The Community Schools Prevention Specialist, under the guidance of the Assistant Supervisor, will employ the Strategic Prevention Framework and Community Schools model to enhance school prevention programming and connectedness in various school and/or community settings, specific to Elmira City Schools. Their role involves supporting community initiatives that prioritize student health, well-being, and family and community strengthening. Responsibilities include identifying existing assets, fostering collaborations, initiating trainings, and tracking progress toward shared objectives. Working with various school and community stakeholders, the specialist will assess needs, develop plans for program implementation, and manage activities to promote healthy and successful children, strong families, and a thriving community. As part of a larger support services team, they aim to establish a friendly presence within the school through cooperative relationships, offering a full continuum of care, including on-site substance misuse prevention services, consulting, and expertise in substance misuse prevention strategies for individuals and groups. Routine work hours overlap to the school day (before and after school). Special events or projects may take place during the early evenings and/or on a weekend. This position is for 10 months/year with July and August off.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

Required Bachelors Degree, Masters Preferred

Field Education, Sociology, Psychology, Public Health, Social Services, Human Services, and Social Work, Community Health or related field.

EXPERIENCE

· Preferred: Substance misuse and/or public health prevention with competency using Evidence Based Programs/Strategies. Work with community coalitions/committees. Additional acceptable experience: youth counseling in mental health or substance abuse service environment

• Minimum of two (2) years of experience working with children, students, and families is required

• Must have the ability to demonstrate significant knowledge of positive youth development, asset development, risk reduction, and protective factors

REQUIRED CREDENTIAL / LICENSE

Required Valid NYS Driver’s License

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

· General computer skills, including keyboard and mouse operations; visual and/or auditory capacity.

· The employee may lift up to 50 pounds and occasionally carry up to 30 pounds

WORK ENVIRONMENT

· While performing the duties of this job, the employee is expected to adhere to strict policies/regulations relative to being in a tobacco-and alcohol-free workplace.

· Work is performed in a school and within the school community; working with students, families, school staff, and other adults.

SKILLS

· Demonstrated experience working in a school environment

· Demonstrated experience in developing and facilitating presentations and programs for diverse groups, including teens and adults

· In-depth knowledge and interest in the public health approach to reducing alcohol, tobacco, and other drug-related problems.

· Strong group facilitation, leadership development, and public speaking skills.

· Proven ability to engage youth and/or adults in health and wellness conversations based on audience needs.

· Effective relationship-building skills with children of various ages and their parents/guardians.

· Proficient in technology, record-keeping, and time management.

· Excellent oral and written communication skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office.

· Ability to produce media advocacy and health communication materials.

· Adherence to ethical conduct and a non-judgmental and respectful demeanor, especially in crisis response.

· Dynamic presentation and facilitation skills with a self-starter mindset.

· Ability to develop positive relationships with key stakeholders.

Competence in conducting research and applying best practices and evaluation methods.

RESPONSIBILITIES

May perform all or part of the following duties

· Provides delivery of evidenced-based and alcohol/drug misuse prevention education programs with middle and high school students as well as presentations in a public format. These programs and presentations are consistent with the OASAS Prevention Guidelines and CASA-Trinity mission and standards.

· The position allows for initiative and innovation in program development and delivery, under the guidance of the Assistant Supervisor.

· Collaborate with school faculty to promote the community school model and strategies based on needs and resource assessments.

· Conduct needs and resource assessments, including surveys, focus groups, archival data collection, and key informant interviews.

· Formulate logic models and strategic plans for the school/community using the Strategic Prevention Framework and Community Schools model.

· Partner with community coalitions to establish and maintain linkages with local organizations and businesses for expanded learning opportunities and support services.

· Provide day-to-day support for the implementation of community school partnership plans.

· Plan and execute efforts to involve students and engage families in the community school model.

· Participate in capacity-building activities, including school-wide and building-based trainings and technical assistance.

· Collaborate with parent liaisons to enhance family engagement at the school site.

· Implement substance abuse prevention strategies and programming, adapting content to meet audience needs.

· Create and compile presentation materials for both adults and youth.

· Collect and analyze statistics and data, generating reports to meet deadlines.

· Comprehend outcomes data and adjust programs accordingly.

· Provide education and support to the community and schools for promoting healthy lifestyles and choices.

· Act as a resource person in substance abuse education, selecting and maintaining educational resources on health and wellness topics.

· Plan exhibits and health fairs to motivate audiences to understand and act on health issues.

· Attend School Support Service meetings.

· Conduct intake, needs assessment, and service planning for students in individual sessions.

· Manage referrals and coordination within the school and with community partners.

· Engage in asset development activities, focusing on risk reduction and protective factors.

· Provide alternatives to suspension services such as restorative practices.

· Act as an agency liaison at various meetings and events, connecting school policies and procedures to prevention/brief intervention programming.

****This job description is intended to provide a description of essential job functions that are used to assess employee performance. It is not an all-inclusive statement of job responsibilities.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $21.00 - $23.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Weekends as needed

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• working with Youth in a school setting: 1 year (Preferred)
• working with Youth in a community setting: 1 year (Preferred)
• Marketing: 1 year (Preferred)
• Managing Social Media Accounts: 1 year (Preferred)
• Public Speaking: 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Certified Prevention Specialist Credential (CPS) (Preferred)
• Drivers License (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Elmira, NY: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person