Prevention Specialist

Prevention Specialist

The Prevention Specialist will assist the Prevention Services Program Director in implementing and maintaining a comprehensive substance use prevention program for youth and families in accordance with HHSC contractual guidelines. The Prevention Specialist is responsible for providing outreach, education and other prevention services that promote a proactive process to address health and wellness for youth, families, and communities by enhancing protective factors that increase knowledge, skills, and attitudes for making healthy choices. These services promote a proactive process to address adverse childhood experiences, social determinants of health, and community risk and protective factors. Services address the State's four prevention priorities: underage alcohol use, tobacco and nicotine products use, marijuana and other cannabinoids use, and prescription drug misuse. To address these prevention priorities, the Prevention Specialist will utilize evidenced-based curricula, to provide classroom instruction within schools. Family education will be offered at community sites throughout Galveston and Brazoria counties to meet the needs of youth and families. Job duties include outreach, public speaking, working as a part of an interdisciplinary team, coordinating service delivery, providing outreach, facilitating and preparing special events, participating in health fairs, community events, and other job related duties as deemed necessary by the coordinator. Service delivery may be provided in non-traditional settings, and require irregular, evening and potentially weekend working hours. Gulf Coast Center is committed to fostering an open, inclusive, and supportive environment that welcomes and embraces diversity in all forms. Gulf Coast Center defines diversity broadly including, but not limited to, race, ethnicity, abilities (mental/physical), gender, gender identity, immigrant status, language, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, veteran status, and age. Gulf Coast Center embraces trauma sensitive and informed practices, provides suicide safer care, and fosters a safe and compassionate environment that promotes racial and health equity.

Job Duties:

The Prevention Specialist will be responsible for the following:

• Facilitate youth/parent education groups on topics related to tobacco, alcohol and other drug use.
• Document services provided per HHSC contractual guidelines and current GCC policies and procedures. All documentation shall be complete, accurate, clean, and meet established timeframes.
• Maintain accurate records for services rendered to corroborate key measures as specified by the HHSC contract.
• Comply with all GCC training requirements and those outlined in the HHSC contract specific to this position.
• Plan, assist, coordinate services and activities with community agencies related to family empowerment and substance use prevention, such as health fairs, Red Ribbon Week, summer camps, etc.
• Coordinate and conduct community education programs on Substance Use Prevention Provide outreach and other services in Galveston and Brazoria Counties.
• Proactively seek opportunities to establish formal linkage, Memorandums of Understanding) and coordinate with other community resources.
• Presentations will be conducted per HHSC contractual guidelines and curriculum timeframes.
• Presentations will be based on the following evidenced based curriculum(s): Strengthening Families (YPU), Positive Action (K-12)
• Complete all assigned tasks by due date or inform supervisor why the established due date is not possible.
• Will be responsible and accountable for the adherence to and promotion of the agency compliance policy and will require communication with various departments to foster, develop and continue our community partnerships as it relates to the position.
• Treat all individuals with the utmost courtesy, decency and respect.
• Provide responsive, and efficient services.
• Interact with staff, consumers, local entities and advocacy groups to provide a service that meets local needs.
• Provide highest level of Customer Service for both internal and external customers.
• Required to report personnel leave; flex time and emergency leave to assigned supervisor.
• Strict adherence to the professional, ethical, and legal requirements set forth in GCC's Business Code of Conduct as well as the Corporate Compliance Plan.
• Consistent adherence to the Center's Dress Code.
• Consistent adherence to Center safety guidelines and expectations.
• May be required to travel within Brazoria and Galveston Counties.
• Out of region travel may be required to attend trainings.
• Must maintain a clear driving record and driver's license in accordance with our Driver Policy.
• Requires current Texas Driver's License, reliable transportation and must maintain current auto liability insurance.

Supervision:

• Receives direct supervision from Prevention Services Program Director.

Required Education:

• Requires High School Diploma or equivalent.

Preferred Education/Licensure/Certifications:

• Certified Prevention Specialist (CPS) preferred and/or must achieve Associate Prevention Specialist Designation within 20 months of employment.

Required Licensure/Certifications:

• N/A.

Required Experience:

• A minimum of one year experience working with clients in a community or nontraditional setting is required.
• Must be a non-smoker, with a minimum of one year since cessation date.

Preferred Experience:

• One to two years experience working with substance-related addictive disorders is preferred.

Abilities/Traits:

• Ability to establish a cooperative relationship with children, youth and their families.
• Self-motivated.
• General knowledge of substance use and childhood behavioral disorders.
• Ability to work independently and with team members.
• Ability to network with social service agencies.
• Ability to comply with weekly, monthly, and quarterly statistical reporting deadlines.
• Ability to teach and implement curriculum to students, families and adults.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills.
• Follows policy promoting cultural awareness and sensitivity in all agency operations.
• Ability to express self clearly and effectively, orally and in writing.
• Requires ability to work within a team approach.
• Requires proficiency with computer skills, programs and email.

Working Conditions:

• Work will be performed in the Office, Field and/or Remotely setting(s).
• May require varied work hours depending on need of clients.
• Out of region travel may be required to attend trainings.
• May require travel to various locations within Brazoria and Galveston Counties. Requires current Texas Driver's License, reliable transportation safe and current with all state requirements, and liability insurance.

Special Projects:

• Assist supervisor when requested to complete special projects and complete all assignments within a time frame negotiated with the supervisor. Completion of other duties as assigned by supervisor as it relates to the program and position.

Job Related Physical/Mental Requirements & Environmental Conditions:

Physical:

• Ability to transport, adjust and/or move items up to 55 lbs.
• Ability to ascend/descend stairs.
• Ability to remain in a stationary position for long periods of time.
• Ability to handle objects.
• Ability to operate office equipment.
• Ability to move around within an office setting and/or other locations as needed; may include ability to bend/twist, kneel/stoop and/or reach for items.
• Ability to push/pull, crawl/squat as it relates to SAMA requirements; may be required to perform SAMA restraints as it relates to program requirements. Ability to detect and write effectively.
• Ability to hear (with or without aid).
• Ability to have visual acuity to operate a motor vehicle and observe objects within work setting.

Mental:

• Ability to accept constructive criticism.
• Ability to maintain regular attendance.
• Ability to understand, communicate and comprehend accurate information with others in English.
• Ability to reason and analyze effectively.
• Ability to solve practical problems as it relates to position.
• Required to pass and maintain all Center mandated trainings.

Work Site/Environmental Conditions:

• Ability to work alone.