Prevention Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Youth Services Prevention Specialist will provide drug and alcohol awareness directly to targeted populations (K-12) in various settings.  Assists in the development and coordination of substance abuse prevention, working with schools, after school groups, summer day camp, community groups and other agencies. These individuals will work with primarily youth ages Kindergarten through 12th grade.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1.     Develops and organizes prevention activities that demonstrate positive youth growth.

1. Mentor and guide youth individually and in groups while using a behavior management system to shape youth behavior.

3.     Collaborate with schools, parent-teacher groups, civic organizations, church groups, and other youth and community organizations to provide information and awareness on alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.

4.     Network with other prevention and social service agencies within the region to include prevention, intervention, treatment, mental health, etc. to provide comprehensive services, identify needs, and make referrals, as necessary.  

5.     Participate in alcohol, tobacco or other drug awareness campaigns as needed.

6.     Participate in health fairs, business expos, parades, and other community events for the purpose of providing anti-substance use messages. 

7.     Assist in providing orientation or information sessions for parents, teachers, staff or administrators in target area school and community sites when requested.

8.     Document all program activities as required and submit program reports and records according to the agency’s established deadlines. 

9.     Assist in maintaining and updating the agency’s community resource list, video reference list, curriculum inventory, program materials inventory, and physical inventory.

10.  Participate in staff meetings, committees, attend professional development conferences, training sessions, webinars/seminars as needed to as enhance your knowledge, broaden your horizon, and obtain continued education.

11.  Performs other duties as assigned to promote the overall mission and vision of CND.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Education: A bachelor’s degree in the social/behavioral sciences or related field is preferred, or a high school diploma or equivalent with three years of professional experience in the social service field.  Bilingual English/Spanish a plus.  Must possess or be in the process of obtaining Ohio Certified Prevention Specialist (OPCS) certification.  

Any combination of training, education, and experience equivalent to considerable (3 - 5 years) full-time employment in progressively responsible counseling or social services, particularly involving youth and gang remediation activity.  

Additional Eligibility Qualifications: Prior substance abuse prevention training a1re preferred.  Experience working with youth in school or community setting is preferred.  (Substance abuse prevention specialist, social worker, teacher, youth pastor, counselor, etc.)  Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills.

1.     Experience in multi-cultural environments is preferred and bi-lingual in English and Spanish is a plus.

2.     Commitment to learning, creating positive change, and enabling others to learn.

3.     Strong verbal communication skills

4.     Ability to work with diverse population.

5.     Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.

Computer Skills

Proficient in use of personal computer and related software (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint) use of office equipment (e.g., fax, copier, printer).

Other Requirements

Must possess a valid Ohio driver's license; must pass a criminal background check and a pre-employment drug screen.