Prevention Specialist

SUMMARY : The Prevention Specialist works in the community under the supervision of the Prevention Services Coordinator as a team member in the Prevention Services program of Planning District One Behavioral Health Services to promote and implement specialized Substance Abuse Prevention programs. The Specialist may be given specific tasks regarding specific areas in Prevention such as Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug (ATOD) prevention programs for young people and their families. The Specialist is also responsible for developing community support for the programs offered. The activities of the Specialist benefit the entire community as well as the individual participants. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Education: Bachelor's degree required in human services or related field. Licensure: Must possess or obtain highest level of licensure appropriate to degree. Valid Driver's license. Experience: Experience in mental health and/or substance abuse preferred. Knowledge/Skills: Knowledge of public relations, mass communications and marketing techniques Knowledge of educational principles, practices and techniques Can communicate effectively both orally and in writing Skill in planning and organizing activities Skill in analyzing, recording and assessing data Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse population of community members, community based agencies and Frontier Health personnel Ability to work independently and within a team environment Ability to market prevention services, particularly ATOD prevention programs, in an effective fashion Ability to develop prevention promotion activities, particularly ATOD prevention programs, based on relevant community issues, trends, social conditions and population groups Computer literacy, ability to create social media posts and advertising MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Participating in the assessment of community needs: The Specialist works with the local prevention planning group, "Alleghany Highlands Healthy Youth Coalition" to identify needs within the community. The specialist identifies gaps in services related to ATOD Awareness and works with existing programs to coordinate and network. The specialist is aware of factors of literacy, education, culture, class, gender, race, ethnicity and age. Planning Prevention Programming: The Specialist assists in planning community prevention promotion events and activities consistent with the objectives of the community prevention plan. The specialist develops new informational flyers, brochures, audio-visual aids, presentation materials and handouts for the community at large or specific populations of interest. Implementing Designated Programs: The Prevention Specialist delivers and coordinates evidence based and other ATOD programs, and will receive any required program implementation training from the developers of these programs. The specialist will participate in health events including locating presenters, procurement of support materials and supplies, announcements, registration and problem solving. The specialist serves as a resource person for other existing intervention programs where appropriate within existing prevention services, such parenting education and staff development. Trains Individuals and Coordinates Promotion Activities: The Specialist trains and educates others professionals and community members on ATOD related topics. The specialist coordinates and implements educational sessions and presentations to community groups. Evaluate and Monitor Program Efforts: The Specialist keeps accurate reports of events, classes and program activities and submits this data on a timely basis to funding sources, the community coalition, key stakeholders and the Prevention Services Program Coordinator. The specialist monitors the level of participation/commitment of community and professional members of the Prevention Planning Group. The specialist may be expected to manage and be accountable for expenditures. The Specialist is expected to work both independently and within a team environment with minimal supervision. Work assignments are both general and specific in nature, and are received in both verbal and written form. Instructions received define overall objectives, with some specificity regarding how to proceed with assignments. Work results are evaluated by the supervisor for quality and quantity, the attainment of program standards and the effects of the prevention activities within the community. PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES: Although each position has its own unique duties and responsibilities, the following listing applies to every employee. All employees of the organization are expected to: Support the organization's mission, vision, and values of excellence and competence, collaboration, innovation, commitment to our community, and accountability and ownership. Exercise necessary cost control measures. Maintain positive internal and external customer service relationships. Demonstrate effective communication skills by conveying necessary information accurately, listening effectively and asking questions when clarification is needed. Plan and organize work effectively and ensure its completion. Demonstrate reliability by arriving to work on time and utilizing effective time management. Meet all productivity requirements. Demonstrate team behavior and must be willing to promote a team-oriented environment. Represent the organization professionally at all times. Demonstrate initiative and strive to continually improve processes and relationships. Prevention Specialist This is a full-time position for Alleghany Highlands area. This position is responsible for planning and implementing substance use prevention and mental health promotion lessons and activities. Responsibilities include educational programs targeting elementary, middle, and high school students, activities and presentations designed to develop youth leadership and life skills, and planning social media campaigns, awareness events, and supporting coalition efforts. Requires skills in training and knowledge about the prevention of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs as well as mental health promotion. Qualified applicant must be comfortable working independently as well as with a team, speaking to large groups, working with diverse populations including children, teens, and adults. Requires occasional evening and weekend hours. Bachelor's degree required in human services or related field.