Prevention Specialist

Description

Prevention Specialist (PS) (Full-time, 40 hours) Non-Exempt 

BUILD, Inc. (Broader Urban Involvement and Leadership Development) is presently seeking a committed, self-motivated, and innovative individual to join our team. BUILD is a nationally respected gang intervention, violence prevention, and youth development organization based on Chicago’s West Side. Since 1969, BUILD has worked to save lives and mentor young people who live in the city’s most challenged neighborhoods. When you work at BUILD you make an important difference to the thousands of youths and families we serve.

Our Core Values: Empathy, Passion, Persistence and Innovation.

Prevention Specialist (PS)  (Full time, 30 hours) Non-exempt

The Prevention Specialist (PS) will work in schools, and in out-of-school time programs with at-hope youth, some of whom have identified behavioral challenges. The (PS) works with youth in both one-on-one and in-group settings in order to equip them with tools to resist harmful behaviors and develop asset-based skills, such as critical thinking, informed decision-making, goal setting, and conflict resolution, as well as develop their educational and career potential. The (PS) will report to the Prevention Site Coordinator (PSC) with the support of the Manager of Prevention Services (MPS) as needed. 

Responsibilities/duties include but are not limited to: 

• Work closely with program coordinator and/or school administration for referrals and recruitment 
• Develop trusting relationships to identify issues and seek solutions through trauma-informed care
• Plan, prepare and deliver lesson plans and instructional materials that facilitate active learning 
• Implement Social Emotional Learning practices to address behavior and establishing guidelines, expectations, mutual respect, and mutual accountability 
• Provide life skills and health awareness workshops 
• Encourage Restorative Justice methods as alternatives to traditional disciplinary      consequences and encourage educational success 
• Youth-driven and strengths-based approach to goal setting and service planning 
• Record  attendance into internal and external online databases on a weekly basis      and record intakes and assessments into the system as needed 
• Submit lesson plans, and reports to the Program Manager on a bi-weekly basis and/or as needed 
• Enter data weekly into our internal database portal 
• Collect baseline and year-end data on academic, interpersonal, and pro social behaviors 
• Maintains File Compliance as required and compliance with internal Efforts to Outcomes (ETO) 
• Maintain relationships with various partners including, but not limited to, schools, government agencies and community-based organizations 
• Identifies positive adult/youth influences to create a stronger support network for the participant 
• Models’ appropriate communication skills and tools matched to the needs of various audiences and purposes 
• Represents the agency to various publics to broaden community awareness and support, interpreting the agency’s programs and services in a positive way 
• Encourage family relationships and positive interaction through Family Nights,  Family Fridays and other meetings and events 
• Participate in agency outreach and recruitment events, including evenings and weekends. 
• Participate in civic engagement activities that advance the mission of BUILD, Inc. 
• Maintains knowledge current to the field and agency’s theories, methodologies and best practices 
• Attends departmental and agency-wide staff meetings, as scheduled and agency-wide      events, as required 
• Perform other duties as assigned 

Requirements

• Although a High School Diploma or GED is required, a bachelor’s degree in child development, Youth Development, Social Services is preferred. 
• Three years of experience working with inner-city youth in a human service setting, social service setting, or related field is preferred. 
• Must have taken at least 12 hours of child development or youth development related college courses 
• Ability to plan, implement, and document lesson and workshop plans. 
• Must demonstrate excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.  
• Proficiency with technology integration into daily program operations and evaluation systems. 
• Highly organized to set priorities, develop a work schedule, and monitor progress towards goals. 
• Ability to build positive working relationships with others, both internally and externally to achieve the goals of the organization. 
• Must be driven to succeed, proactive, innovative, responsible, assertive and possess integrity and the ability to motivate others. 
• Ability to pass a criminal record and child abuse/neglect registry check.  
• Must have access to reliable transportation and willingness to travel locally.  

Benefits:

• 401(k) + 2% match
• Medical, Dental and Vision
• Life Insurance
• Paid Vacation
• Wellness Days
• Flexible Spending Account

This organization reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. BUILD, Inc., does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, citizenship, ethnic or national origin, age, disability, medical status, military status, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, ancestry, or any legally protected status. This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits and training.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically prohibit employment. Rather, BUILD Inc., considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

American with Disabilities Act (ADA) Statement: External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled, must be able to perform the essential job specific functions (listed within each job responsibility) either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be determined by the organization on a case-by-case basis.

This organization reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.