Prevention Specialist

Youth Services Prevention Specialist

The Youth Services Prevention Specialist will provide drug and alcohol awareness directly to targeted populations (K-12) in various settings and assists in the development and coordination of substance abuse prevention, working with schools, after school groups, summer day camp, community groups and other agencies. These individuals will work with primarily youth ages Kindergarten through 12th grade.

Essential Functions:

1. Develop and organize prevention activities that demonstrate positive youth growth.
2. Mentor and guide youth individually and in groups while using a behavior management system to shape youth behavior.
3. Collaborate with schools, parent-teacher groups, civic organizations, church groups, and other youth and community organizations to provide information and awareness on alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.
4. Network with other prevention and social service agencies within the region to include prevention, intervention, treatment, mental health, etc. to provide comprehensive services, identify needs, and make referrals, as necessary.
5. Participate in alcohol, tobacco, or other drug awareness campaigns as needed.
6. Participate in health fairs, business expos, parades, and other community events for the purpose of providing anti-substance use messages.
7. Assist in providing orientation or information sessions for parents, teachers, staff, or administrators in target area schools and community sites when requested.
8. Document all program activities as required and submit program reports and records according to the agency's established deadlines.
9. Assist in maintaining and updating the agency's community resource list, video reference list, curriculum inventory, program materials inventory, and physical inventory.
10. Participate in staff meetings, committees, attend professional development conferences, training sessions, webinars/seminars as needed to enhance your knowledge, broaden your horizon, and obtain continued education.
11. Perform other duties as assigned to promote the overall mission and vision of CND.

Skills and Abilities:

Education: A bachelor's degree in social/behavioral sciences or related field is preferred, or an associate degree with three (3) to five (5) years of experience in the social services field.

Must possess, be in the process of obtaining, or be willing to obtain an Ohio Certified Prevention Specialist (OPCS) certification.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications: Prior substance abuse prevention training is preferred. Experience working with youth in schools, or in a community setting, is preferred. Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills is preferred. Experience in multi-cultural environments is preferred, and being bi-lingual in English and Spanish is a plus.

1. Commitment to learning, creating positive changes, and enabling others to learn
2. Strong verbal communication skills
3. Ability to work with diverse population
4. Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality

Computer Skills:

Proficient in the use of a personal computer and related software (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and use of office equipment (e.g., fax, copier, printer).

Other Requirements:

Must possess a valid Ohio driver's license; must pass a criminal background check and a pre-employment drug screen.