Prevention Services Specialist

Rincon - Building Spaces, Restoring Communities- Who we are:

What began as a small clinic established by young community leaders on the West Side of Chicago in 1972 has grown into one of the largest providers of high- quality and culturally competent services focusing on counseling, behavioral health services, substance use prevention and treatment, violence prevention, education, and family services. We are dedicated to rendering compassionate and effective programs to promote the quality of life by catalyzing advocate, educate and empower individuals and their families.

Position Summary: This role focuses on supporting youth substance use prevention initiatives through a combination of education, outreach, and community engagement. The role requires strong organizational, communication, and facilitation skills to effectively educate, engage, and support youth in making healthy, informed decisions.

Company Culture - Do Our Values Speak to You

At Rincon, our commitment to mutual respect, inclusivity, and diversity is woven into the structure of all that we do. We value:  

1. Dedication- Embodying effective and transparent leadership and quality client care. 
2. Education – Preventative programming and clinical services based on industry standards, competence and outreach. 
3. Accountability – Consistent service delivery, measurable success, and sensible financial management. 
4. Advocacy – Empowerment, reduction of treatment stigma, and relationship building with partners. 
5. Compassion – Embracing culturally diverse communities and equality through sensitivity to individual needs.

With these values in mind, we promote a culture that fosters professional development and agency success. Many of our employees span an extended tenure, and we pride ourselves on developing dedicated and supported team members.

Areas of Accountability - What you will be doing:

• Implement communication campaign in select schools
• Recruit and administer the Illinois Youth Survey in required schools
• Implement the Youth Prevention Education Curriculum in select schools
• Assist in the facilitation of monthly Youth Advisory Committee meetings and planning yearly events
• Assist in the planning of two activities during National Prevention Week that focus on youth marijuana, prescription and opioid drug prevention. Involve the help of the Youth Advisory Committee.
• Planning and promoting a live in person prescription drug takeback event, providing a safe way to dispose of prescription drugs on National Prescription Drug Takeback Day
• Maintain and update a resource guide that identifies all SUD treatment and human service organizations
• Other duties as assigned

Secondary Responsibilities:

• Gather, report, and interpret data for improved program outcomes
• Learn a new data reporting platform to communicate with IDHS about the grant
• Attend conferences, coalitions, workshops, and professional development trainings
• Build relationships with school administration to organize implementation of substance use prevention curriculum  
• Foster and model cultural competence in all interactions and program activities
• Provide additional holistic support through Rincon Family Services to students and community members whose needs extend beyond the scope of the CSUP grant
• Keep informed of prevention best practices
• Other duties as assigned.

CSUP Program Definitions

• Communication Campaigns: Coordinated effort that uses planned messages, and strategies to inform and influence youth about marijuana usage.
• Illinois Youth Survey: A voluntary, anonymous, self-report survey that collects data on health and social indicators (like substance use, bullying, school climate, nutrition, etc.) every other year.
• Youth Prevention Education Curriculum: 10-week curriculum course that uses primary prevention to keep students from using drugs and alcohol. The first five weeks of the curriculum teach Social Emotional Learning and responsible decision making, and the second five weeks focus on substances. 
• Youth Advisory Committee: A ‘formal’ board of young people developing and implementing community-based substance use prevention services. 
• National Prevention Week: A national campaign each May that raises awareness about preventing substance use and supporting mental wellness.
• Drug Takeback Day: An event held twice a year to help communities safely dispose of unused prescription medications and prevent drug misuse.
• Resource Guide: A compiled list of SUD treatment and human service services that connect individuals to community resources and support.

Rincon Rewards & Benefits:

1. Health insurance 
2. Dental & Vision insurance
3. Life insurance 
4. Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance 
5. 403(b) Retirement Plan
6. Generous PTO (Paid time off)- Accrue up to 21 days in Year 1, some PTO carryover allowable. 
7. Employee Assistance Program 
8. Professional Development Opportunities 
9. Employment may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)
10. Certain employees may qualify for City of Chicago commuter transit benefits

Rincon’s Work Environment – What to expect:

1. Physical demands: The Prevention Services specialist must be able to successfully perform the essential functions of this job, including transporting paperwork and other materials between a variety of on-site and off-site locations and preparing for activities that may require traveling to off-site locations. They must be able to operate a computer and other office productivity machinery.
2.  Environment: Your role will involve both office-based tasks and fieldwork, providing a dynamic and varied work environment. The role involves a combination of office work and field activities. You will frequently use a computer for data tasks and travel regularly to attend meetings and events. The job requires engaging with community members, organizing events, and providing educational services, which involves standing, walking, and occasionally lifting materials. Adaptability to various physical environments and conditions is essential.

Schedule: 35-hour work week (7 Hours/Day with unpaid lunch). Typically, 9-5 schedule with flexibility for occasional evenings/weekend events and adapting to school needs.

Language:

• Fluency in Spanish, bicultural applicants strongly preferred.

Requirements

The Knowledge and Expertise that Matters Most - What you bring to the Role:

• Strong project management skills 
• Strong organizational and time management skills to handle multiple programs and deadlines
• Proficiency in Microsoft Suite, Canva, and other data management/reporting systems
• Strong written and oral communication and presentation skills, both with youth and adults
• Ability to work effectively with peers, individual clients and groups
• Proactive and resourceful in identifying needs and implementing solutions
• Familiarity with grant-funded programs or data reporting
• 1-2 years' experience working with youth in educational, prevention, or mentoring settings
• 1-2 years' experience working with youth in grades 7–12, preferably in a school or community setting
• Experience implementing prevention or health education programs
• Experience organizing events or campaigns targeting youth or community engagement

Position Qualifications: – What is required to Perform the Role:

• Preferably a bachelor's degree in the social services field, or five years' experience in Social Justice fields.
• Must pass background checks.
• Ability to travel withing Chicago
•  Your role will involve both office-based tasks and fieldwork, providing a dynamic and varied work environment. The job requires engaging with community members, organizing events, and providing educational services, which involves standing, walking, and occasionally lifting materials. Adaptability to various physical environments and conditions is essential.