Prevention Specialist - FT, Panguitch

Starting Wage: $18.86 (DOE), Plus a full benefit package (e.g.: paid vacation, sick, and holidays, medical, dental, vision insurance, HSA, URS Retirement (pension) and 401k/457b employer retirement match, etc.)

GENERAL PURPOSE:

A Full-time Prevention Specialist works with individuals, families, institutions, organizations and communities to promote positive lifestyles, reduce and eliminate drug use and other risk factors that lead to anti-social behaviors, and follow evidence-based practices to engage community leaders, organizations and agencies in uniting their prevention efforts. Prevention services are aimed to impact the general public as well as business, religious organizations, health agencies, public safety departments, school districts, and others, regarding such relevant issues as alcohol and other drugs, suicide prevention, parenting skills, and life skills.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Works under the general supervision of the Director of Prevention Services and the direct supervision of the Iron County Prevention Staff Supervisor.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

None

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS:

Prevention staff perform a variety of professional duties related to coordinating and implementing the Center's Prevention Services throughout the 5-County area, including:

1. Follow evidence-based models and work with community leaders to build, coordinate and coach coalitions/task force groups that will address drug use and mental illness by following the Strategic Prevention Framework to create and implement a prevention action plan.
2. Coordinate, develop and implement educational programs in communities and schools directed at alcohol, drug, mental health and other related prevention needs;
3. Serve on community boards and task force groups that target drug use and mental health problems;
4. Conduct research at the local level on youth behavior issues, drug and mental health trends, and risk/protective factors;
5. Provide education through conferences, presentations and town-hall events on prevention science, drug use, mental illness, and other behavioral health issues;
6. Coordinate specialty youth programs including peer education, Personal Empowerment Programs, life skills groups, training summits, youth workshops, youth service organizations, etc.; provides assistance through direct support, consultation and implementation.
7. Develops and coordinates public awareness programs, seeking cooperation and assistance from media, preparing and coordinating TV, radio, newspaper and other public awareness activities in the assigned County.
8. Works with local, state, and federal leaders to address policies that impact drug use and mental health;
9. Completes all required training, including E-learning assignments and required certifications and licensures within assigned timeframes.
10. Attends all required training/conferences (including out of state travel).
11. Provides other direct services for the assigned County for a variety of groups, including schools, government agencies, community groups and others who may request services.
12. Performs related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Education and Experience:

A. Graduated or actively enrolled in a bachelor degree in the social sciences or some other related field; AND

B. Two (2) years of progressively responsible experience performing above or related duties preferred; OR

C. An equivalent combination of education and experience

2. Licenses and/or Certifications

A. Ability to pass background check (BCI) for working with vulnerable populations

B. Valid Driver's License equivalent to a Utah Class D

3. Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Working knowledge of:

• general computer programs and proficient in their use (ie: Microsoft Office [Word, Excel, PowerPoint] and Google Suite software programs);
• facilitation and education processes related to group interaction and training;
• community and regional resources engaged in social problem solving;
• social media methods and techniques related to public awareness broadcasting.

Ability to:

• manage small groups in an educational setting and present in front of large groups;
• develop effective professional working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, clients, peer professional, and the public;
• communicate effectively, verbally and in writing;
• demonstrate creativity in problem solving.

Skilled in:

• use of computers, software programs, and keyboarding skills;
• establishing priorities, works independently, and proceeds with objectives without direct supervision when appropriate;
• creatively handling and resolving problems;
• time management principles as it applies to scheduled appointments, meeting obligations, and paperwork, encompassing all job duties.

4. Special Qualifications:

• Must obtain certification (SAPST) as a Prevention Specialist within six (6) months of hire, (paid for by agency);
• Must obtain licensure as a Prevention Specialist within three (3) years of hire, (paid for by agency);
• Must graduate from the National Coalition Academy (NCA) and become CTC certificated, (paid for by agency).