Part-Time School Based Prevention Specialist

Where New Paths Begin

OhioGuidestone has been voted as a top workplace in Cleveland for the past seven years! We strive to make a creative, fun and collaborative work environment you simply won’t find anywhere else. If you are passionate about service, apply today! 

OhioGuidestone is seeking a school based Prevention Specialist to work with the school districts in the Tuscarawas County regional area. The Prevention Specialist will provide whole classroom prevention education instruction and facilitation to elementary and middle schools using evidence-based programs. 
This is a 10-month contract from mid-August through June.

This position is Part Time and works during the school year between mid-August through late May/early June each year.

Reasons why it is GREAT to work for OhioGuidestone

Qualifications:

• Must be at least 21 years of age with a High School Diploma or equivalency certificate.
• Associates, Bachelors or Master’s degree in social work, counseling, psychology or other related human service field, is preferred.
• Experience with outreach, prevention or supportive service is preferred. Experience working with children and families is also preferred

Essential Functions:

• State, Federal and Local laws relative to the agency’s programs
• The agency’s purpose, goals, objectives, policies and personnel practices
• Dynamics of human behavior, psychosocial issues, family systems theory, family development, learning theory, personality theory and group dynamics
• The principles and techniques of social work or counseling, including group facilitation
• Methods, strategies, and techniques of alcohol and other drug prevention
• Social and economic problems related to individual and/or family functioning
• Cultural competency issues, particularly in regard to risk factors for substance use disorder.

The Substance Use Prevention Specialist will demonstrate professional skills to do the following:

• Communicate effectively, by conversing and in writing
• Computer skills including word processing, spreadsheets, E-mail and internet
• Operating business machines including copier, computer and fax
• Organize and plan effectively, utilizing time management and prioritization of need as basis for work task completion
• Develop and implement effective stress management strategies
• Exercise logic, reason and maturity in judgment and decision making
• Work effectively in a classroom setting.
• Exemplify self-discipline, self-awareness, and accept constructive criticism
• Successfully engage parents and children/students, developing effective dialogue, rapport and listening skills
• Link and refer families served to appropriate service providers to meet the identified needs of the client and family through creative use of available community resources
• Utilize interpersonal and communication skills to effectively facilitate classroom discussions and interactions.
• Effectively utilize substance use prevention strategies and group activities to provide education and skill building to students served.
• Empower students and families served to increase pro-social support networks in order to benefit their lives,
• Professionally and effectively provide education and outreach regarding substance use prevention strategies and program elements to the general population and collaborative partners.

The Substance Use Prevention Specialist will demonstrate professional behavior and appropriate attitudes by:

• Interacting appropriately in a host setting and working cooperatively with staff members
• Professionally representing the agency in the community
• Abiding by the Code of Ethics for Prevention Specialists
• Demonstrating respect and dignity of other staff, consumers, and other professionals in the community
• Relating to other persons and tolerating personal differences in values and opinions which include sensitivity to service population’s cultural and socioeconomic characteristics.

Duties and Responsibilities of the Position:

• Adhere to consumers’ confidentiality
• Meet all documentation requirements, per agency policies and program guidelines
• Maintain relevant and necessary documentation to meet statistical, fiscal, and service provision requirements of the agency, inspecting for accuracy
• Work collaboratively with other involved service providers and stay informed of current area resources and services
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with school personnel
• Plan and conduct all group services, following proven effective strategies for substance use prevention
• Provide education and skill building relevant to substance use prevention to classroom participants
• Maintain accurate program data and statistical information
• Travel to schools and other community sites using own vehicle
• Maintain a valid driver’s license in the state of Ohio with insurance coverage.
• Participate in individual development of professional continuing education by reading, attending workshops, classes and other mandated or voluntary training opportunities relevant to job responsibilities
• Participate in monthly group staffing with all prevention staff
• Participate in an annual evaluation and on-going weekly supervision
• Participate in the agency’s CQI process
• Participate in on-going Staff Development Program
• Participate, when requested, in the agency’s on-going public relations and community information and education events
• Maintains regular and reliable attendance
• May be involved in the planning, organization, and implementation of special events or department specific projects or seasonal program changes.
• In times of need, may be asked to complete related duties other than those indicated above as assigned by their supervisor.

Performance/Physical Requirements:

• Able to ascend and descend stairs
• Able to move or transport approximately a minimum of 20 pounds

Licensure

• The Substance Use Prevention Specialist position does not require licensure.
• The Substance Use Prevention Specialist must, however, work towards certification as a certified Ohio Prevention Specialist, following the guidelines determined by the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services.

At OhioGuidestone we care about the health and safety of our employees. OhioGuidestone requires applicants to complete a pre-employment screening process upon receipt of an offer of employment. We require and cover the cost of fingerprint background screening, physical, Tuberculosis test, and drug screen after an employment offer is made. Any employment offer is contingent upon receipt of all satisfactory pre-employment screenings.

We believe that fostering a workforce that reflects diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives strengthens our organization. Embracing diversity not only promotes a culture of respect and belonging, but it also enhances creativity, innovation, and problem-solving, ultimately contributing to our collective success.