OASAS Prevention Specialist - Education Program

Prevention Specialist

Hope For Youth is a nonprofit organization that has been providing comprehensive child welfare services for over 50 years. Our mission is to facilitate positive outcomes for children, adolescents, and families across Long Island. We are also honored to announce that the Hauppauge Industrial Association of Long Island (HIA-LI), an advocate for its member organizations since 1978, has recognized HFY as their Not-For Profit Business Award honoree for Excellence in 2025 and 2026!

Our OASAS Primary Prevention Program offers evidence-based education and support to children, families, and community stakeholders, with the goal of preventing substance and alcohol use. Through classroom-based presentations and community outreach, we empower individuals with the tools they need to make healthy choices.

To be a successful Prevention Specialist you must be ready, willing, and able to do the following always:

1. Function within the policies and procedures as outlined in program practice guide and employee manual
2. Adhere to state regulations and applicable code of conduct
3. Perform other resulting and necessary work to meet the needs and requirements of the clients, the program, Hope for Youth, oversight agency and any other regulatory obligations

How you will generally spend your time in this job:

• Develop, plan, and deliver evidence-based character-building and social-emotional learning programs in school classrooms.
• Provide prevention and psychoeducational programming to elementary school children.
• Plan and lead community awareness events related to alcohol, substance use, and gambling prevention.
• Conduct community surveys to assess local prevention needs and develop responsive programming.
• Participate in summer camp programming in the Town of Babylon.
• Attend required trainings, meetings, and professional development sessions.
• Complete documentation and maintain compliance with OASAS Prevention regulations.

To qualify for this job, you need to have at minimum:

1. High School Diploma. Bachelor's degree CASAC, CPP or CPS preferred
2. Preferably one year of experience working with children and adolescents or community action work.
3. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required.
4. Ability to practice within the scope of OASAS Prevention regulations.
5. Driving; Driving positions require NYS License, in good standing
6. Computer skills are essential.
7. Access to a reliable vehicle that can be used on a regular basis for work.
8. Excellent writing skills/time management.
9. Ability to be flexible with scheduling (work evenings, possible weekends if necessary).
10. Physical Requirements: read/write reports and log entries, walking/standing for prolonged periods, bending/stooping, kneeling/squatting, climbing stairs, reaching overhead, repetitive wrist/finger movements, ongoing access to reliable vehicle and driving own vehicle for work.

This opportunity is available as a Full-Time position.

• 35-hour work week, 8am-4pm some weekends/evenings flexing schedule to attend events

Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Please include a resume, cover letter and salary requirements. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Hope For Youth is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Excellent training and leadership opportunities available throughout employment and more.

Here are some of the other benefits of working for Hope for Youth. All offers must be made contingent and once a contingent offer has been accepted, all processing must note the contingency throughout the process.

• Meaningful work that makes a difference in the lives of children and families of Long Island!
• Supportive like-minded, mission-driven co-workers
• Diverse Culture that promotes recognition and belonging
• Advancement and supplemental pay opportunities
• Free Training programs, Free Tuition Credits, Scholarships and Tuition Assistance
• Employees may be eligible for Student Loan Forgiveness Programs
• Special Events and Recognition Awards
• Volunteer and Internship opportunities available within
• Benefit eligibility commences on the first of the month following the first 30 days of employment - Medical, Dental, Vision - HRA with HSA and Co-pay options available.
• 91% Employer-paid medical premiums
• Generous paid time off
• Agency-funded Pension Plan
• Pre-tax savings plans: self-directed 403(b), 529, Aflac
• Agency-paid life insurance and disability, and for some positions, long-term disability