What are the responsibilities and job description for the Prevention Specialist position at St. Vincent Catholic Charities?
Job Summary
At Catholic Charities of Ingham, Eaton, and Clinton Counties, every team member plays an essential role in advancing our mission to serve vulnerable individuals and families with compassion and dignity. As part of our team, you will contribute to a wide range of services aimed at fostering hope, healing, and empowerment within the communities we serve.
The Prevention Specialist is responsible for planning, coordinating, and delivering evidence-based prevention services to diverse populations, including families, youth, and individuals currently or formerly involved in the criminal justice system. This role includes facilitating group sessions, conducting outreach, and implementing strategies that promote healthy behaviors and reduce risk factors associated with substance use, violence, and other harmful behaviors.
Key Responsibilities
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Public Health, Criminal Justice, or related field preferred
Other Lived Or Professional Experience May Be Considered
Minimum Experience: 1 year of experience working with youth, families, or justice-involved individuals
Personal Attributes Anticipated
This job description is intended to outline the essential functions, general supplementary tasks, and key requirements for successful performance in this role. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position. Additional tasks may be assigned, and management reserves the right to modify duties as needed.
At Catholic Charities of Ingham, Eaton, and Clinton Counties, every team member plays an essential role in advancing our mission to serve vulnerable individuals and families with compassion and dignity. As part of our team, you will contribute to a wide range of services aimed at fostering hope, healing, and empowerment within the communities we serve.
The Prevention Specialist is responsible for planning, coordinating, and delivering evidence-based prevention services to diverse populations, including families, youth, and individuals currently or formerly involved in the criminal justice system. This role includes facilitating group sessions, conducting outreach, and implementing strategies that promote healthy behaviors and reduce risk factors associated with substance use, violence, and other harmful behaviors.
Key Responsibilities
- Facilitate group-based prevention education sessions using approved, evidence-based curricula.
- Provide individual and family support services, including screenings and referrals.
- Develop and implement culturally responsive programming tailored to the needs of at-risk populations.
- Maintain accurate documentation, including progress notes, attendance records, and case files.
- Collaborate with schools, community organizations, and justice system partners to coordinate services.
- Conduct outreach and community engagement activities, including presentations and health fairs.
- Monitor and evaluate program effectiveness and fidelity to curriculum standards.
- Participate in staff meetings, training, and continuous quality improvement initiatives.
- Other duties as assigned
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Public Health, Criminal Justice, or related field preferred
Other Lived Or Professional Experience May Be Considered
Minimum Experience: 1 year of experience working with youth, families, or justice-involved individuals
- Must be comfortable and skilled in facilitating group sessions and public speaking.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work flexible hours, including limited evenings and weekends
- Certified Prevention Specialist (CPS) or applicable development plan
- Experience with evidence-based programs such as Nurturing Parenting, Strengthening Families, or Triple P
- Bilingual (English/Spanish)
- Familiarity with trauma-informed care and motivational interviewing
Personal Attributes Anticipated
- Mission-Driven: Demonstrates a deep commitment to the mission and values of Catholic Charities of Ingham, Eaton, and Clinton Counties, and incorporates them into daily work
- Collaborative Team Player: Thrives in a team environment, contributing positively and working effectively with others to achieve shared goals
- Solution-Oriented Problem Solver: Proactively identifies challenges and develops practical, innovative solutions to address them
- Culturally Sensitive: Demonstrates awareness and respect for the cultural diversity of both colleagues and clients, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment
- Integrity: Upholds a strong moral character, consistently doing what is right, and responsibly using time and resources to serve the organization’s mission
- This position is on-site and may not be eligible for remote work
- Attendance at occasional meetings or events outside regular business hours is required
- The role involves working with sensitive or potentially traumatic information and direct interaction with individuals or families in crisis
- Physical requirements include frequent use of hands for handling objects, tools, or controls; talking, bending, squatting, twisting, climbing, kneeling, reaching, and occasionally lifting or carrying up to 30 pounds
- Vision requirements include close-up work, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus
- The work environment may involve varying degrees of physical discomfort and occasional loud noise
- Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions
This job description is intended to outline the essential functions, general supplementary tasks, and key requirements for successful performance in this role. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position. Additional tasks may be assigned, and management reserves the right to modify duties as needed.