Program and Prevention Specialist

This position is responsible for coordinating and delivering prevention programs and workshops for participating public and nonpublic schools in Bucks County. Serve as the Bucks IU lead for Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Statewide System of Support Work – focused on social emotional wellness initiatives. Facilitate advisory councils including the Bucks County School Counselors’ Advisory Council and the Health & Physical Education Advisory Council, as well as the Bucks County Student Forum.

Essential Functions:

• Coordinate prevention programs and provide trainings on topics including but not limited to alcohol, tobacco, and other drug (ATOD) related topics for the local school communities and regional programs.

• Coordinate prevention programs and provide trainings on topics including but not limited to violence prevention (including bullying, conflict resolution, peer mediation) for the local school communities and regional programs.

• Coordinate prevention programs and provide trainings on topics including but not limited to suicide prevention programs for the local school communities and regional programs.

• Serve as a liaison with community resources for the purpose of networking, collaboration and school referrals.

• Provide technical assistance to local schools on policies and procedures related to ATOD and violence prevention.

• Support Title I Neglected and Delinquent programs at any facilities funded through PDE to Bucks County Intermediate Unit #22.

• Monitor and pursue any grant opportunities as they relate to prevention and delinquent programs.

• Facilitate and serve as the advisor of the Bucks County Student Forum.

• Serve as the Bucks IU lead for Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Statewide System of Support Work – focused on social emotional wellness initiatives. Work may include Safe Schools program dissemination, Mental Health Support for schools, and additional PDE initiatives as they are defined.

• Lead evaluation team member for the 21st Century Community Learning Center Grant recipients, conducting site visits and developing formative and summative evaluation reports. Conduct monthly meetings with the evaluation team.

• Plan and organize the Health & Physical Education Conference (held every other year).

• Other duties as assigned by the Program Director of Federal and Nonpublic Programs.

Other Duties: This position description does not express nor does it imply that the above duties are the only duties to be performed by the incumbent(s) in this position. Additional duties may be assigned by the Administrator of the department, as needed, to adapt to the changing needs of the organization.

Competencies:

• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in-group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.

• Technical Skills - Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; Pursues training and development opportunities; Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others.

• Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.

• Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.

• Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.

• Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed.

Supervisory Responsibility: No direct supervisory responsibilities.

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit and use hands. The employee is frequently required to walk; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee may be required to stand for long periods, and to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work: This is a full-time, 193-day calendar position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday. Hours of work are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The calendar will be mutually developed between the Supervisor and the employee. Occasional evening and/or weekend work may be required as job duties demand.

Travel: Driver’s license is required for travel within and outside the county. Periodic overnight stays are required to attend trainings and conferences.

Education and Experience:

• Masters’s degree or equivalent in Education required.

• Social Worker Certification is preferred.

• PA Principal or Special Education Supervisor Certification is preferred.

• Certified Prevention Specialist (CPS) or Certified Addictions Counselor (CAC) credential preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of and experience in student assistance program, substance abuse prevention programs and curricula, bullying prevention, conflict resolution, and peer mediation program and curricula.

• Experienced in facilitating trainings and meetings for both adults and students.

• Familiarity in managing and working with local, state and federal grants, preferred.

• Knowledge and experience with student assistance programs and curricula, conflict resolution, and peer mediation.

Work Authorization/Security Clearance (if applicable): Citizenship or work authorization to work in the United States required.

EEO/AA/VEVRAA Employer: The Bucks IU is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive culture. Bucks IU does not discriminate on the basis of disability, veteran status or any other basis protected under federal, state or local laws.