Prevention

Prevention Specialists deliver evidence-based substance use prevention programs across a four county service area. In this community-focused role, you’ll engage schools, local businesses, and coalitions to provide impactful outreach, education, and policy guidance. You'll maintain accurate grant-related documentation and coordinate your own schedule to meet service goals. We’re looking for someone with strong public speaking and organizational skills, ideally with experience in prevention or human services. 

TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Treat all individuals with dignity and respect while maintaining agency standards of confidentiality, professionalism and objectivity. 

Day-to-Day Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Seek out community members, businesses and groups to provide prevention programs, policy reviews and updates and activities as outlined in the grants and the Strategic Prevention Framework.


• Maintain accurate and timely records for direct and indirect services, daily time logs, mileage and expenses as required  by any grants assigned to.


• Accurately complete all required agency and grant documentation within required timelines.


• Prepare Evidence Based Programs and  deliver with fidelity, as required by grants. Be knowledgeable on current statistics and program content relevant to the population of  focus for presentations.


• Establish and maintain professional relationships with community members, schools, community coalitions and other community stakeholders.


• Coordinate meetings and tasks each week to maintain a full schedule and meet direct service requirements.


• Travel by car to towns within the eight-county service area to provide substance-related information to businesses, community members and schools as needed.


• Complete other duties as assigned.

• The Prevention Specialist 1 staff members may be required to obtain PRIME for LIFE certification and facilitate monthly OWI classes (Friday night and all-day Saturday) for extra hourly income or as part of their job duties.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Experience in prevention program implementation, public speaking, and understanding of the grant process and expectations is preferred.


• Staff need to have excellent computer, organizational, written & verbal communication skills.
  

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Science degree or commensurate experience in education or human services field, is preferred. Extra training will be required if the ideal candidate holds an AA/AS degree or a high school diploma with relevant experience.


• Willingness and ability to obtain Prevention Specialist I Certification within 18 months of hire.


• Understanding and demonstration of the Mission, Vision and Values of Prairie Ridge.


• Valid driver’s license, valid car insurance, means and ability to travel within the service area and to trainings, as required.
  


• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to walk and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is often required to stand, reach with hands and arms, and climb or balance.


• The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to ten pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to thirty-five pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

WHY PRAIRIE RIDGE?

At Prairie Ridge, our mission goes beyond treatment—we are dedicated to building healthier communities through prevention, education, and compassionate care. As a Prevention Specialist, you'll play a crucial role in this mission by delivering programs that empower individuals and promote lasting change. We offer a workplace where your voice is valued, your efforts are recognized, and your personal and professional development are supported.

Our team culture is grounded in respect, collaboration, and a shared commitment to integrity and excellence. You’ll have the autonomy to coordinate your own outreach schedule, the opportunity to build meaningful relationships across our region, and the support of a knowledgeable team that believes in what we do. Whether you're early in your career or bringing years of experience, Prairie Ridge offers the tools, training, and encouragement you need to thrive.