Tobacco Treatment Specialist

JOB PURPOSE:  The Tobacco Treatment Specialist is a new position within Cumberland District Maine Prevention Network (MPN), a State grant funded program of the County’s Public Health Department. Pay is based on experience with a range of $31.08-$32.98/hr.  Please note, applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.  This position is responsible for the execution of a school-based commercial tobacco treatment initiative in select schools throughout Cumberland County. This position actively engages in the Cumberland District Tobacco Prevention and Substance Use Prevention Teams to cultivate and nurture a strong prevention infrastructure within Cumberland County. This position combines direct service delivery with broader policy and environmental-level strategies to create systemic impact for youth in Cumberland County.

The Tobacco Treatment Specialist engages with school leadership and student support teams to plan and implement strategies that promote successful quit attempts among youth actively using commercial tobacco and nicotine products. They provide one-on-one and group counseling to students, helping them understand nicotine dependence and develop quit plans. They connect students and their families with resources for tobacco cessation treatment. Additionally, the position supports quality improvement (QI) through data tracking and evaluation, using QI to adapt programming to best meet the unique cultural needs of the student population, and to organize and implement Policy, Systems, and Environmental (PSE) strategies to reduce youth initiation of nicotine products, to promote school and community engagement, and to support youth to thrive. 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• A Bachelor or Master’s degree in a Health or Human Services related field or equivalent experience preferred.
• Experience in public health, tobacco or substance use prevention, harm reduction, health education.
• Experience working with GLBT and/or BIPOC population preferred.
• Ability to quickly build rapport and trust with young people and their families.
• Commitment to the principles of harm reduction and providing confidential, non-judgmental services.
• Ability to bridge clinical tobacco cessation efforts with community and organizational policy initiatives, ensuring a comprehensive and sustainable approach to tobacco prevention and control.
• Basic knowledge of computers and computer software.
• Detail-oriented documentation skills.
• Comprehensive communication skills a must.
• Bilingual preferred.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to work in a dynamic working environment.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a wide range of
• community representatives including community members, schools, business owners, state and local government workers, social services, and community-based organizations.

1. Build relationships with selected school communities to build rapport and trust.
2. Provide evidence-based interventions and support to individuals seeking to quit tobacco.
3. Conduct assessments to understand an individual's tobacco use habits, motivations, and challenges.
4. Provide brief negotiated interventions using Motivational Interviewing techniques to individuals with identified needs.
5. Make referrals to appropriate treatment providers for individuals with more serious drug or alcohol problems.
6. Participate in trainings as it relates to programming.
7. Participate in regular meetings with the MPN Prevention team.
8. Collect detailed data and enter into required reporting instruments.
9. Conduct community assessments, utilize community engagement approaches, and use data to inform PSE interventions tailored to priority populations.
10. Develop and advocate for policies that promote smoke-free environments and health equity.
11. Collaborate with school partners to implement systems changes that integrate tobacco treatment and restorative responses to behavioral health challenges.
12. Performs similar or related work as required, directed or as situation dictates.

Cumberland County offers an excellent and comprehensive benefits package and is proud of its talented and dedicated workforce. Come join our team and culture of engaged employees. Our strong management team is dedicated to providing employees with inspiring leadership, a positive and friendly workplace, support, encouragement and the necessary tools for success. We offer tuition reimbursement, wellness program, and professional development and training opportunities.

This position is 40 hours per week, with a full benefits package.  Pay is based on experience with a range of $31.08-$32.98/hr.

Position will remain open until filled. 

Cumberland County is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected Veteran status.