Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services

If you have a mind for the law, a passion for holding people accountable, and a vision of collaboratively making Tennessee's mental health system the best it can be, this is the job for you! We are currently accepting applications to be our next Director of Investigations. Hit the link to learn more about this opportunity and apply. https://lnkd.in/deiAzcWs

Ready to start your career in behavioral health? Looking for a new work home that you’ll love so much you’ll never leave? You need to meet Keye Blackmon, Director of Talent Management with TDMHSAS! You can reach out to him for any job opening with the department: [email protected] What year did you start with the state? I joined the State of Tennessee on March 18, 2013, beginning my journey at Moccasin Bend Mental Health Institute (MBMHI) as an LPN. While I came with several years of prior experience in mental health, it was at MBMHI that I truly expanded my skills and deepened my understanding of this field. What inspired you to pursue a career in mental health, and how has working at TDMHSAS allowed you to make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals struggling with mental health and substance use challenges? My desire to help others is what led me to pursue a career in mental health. I often say that mental health calls you; you don’t call mental health. It requires a unique set of qualities that must be deeply ingrained in your soul—like compassion, SERVITUDE, empathy, SERVITUDE, perseverance, SERVITUDE and, above all, SERVITUDE. That sense of servitude drives me daily in my work. Starting at MBMHI, I didn’t just grow through my role as an LPN but also through assisting psychiatric technicians, frontline staff, on a day-to-day basis. These experiences, particularly the unspoken parts of the job—like having meaningful conversations with both staff and patients—are where I found the true essence of my work. It's not about what I get paid to do, but about what I don't get paid to do: offering hope and inspiration to those who need it most. These moments remind me why I’m here and why I’m proud to be a part of TDMHSAS. How can you help Tennesseans, or what is your goal for Tennessee? My goal is simple: to spread hope across Tennessee. I believe in consistently delivering this message of hope so that those who receive it can, in turn, share it with others who need it. By doing this, we can build a stronger, more connected community that supports individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges. I want every Tennessean to know that help is available and that recovery is possible.

To all addiction professionals, you are a vehicle to someone’s journey to change and live a life in recovery. Today, we thank and honor you.

Tennessee's Opioid Abatement Council just announced $20M in additional funding for community grants! This second round of funding aims to support grassroots, local agencies that see the need and can utilize the funding to positively impact those in the community. If you're a local agency making a difference, they want to hear from you! Hit the link to review the Announcement of Funding and prepare to submit applications Nov. 12 - Dec. 13, 2024. Let's continue to help Tennessee families and communities heal. Learn more at https://bit.ly/4gJ3VwX

Save the date and shout out an amazing peer! Our annual conference for Tennessee's three certified peer programs is set for November 4th and 5th. More details on location and registration coming soon! In the meantime, we want to hear your nominations for our peer awards. Whether you have a certification or not, we welcome your passion and perspective. Your insights and judgment will be invaluable as we celebrate the remarkable achievements of our peers. Nominate a deserving certified peer at this link: https://bit.ly/4gicaj9

Teachers, Directors, Administrators, and all other Educators of young children come learn more about the RIP’s 8 Strategies that Help in our FREE virtual presentation. Learn what the RIP program is, how to refer a family, and positive behavior management strategies you can implement in your classrooms. This training earns DHS Credit. Space is limited. Register here: https://bit.ly/4dW9iqE Check out our calendar of events at: https://bit.ly/3RexytR #nashvilleeducators #preschooleducators #8strategiesthathelp #regionalinterventionprogram

Today is World Suicide Prevention Day. Suicide is preventable, and it starts with us. Offer support, listen, and show kindness to help break the silence and save lives.

Today is 988 Day! Knowing about the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline can save a life. You can call or text 988 and press 0 to connect with a trained and caring crisis counselor. It's OK to reach out for help! In the last year, more than 70,000 Tennesseans called, texted, or chatted with 988 and connected to care in their time of need.

Achievement unlocked! Our Certified Peer Recovery Specialist Program has more than 1,300 currently active certified peers for the first time ever! This amazing certification empowers people to take their lived experience of and recovery from mental health, substance use, or co-occurring disorders and give others the hope of a path forward. It's also an amazing career development tool giving peers a foot in the door at behavioral health agencies all across Tennessee. Learn more at this link: https://lnkd.in/eRwu2_CD

It's National Recovery Month! Together, we can make recovery a reality for everyone. Let’s support, uplift, and stand by each other. To learn more about recovery resources available in Tennessee, visit: https://bit.ly/4dODQKU