Prevention Specialist

Prevention Specialist

MHA promotes mental health and total wellness for individuals facing challenges associated with mental illness and addiction recovery. We increase community awareness while enhancing mental well-being through advocacy, education, prevention, treatment, and services.

The Mental Health Association is seeking a full time Prevention Specialist for our New Jersey Statewide Student Support Services (NJ4S) Hub Program, operating in Morris and Sussex Counties.

The NJ4S Hub program will provide regional coverage through a "Hub" that will offer proven prevention strategies used to support every student in Morris and Sussex Counties and their families. The Hub will integrate its programming with existing state and local services, to improve coordination and reduce duplication of effort. The Hub will offer a tiered menu of evidence-based prevention and intervention strategies that can be deployed in high-need districts. The NJ4S Hub will provide universal supports to all Morris/Sussex students, and more intensive supports to students in schools with higher needs.

Qualified applicants for the position of Prevention Specialist will have, at minimum:

• A Bachelor's Degree in a Human Services related field required. Applicants who do not possess the required education may substitute additional experience as indicated on a year-for-year basis with thirty (30) semester hour credits being equal to one (1) year experience.
• Experience in the provision of prevention related programs. At least three (3) years' experience working in a non-profit social service environment in development or implementation of community-based services, prevention programs, or any other human service programs.
• Experience in implementing evidence-based practice models and other materials related to training and coaching according to policies and procedures.
• Demonstrate effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Computer literacy with some knowledge and experience in data entry, electronic medical records and Microsoft Office.
• Must be well organized, accurate, have good interpersonal skills and welcome new ideas.
• The ability to initiate and handle multiple tasks in a timely and accurate manner.

Responsibilities:

• Collaborates with consultants, school districts, and community service providers to facilitate training, workshops, webinars, assemblies, etc.
• Maintains program documentation, and assists in the programmatic data collection, reporting, continuous quality improvement processes and evaluation of services to target population.
• Implements evidence-based prevention services and curricula with fidelity to students, faculty and families.
• Trains students and school faculty on identifying the signs and symptoms of mental health concerns and address the risk factors that may impact student mental health.
• Participates in all Department of Children and Families NJ4S related trainings and meetings, and receives ongoing professional development training related to prevention science, evaluation, community development and child and adolescent development.
• Aid in fostering relationships with community partners and the emergency mental health providers in various Northern NJ communities.
• Support and strengthen collaborative relationships with stakeholders.
• Participate in supervision and staff meetings to promote professional development and a positive workplace.
• Work collaboratively with other prevention leaders and agencies in the community.
• Must meet all expected productivity levels, in regard to direct service provision to individuals served.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the NJ4S Hub Supervising Prevention Consultant.
• Schedule requires flexibility with early morning, evening and weekend hours.

Reports to: Supervising Prevention Consultant

Annual Base Rate: $55K

Fully paid medical coverage for eligible staff. Generous 401(k) match. Plentiful Paid Holidays, Vacation, Personal and Sick time.

MHAEM is a proud equal opportunity/affirmative action employer committed to attracting, retaining, and maximizing the performance of a diverse and inclusive workforce. It is MHAEM's policy to ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, national origin, marital or domestic/civil partnership status, genetic information, citizenship status, uniformed service member or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.