Prevention Specialist

Monday - Friday, 9am-3pm Part-time, benefit eligible, with potential for Full-time.

General Summary

Under the supervision and direction of Supervisor, Outpatient Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Services, the Prevention Specialist is assigned to empower communities to promote alcohol and drug-free lifestyles; build community structures to support those lifestyles; and encourage and support coordinated, systemic approaches to the prevention of substance abuse. This individual works to create and sustain systems and structures that discourage substance abuse, reduce its consequences, and encourage healthy behaviors in children and adults their families, and other adults. The Prevention Specialist provides preventative education and counsel to at-risk populations to protect their health, safety, and welfare.

Essential Functions

• Provides or arranges trainings, technical assistance, and workforce development for providers, community coalitions and Jackson/Hillsdale County residents on Substance Abuse and Mental Health related topics.
• Works with the Commission on Substance Abuse Community Action Plan to implement Substance Abuse Prevention evidence-based programs or other promising practices.
• Establishes both formal and informal alliances with organizations which have similar or allied goals, such as school boards, local law enforcement, health care providers, community centers, and service providers.
• Collaborates with schools, parent-teacher groups, civic organizations, church groups, and other youth and community organizations to provide information and awareness on alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.
• Networks with other prevention and social service agencies within the region to include prevention, intervention, treatment, and mental health, etc., in order to provide comprehensive services, identify needs, and make referrals as necessary.
• Participates in alcohol, tobacco or other drug awareness campaigns such as Red Ribbon Week, Great American Smoke Out, etc.
• Participates in health fairs, business expos, parades and other community events for the purpose of providing anti-substance use messages.
• Assists in providing orientation or information sessions for parents, teachers, staff or administrators in target area school and community sites when requested.

NOTE: The lists of essential and additional functions are not exhaustive. They may be supplemented as necessary from time to time.

Job Specifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

• Prior work experience and training in the selected field (i.e., HIV prevention).
• Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds and have strong communication and presentation skills.
• Specialized training or one year of experience in treating or working with a person who has mental illness or intellectual disability. (Specialized training includes field work or internships associated with the academic curriculum, required.)
• At least three years’ experience with Mentally Ill, Developmentally Disabled, and Co-occurring adults and children as well as children with Serious Emotional Disturbance, preferred.
• Experience in crisis intervention and diagnostic assessment.
• Demonstrated excellent customer service with interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills in a non-judgmental and friendly demeanor with the diverse populations served by LifeWays, which may include consumers who display challenging behaviors.
• Excellent time management skills in a setting with potential frequent interruptions; ability to coordinate multiple concurrent projects and perform tasks in an organized and timely manner, with attention to detail.
• Professional in appearance and demeanor, telephone and interpersonal communications.
• Establishes and maintains professional working relationships with consumers, staff, providers and community partners.
• Experience with basic data analytics and proficiency/intermediate to advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access) and other relatable software (Power BI, etc.); and internet applications, including Electronic Medical Record. Ability to navigate LifeWays Intranet.
• Experienced using office equipment, including but not limited to cellular telephone; desktop VoIP telephone/voicemail; copier/fax program/scanner/printer; computer; and calculator.

Required Education/Certification/Licensure

• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services related field with willingness to obtain/fulfill requirements for a Development Plan with MCBAP for Certified Prevention Specialist.

Preferred Education/Certification/Licensure

• Master’s Degree in Social Work, or Licensed Professional Counselor LPC, with licensure with the State of Michigan.
• Certified Prevention Specialist (CPS, CPS-DP)
• Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) or Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC), preferred.
• Mental Health First Aid Training, upon hire.