Prevention Specialist

Job Summary: Incumbent will strategize and implement mental health promotion and prevention activities in school settings and across the community that address issues such as substance abuse, youth violence, and behavioral challenges. This position focuses on early identification of risk factors among youth, promoting healthier choices and resilience building, and connecting youth to culturally appropriate mental health resources.

Essential Duties:

• Assists prevention teams in planning and delivering mental health promotion activities and selected evidence-based programs across school sites and the community.
• Engages in community outreach and awareness campaigns (e.g. substance misuse, social-emotional learning, suicide prevention, bullying prevention).
• Assists students and families in navigating available supports and natural helping networks.
• Identifies at-risk youth and connects them to appropriate mental health, academic and other community supports.
• Advocates for youth needs and address barriers to service access.
• Engages in collaborative planning for purposes that include but are not limited to youth advocacy, mental health promotion activities, referral pathways, student interventions, policy development, and wrap-around services for youth and families.
• Participates in school-based multidisciplinary teams.
• Attends and engages regular staff meetings, trainings, and professional development.
• Reviews, tracks, and analyzes data related to student behaviors, academics, attendance, and mental health.
• Maintains accurate records of services provided and program outcomes.
• Prepares educational presentations and workshops to raise awareness and provides training on various mental health topics.

Additional Responsibilities: This position description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties performed by this employee. He or she will be required to follow any other instructions or to perform any other duties requested by his or her supervisor.

Incumbent will adhere to all applicable Board and Education guidelines, policies, practices, legislation and regulatory requirements at each school.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE, & QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION: HS Diploma or equivalent preferred.

EXPERIENCE: 2 years field experience preferred in substance abuse prevention, youth programs, community outreach.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience practicing in a family-centered environment.
• Experience practicing in a culturally and linguistically diverse setting.
• Demonstrated understanding and acceptance of working as a member of a multidisciplinary team.
• Experience in collaborating with family members, youth and community cultural stakeholders through active involvement with the community.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Experience with public speaking.
• Community outreach & education experience
• Open to collaboration with schools, coalitions, or public agencies

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:

LANGUAGE SKILLS: Keres-speaking appreciated or ability to work effectively in a multi-lingual environment with a translator.

COMPUTER SKILLS: Familiarity of Microsoft Office software including Windows, Word, Access, and Excel.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of customs and mores of the Pueblo of San Felipe community, and appreciation for the importance of traditional ways of lifestyle and language.
• Ability to apply multicultural sensitivity and awareness of working in tribal communities
• Willingness and ability to treat consumers with respect, empathy and dignity
• Possess a working understanding of HIPAA regulations, requirements, and guidelines and willingness to exercise a strict level of patient confidentiality

Required Licenses/Certifications: Must obtain First Aid and Defensive Driving within 1 year from date of hire. Must obtain Certified Peer Worker Certification within 2 years from date of hire.

• Valid New Mexico driver’s license.

• Preferences: San Felipe, Keres language and Veteran’s Preferences.