Prevention & Intervention Specialist (opens in new tab)

Location: Columbus / Central Ohio
Reports to: Director of Prevention & Intervention
Employment Status: Exempt
Salary: $48,000 to $50,000
Position Term: Grant-funded for up to two years; continued employment is contingent upon the availability of grant funding.

Position Summary

The Prevention & Intervention Specialist supports the implementation and expansion of prevention and early intervention programming across Communities In Schools of Ohio partner schools. This position will work closely with the Director of Prevention & Intervention, school-based staff, and community partners to deliver evidence-informed prevention programming to include topics such as vaping, nicotine and tobacco use, and other behaviors that may create barriers to student success.

A key focus of this role is not only providing direct programming to students but also building the capacity of existing CIS staff. The Specialist will help train, coach, and support Site Coordinators in implementing prevention curriculum so that programming can continue and grow beyond the initial grant-funded period.

• Facilitate prevention and intervention programming with CIS staff and students in identified partner schools.
• Support programming that includes topics on vaping, nicotine and tobacco prevention, healthy decision‑making, and other identified student needs.
• Work with the Director of Prevention & Intervention to develop, adapt, and implement age‑appropriate prevention curriculum and activities.
• Assist with the development of a train‑the‑trainer model that prepares CIS Site Coordinators to facilitate prevention programming independently.
• Provide training, coaching, modeling, and technical assistance to Site Coordinators and other staff implementing prevention curriculum.
• Build positive relationships with students, school staff, families, and community partners.
• Coordinate with Site Coordinators to ensure prevention services complement existing CIS supports rather than operate as a separate program.
• Support student referrals to additional intervention services and community resources when appropriate.
• Maintain accurate documentation of programming, student participation, services, and outcomes.
• Assist with collecting program data needed for grant reporting, evaluation, and continuous improvement.
• Participate in program planning, staff meetings, professional development, and partnership meetings as needed.
• Support prevention‑related events, campaigns, workshops, and other school or community activities.
• Travel to assigned CIS partner schools as needed.
• Perform other related duties that support the goals of the Prevention & Intervention initiative.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in social work, education, public health, counseling, human services, prevention, or a related field preferred. Equivalent relevant experience may be considered.
• Experience working with school‑age youth, particularly middle and/or high school students.
• Experience facilitating groups, lessons, workshops, or prevention programming.
• Knowledge of youth substance‑use prevention, vaping/nicotine prevention, positive youth development, or related areas preferred.
• Strong communication, facilitation, and relationship‑building skills.
• Ability to train and coach adults as well as work directly with students.
• Ability to work collaboratively with school personnel, CIS staff, families, and community partners.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to maintain required program documentation and data.
• Ability to work independently while remaining connected to a larger program team.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation for travel between partner schools.
• Demonstrates a student‑centered, engaging, flexible, and collaborative approach.
• Comfortable working across multiple school environments and adapting to the unique needs of each school community.
• Builds strong, positive relationships with students and connects effectively with young people.
• Serves as a coach, resource, and trusted partner to CIS staff and other adults supporting students.
• Delivers engaging, high‑quality prevention programming with consistency and professionalism.
• Understands and supports the long‑term goal of building staff capacity and ensuring program sustainability.
• Equips CIS staff with the knowledge, tools, resources, and confidence needed to continue prevention programming effectively.
• Recognizes that success in the role includes both delivering impactful programming and developing the capacity of others to sustain the work over time.