OUTREACH AND PREVENTION SPECIALIST

Under general supervision, provides education, consultation services, and training for other staff, community agencies, and the public; performs prevention activities designed to prevent alcohol and drug abuse in the county; and performs related duties as assigned. Licensing and Certifications: Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate valid California driver's license. Education and Experience: Pattern 1: One (1) year of full-time experience working in substance abuse prevention, behavioral health services, social services or related field in a public or certified private welfare agency. AND Education equivalent to an associate's degree in behavioral sciences, psychology, social work, marriage, and family counseling, or a related field. Additional directly related experience and/or education may be substituted. Pattern 2: Completion of a four (4) year college degree in behavioral sciences, psychology, social work, marriage and family counseling, or a related field. Additional directly related experience and/or education may be substituted. Additional directly related experience and/or education may be substituted. Prospective employees of the County of Lake must undergo the County's pre-employment medical review program upon receiving a conditional job offer before assuming their position with the County. Applicants may substitute relevant experience and/or education at a 2 to 1 ratio to fulfill minimum qualifications. For further details, individuals should reach out to the Human Resources department. ADA Accommodations Individuals in need of accommodation during the application and/or selection process under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) should reach out to County of Lake Human Resources at View phone number on click.appcast.io. The County is an Equal Opportunity-Affirmative Action Employer Veteran's Preference

OUTREACH AND PREVENTION SPECIALIST

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, provides education, consultation services, and training for other staff, community agencies, and the public; performs prevention activities designed to prevent alcohol and drug abuse in the county; and performs related duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is a specialized classification for Outreach and Prevention Specialists. Substance Use Disorder Services (SUDS) Prevention Specialists provide a range of services related to substance abuse prevention, education, outreach, and consulting. They may also have administrative responsibilities for specific programs, such as the court-mandated DUI program. Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA) Prevention Specialist provide a wide range of services related to mental health wellness, suicide prevention, education, outreach and consulting. They may also have administrative responsibilities for specific programs.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from supervisory and/or management staff, depending on areas of work assignments. Exercises no supervision over staff.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the scope of duties performed by employees in this class and are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job. General Duties Participates in the development, monitoring, and coordination of program goals. Maintains records and prepares reports for state and local agencies. Participates in community discussions and activities related to prevention strategies. Assists in promoting the development of collaborative prevention efforts, with a focus on community- based processes and environmental strategies. Assists in conducting prevention activities via data collection and analysis, and in full compliance with federal, state, and county regulations related to the operation and management of assigned program components. Assists in the development, maintenance, and review of program protocols, procedures, and strategies. Assists in the maintenance of literature and audio-visual materials. Travel to various work locations may be necessary, as well as participation in meetings, conferences, planning sessions, or events, both locally and outside the county. Performs related duties as assigned. For BHSA Option (in addition to general duties) Meets with individuals, families, and groups in a variety of settings to promote mental health wellness, decrease the stigmatization of mental health disorders and suicide prevention, and substance abuse prevention. Provides mental health awareness, and suicide prevention trainings to school personnel and students; community agencies; and the general community of Lake County. For SUDS Option (in addition to general duties) Meets with individuals, families, and groups in a variety of settings to promote substance abuse prevention. Monitors prevention activities and conducts community substance abuse prevention programs for targeted groups, such as children or young adults. Promotes local neighborhood action groups designed to address local alcohol and other drug related problems.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of: Psychological and social aspects and characteristics of substance abuse and/or mental health wellness and risks of suicide Requirements and needs of persons with serious substance abuse and/or mental health problems General principles, procedures, techniques, and trends related to counseling, therapy, and guidance of individuals, groups, and families in mental health programs and/or alcohol and drug treatment and prevention programs. Available community resources for substance abuse and/or behavioral health services Interviewing and client assessment techniques. Crisis intervention methods and techniques. Modern office practices, procedures, and equipment. Maintenance of files and information retrieval systems. Computer systems and databases. For BHSA Option (in addition to general knowledge required) Coordinate and deliver evidence-based prevention policies, programs, and practices targeting mental health awareness and suicide prevention. Knowledge of various mental health prevention techniques and interventions. State and local policies and procedures, as well as research and developments in mental health prevention. For SUDS Option (in addition to general knowledge required) Drugs and drug abuse patterns, alcoholism, and the physiological effects of drug abuse and alcoholism. Methods and techniques for conducting assessments of individuals’ substance abuse problems. State and local laws, policies, and procedures governing the administration of alcohol and drug prevention and treatment programs, especially those pertaining to an individual’s legal rights. Ability to: Handle stress and unstable client behavior. Communicate effectively with people from diverse ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds. Explain complex and technical terminology and concepts in an understandable and non-threatening manner. Establish and maintain a variety of personal and administrative records, clinical documentation, and related materials. Use computerized methods used by the department for maintaining and updating records. Develop and maintain cooperative, constructive relationships with families of clients, members of professional disciplines, social agencies, and staff. Effectively represent the substance abuse program in contacts with clients, the public, community organizations, other county staff, and other government organizations. Regularly work well under pressure, meeting multiple and sometimes conflicting deadlines. Constantly demonstrate cooperative behavior with colleagues, supervisors, and customers/clients. Licensing and Certifications: Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate valid California driver's license. Education and Experience: Pattern 1: One (1) year of full-time experience working in substance abuse prevention, behavioral health services, social services or related field in a public or certified private welfare agency. AND Education equivalent to an associate's degree in behavioral sciences, psychology, social work, marriage, and family counseling, or a related field. Additional directly related experience and/or education may be substituted. Pattern 2: Completion of a four (4) year college degree in behavioral sciences, psychology, social work, marriage and family counseling, or a related field. Additional directly related experience and/or education may be substituted.

WORKING CONDITIONS, ADA, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

The County of Lake is an equal opportunity employer and will comply with its obligations under the law to provide equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with disabilities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. Incumbents generally work in a typical office environment with adequate light and temperature. There may be occasional exposure to extreme temperatures, loud noise, fumes, noxious odors, dust, mist, gases, and poor ventilation; underground, confined, or restricted workspaces; and heights more than five stories above ground level. Incumbents may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures. Incumbents may also be subject to clients or members of the public afflicted with behavioral disorders or who are under emotionally stressful conditions. Positions in this class typically require: sitting, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met. Light Work: Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for sedentary work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for light work. Positions in this class may require local and statewide travel as necessary. A successful candidate will be required to submit to and pass a background check prior to the appointment. Depending upon the position and/or assigned department, the background check may include but is not limited to civil and criminal history check, reference check, Live Scan, and/or credit check (as allowed under state law). Disaster Service Workers: As members of the County of Lake Emergency Services Organization, all Lake County employees are designated as Disaster Service Workers during a proclaimed emergency and may be required to perform certain emergency services at the direction of the department and / or County. #J-18808-Ljbffr County-of-Lake,-C