Substance Abuse Education and Prevention Assistant

Purpose of Class

Assists the Substance Abuse Education and Prevention Coordinator in the facilitation of the Substance Abuse Education Program for juvenile offenders and their parent/guardians; performs related work as required.

Primary Function

The principal function of an employee in this class is to assist the Substance Abuse Education and Prevention Coordinator in the facilitation of the alcohol, tobacco, and drug education program. The work is performed under the supervision of the Intake and Diversion Unit Supervisor at The Village. The principal duties of this class are performed in a general office environment and in the field.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (will vary by assignment)

• Provides assistance to the Substance Abuse Education and Prevention Coordinator.
• Facilitates the substance abuse education program; Families in Action, for Teens and Parents.
• Assists in the coordination of the program with school districts, law enforcement agencies, prosecuting attorneys, juvenile probation officers, diversion officers, juvenile courts, and other affected parties.
• Assists in scheduling substance abuse education classes, including notifying all affected parties.
• Represents the Department in facilitating groups, and reporting completion information to affected parties.
• Represents the Substance Abuse Education program to the public and community groups.
• Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with County policies, procedures, and safety practices.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Performs other related duties as required.

Competency Requirements

Knowledge of:

• Behavior modification procedures, techniques, methodology, and objectives as applied to at-risk juvenile offenders.
• Federal, Idaho, and County statutes, laws, codes, and regulations governing juvenile arrest, detention, probation /parole.
• Court practices and procedures;
• Departmental programs, policies, procedures, and operations as applied to the work performed.
• Operation of standard office equipment, including a personal computer.
• Operation of a motor vehicle.

Ability to:

• Facilitate groups of 10-16 youth, and or parents/families.
• Assist in the coordination the operations of a Substance Abuse Education Program.
• Maintain a professional demeanor during stressful, volatile, and hostile situations.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with assigned offenders, supervisors, other County employees, school administrators, the public, and other County and State agencies.
• Understand and follow oral and/or written policies, procedures and instructions.
• Make sound and reasonable decisions in accordance with laws, codes, regulations and established procedures.
• Operate standard office equipment, including a personal computer and applications appropriate to assigned duties.
• Operate a motor vehicle.
• Perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under the pressure of time sensitive deadlines.
• Perform time management and scheduling functions, meet deadlines, and set project priorities.
• Maintain offender and Department confidentiality.
• Demonstrate integrity, ingenuity, and inventiveness in the performance of assigned tasks.

Acceptable Experience and Training

• High school diploma or GED equivalency is required and a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, behavioral or social sciences, or a related filed is preferred.
• One (1) to Two (2) years experience in probation monitoring, social service, or court related behavioral services with at risk youth and families is preferred; or
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge and abilities necessary to perform the work.

Special Qualifications

• Completion or the ability to become a Certified Prevention Specialist (see more at ibadcc.org/cps.)
• Current Criminal History Check conducted by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare Criminal History Unit.
• Idaho drivers license is required

Essential Physical Abilities

• Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to discern verbal instructions and communicate effectively in person and by telephone.
• Sufficient visual acuity, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to comprehend written work instructions and review and prepare a variety of written and text materials.
• Sufficient manual dexterity, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to operate standard office equipment, including a personal computer, and operate a motor vehicle.
• Sufficient personal mobility, agility, and physical strength and reflexes, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to work in an office and field environment.