CD Prevention Specialist

Job Title: Chemical Dependency Prevention Specialist

Department: Health Department

Reports To: Chemical Dependency Program Manager

Job Status: Non - Exempt

Type: Full Time Regular

Grade:G

JOB SUMMARY:

The Chemical Dependency Prevention Specialist delivers the front-line work of the Nooksack Way of Life (NWOL) prevention program: substance use prevention education and awareness, culture-based youth activities including Canoe Racing and Canoe Journey, participant recruitment, referral coordination, and the data collection that supports SAMHSA reporting. The position works directly with Tribal programs, the Tribal community, and regional schools to address alcohol and drug misuse within the Native American Indian population.

MAJOR TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Deliver education and awareness activities on substance use and misuse of alcohol and drugs, helping participants overcome dependencies, adjust to life, or make changes.
• Plan, carry out, and evaluate public education, prevention, and health promotion activities in collaboration with organizations, institutions, and communities.
• Provide information about substance use and misuse and about available services and programs, using print and electronic media, and make appropriate referrals when necessary.
• Instruct others in chemical dependency prevention program methods, procedures, and functions.
• Conduct outreach and build a strong community presence for the prevention program.
• Work collaboratively with SAMHSA Prevention staff to develop Canoe Racing and Canoe Journey as a meaningful purpose activity and an alternative to substance use and misuse of alcohol and drugs, including:
• Support for physical training when weather conditions do not permit canoe practice on the water.
• Support for daily on-water practice when weather conditions permit.
• Support for participation in canoe race competition on a regular basis.
• Support for Canoe Journey activities by organizing stops and giveaways.
• Support for Canoe Journey activities in learning regalia, singing, and dancing.
• Recruit at-risk youth from the Tribal community and from Tribal programs, schools, courts, and TANF for prevention services.
• Coordinate counseling efforts with chemical dependency, mental health, and other health professionals, such as doctors, nurses, and social workers.
• Draft and maintain client referral service agreements describing the policy and procedures for referring participants to NWOL Prevention programs with Tribal Education, Social Services, Housing, TANF, Police, Tribal Court, and others, for Project Supervisor review and approval.
• Act as an advocate to resolve participant and program problems in accessing care or program services.
• Confer with family members or others close to participants to keep them informed of planning and progress.
• Coordinate activities with schools, courts, probation officers, community services, and other post-treatment agencies, and act as liaison between participants and medical staff, schools, and court systems as needed.
• Participate in case conferences and staff meetings.
• Supervise volunteers and chaperones during prevention activities.
• Train supervisors and chaperones to ensure safety and to handle behavior management.
• Provide lead direction to other prevention workers in the development of activities and coordination of wrap-around care services, as assigned by the Project Supervisor.
• Conduct research, collect data, monitor activities, and distribute pre- and post-surveys; provide data and results to the Project Supervisor and CD Program Manager and assist with report writing.
• Assist in developing, reviewing, and evaluating progress toward the measurable prevention goals in the SAMHSA and chemical dependency program strategic plans.
• Assist the Project Supervisor in carrying out prevention activities specific to the project, and with coordination of the processes associated with SAMHSA goals and objectives.
• Assist in research and development of sustainability plans for the project.
• Prepare activity reports as requested by the Project Supervisor.
• Meet at least once per week with the Project Supervisor to assess prevention program progress and planning.

OTHER DUTIES:

Because of the Tribe's commitment to community service and the well-being of its members, each employee may be expected to perform a wide range of office and field duties from time to time. Such duties may or may not be related to their regular responsibilities.

PREFERENCE:

• Indian Preference Policy applies to this and all positions with the Nooksack Indian Tribe.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

The following qualifications are required for the incumbent to have, in order to be considered for the position.

REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING FOR POSITION:

• Possess a high school diploma and AAS Degree or four (4) years directly related experience.
• Possess or obtain 120 hours of chemical dependency training focused on the principles of prevention and the application of effective strategies to address the needs of individual within six months of employment.
• Must pass alcohol/drug screening test at time of hire and throughout employment.
• Must pass criminal background check at the time of hire and periodically thereafter.

REQUIRED SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES POSITION:

• Must be knowledgeable of Coastal Cultural tradition’s Ceremony’s.
• Working knowledge of Northwest Tribal communities.
• Possess the management skills to meet deadlines and follow-through on project goals and objectives.
• Exhibit ethical and professional behavioral in all facets of the position.
• Communicate effectively both orally and writing.
• Work with minimal supervision.
• Willingness to meet and travel to multiple locations.
• Attend meeting with government agencies and other stakeholders, ect.

REQUIRED CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Must pass alcohol/drug test at time of hire and throughout employment.
• Must pass criminal background check at time of hire and periodically thereafter.

REQUIRED LICENSES OR CERTIFICATIONS:

• Must have and maintain throughout employment a valid Washington State Driver's License and meet the insurability requirements of the Tribe. (Must Provide Driving Abstract at time of hire).
• First Aid/CPR certification required
• Proof of negative TB test within the past 12 months
• HIV/AIDS training or obtain within the first month of employment
• Must pass pre-employment check through DSHS, Oregon DHS and Washington State Patrol.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS (The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.):

• The standard work week is 8:30-5:00 Monday through Friday (occasionally may have to work evenings)
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit for long periods and frequently required to talk and listen.
• Sitting for extended periods while at a desk or in meetings.
• Manual dexterity to operate a keyboard, calculator, and telephone system
• Ability to lift up to 20+ pounds without assistance occasionally.
• Typical office setting with environmentally controlled conditions.
• Read, write, speak and understand English
• Ability to listen, understands customers, and has the ability to translate rules, regulations, and policies to clients so they understand the issues/problems.
• Operate in mentally and physically stressful situations with composure.
• May have to walk/drive between office locations under a variety of conditions.
• Must be able to bend, reach, kneel, twist, and grip from assigned work areas.

DESIRED SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES POSITION

The following qualifications are preferred/helpful for the incumbent who has these skills/knowledge or abilities for this position.

• Develop and coordinate substance abuse prevention program(s).
• Supervision of chemical dependency youth prevention program(s).
• Direct work experience with schools, community groups and other agencies.
• Coordination of collaboration with volunteers.
• Possible assistance needed with writing grants.
• Provide referrals to health officials, maintain and protect the privacy of all clients.

I have read and understand the position requirements as stated above I further, understand that occasionally I may be instructed to perform duties that are not listed above but are relative to my position.

The Tribe hopes that the employment relationship will be long and productive, however the Tribe is an employer at-will therefore you may terminate the employment relationship at any time and likewise the Tribe may terminate the employment relationship at any time. Neither you nor the Tribe needs to provide a reason for a decision to terminate the employment relationship.