05/19/2021
We are currently 100% remote, but will get back into community work and being back in office only 1 day a week after the summer.
Qualifications/Requirements
Bachelor’s degree from accredited college/university in areas of education, human/social services, counseling or related field preferred plus two years of professional experience in substance use/misuse prevention. An additional 2 years of related experience may be substituted for a degree. Experience should include working with high-risk /minority youth and families and leading/facilitating instructive and interactive groups of youth and adults, preferably in areas of substance abuse/misuse prevention. Position also requires effective written and oral communication skills; ability to plan, organize, and deliver training and technical assistance services; ability to use independent judgment; work as a team player; a working knowledge of curriculum development; and knowledge of risk and protective factors when addressing substance use/misuse and family dynamics. Reliable transportation and willingness to use personal vehicle in the performance of duties. Ability and willingness to work an irregular schedule; Bilingual in Spanish/English required. Must become certified as a Prevention Specialist within 24 months of hire.
Duties/Responsibilities
Under the supervision and direction of the Youth Advocacy Director, the Specialist is responsible for the following:
Coordinating/Planning: Help organize, plan and coordinate activities for the program to ensure that contract objectives are met. Staff will establish contacts and referral sources and promote the program within the target area to ensure the consistent flow of program participants. Will coordinate with other service providers, schools, local area agencies, and/or community stakeholders to establish and enhance networking relationships. Will maintain a data collection system to ensure compliance with contractual documentation and reporting requirements.
Facilitation/Public Speaking: Facilitate professional educational/skills building sessions to youth and adults using the curriculum on a scheduled basis. Provide presentations to community regarding program services. Conduct training in areas including but not limited to: substance use/misuse prevention; family strengthening skills; interpersonal skill building; communication skills; building resiliency; healthy relationship building. Adapt training delivery to fit the needs of the target audience; can deliver assigned training independently, if needed. Training responsibilities also include informational presentations; conference workshops and special advanced training courses as required. Have ultimate responsibility for all details of training activity including contract forms and required documentation; preparation of presentation material and equipment; such as use of PowerPoint and creating activities and ice breakers.
Resource Development: Assists with development or revision of presentation materials including but not limited to curricula, presentation/workshop outlines, and print media. Recommends new program ideas, designs, and models that are age appropriate and culturally sensitive to meet the needs of vulnerable populations. Compile and maintain the community resource list to share with participants. Social Media savvy; contribute to consistency in social media presence.
Technical Assistance (TA) and Support: Provide support to youth, their families, school administration, community partners, stakeholders or to any others seeking information about YA services and mission in a timely manner. Modes of TA may include, but are not limited to, conducting site visits or needs assessments; providing timely responses to questions and concerns via phone, email, or fax.
Direct Service: Facilitates educational/skills building sessions/workshops to youth and adults using the scientific based curriculum on a scheduled basis. Provides presentations to community regarding program services. Attend evening/weekend community fairs/events. Conduct outreach in the target community for recruitment and program awareness. Assists in preparation and clean-up when program activities are conducted. Conduct alternative activities and Community-Based Education and mobilization activities. Provide participant transportation as needed.
Administration: Attend regularly scheduled staff meetings, community-based process meetings or workshops as assigned. Responsible for timely completion of any HHSC documentation, program paperwork, and mileage reimbursements. Maintain YA calendar and respond to phone, email and written inquires in a timely manner. Maintain open and consistent communication with YA Director and team. Assist with fundraising planning and activities.
Skill Development: Participates in training sessions, conferences, staff meetings and other professional development activities deemed appropriate and/or mandatory.
