach Specialist - Sheriff en Charleston County Government, SC

About the Department

This position’s principal function is executing the Opioid Outreach Program, aiming to deliver resources within Charleston County to enhance prevailing social and economic circumstances that contribute to drug and opioid misuse.  An individual in this position must have the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the medical community and various organizations in both volunteer and public sectors.    The work is performed under the supervision and direction of a supervisor, but extensive leeway is granted for the exercise of independent judgment and initiative.  

HIRING HOURLY RANGE: $30.64 - $34.45

Applicants meeting these minimum criteria must submit to, and successfully complete, all phases of the hiring process to be considered for employment. The process includes but is not limited to the following: the Nelson-Denny Reading Test, a two-phase background investigation, a credit check, a psychological examination/evaluation, a polygraph examination, an oral interview and upon an offer of employment, a pre-employment physical examination. 

APPLICATION DEADLINE: SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 14, 2025.

Position Duties

Essential duties include, but are not limited to, the following:  conducting research on underlying causes  of drug and opioid misuse and effective strategies, subsequently putting these strategies into action; conducting community follow-ups for individuals who have experienced overdose or those at risk of overdose in Charleston County; conducting outreach to individuals who have experienced overdose due to opioids who have had contact with Charleston County Sheriff’s Office; providing naloxone for those at-risk of opioid overdose and tracking all naloxone distribution by the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office and gathering and interpreting data; researching and referring clients to community resources, such as substance use counseling, public benefits, healthcare, mental health services, support groups, etc.;  monitoring and tracking milestones in client participation, such as employment acquisition, completion of certificates, increased wages, etc.; documenting outreach in CIMS and coordinating with other providers in the community; involving family, significant others and participant-identified collateral contacts in service provision; acting as advocate and liaison for participants in securing access to community services, housing, income support, and natural supports such as self-help; identifying those jail residents at risk of overdose and assess their needs including housing, benefits, and substance use treatment after release; ensuring that any jail resident will continue MAT as soon as possible after release by coordinating with Charleston Center and escorting the resident to the Center at release; and other directly related duties as assigned.  May be required to work evenings, holidays or weekends and during hazardous conditions as directed. 

Minimum Qualifications

REQUIREMENTS:  A qualified applicant must (1) be a U.S. Citizen; (2) possess a Bachelor’s Degree in Counseling, Human Services, Social Work or Psychology from an accredited institution and have 2 years or more of Case Management or Community Outreach experience. (3) have a valid SC driver’s license (4) be proficient in the use of Microsoft Office and be able to learn and use customized software (5) must be able to obtain NCIC certification within 6 months of hire.