Youth Prevention Specialist Location:

Ellis and Johnson Counties Position Objective :

To provide services that promote a proactive process to address health and wellness for individuals, families, and communities by enhancing protective factors that increase knowledge, skills, and attitudes for making healthy choices. Selective prevention strategies target subgroups known to be at higher risk for substance use and misuse than the general population

Position Description:

This is a full-time position. Supervised by the Program Director and the Chief Operating Officer, the Youth Prevention Specialist works in schools and communities to facilitate substance use prevention services based on the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention Strategies which include: 1. Prevention Education 2. Positive Alternatives 3. Information Dissemination 4. Problem Identification and Referral 5. Community-Based Process 6.

Environmental and Social Policy Position Responsibilities:

Provide evidence-based prevention education curriculum to the appropriate aged youth in schools assigned by supervisor. Must maintain fidelity of the curriculum design and be responsible for following curriculum guidelines. Conduct alcohol, tobacco and other drugs (ATOD) and Positive Behavioral Health Promotion presentations for youth and adults. Facilitate age appropriate prevention alternative activities. Responsible for collection of evaluations and key measures and achieving information dissemination goals. 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. Network with other prevention and social service agencies within the region, including prevention, intervention, treatment, mental health, etc., in order to provide comprehensive services, identify needs, and make referrals as necessary. Participate in alcohol, tobacco or other drug awareness campaigns such as Red Ribbon Week, Great American SmokeOut, etc. Participate in health fairs, business expos, parades and other community events for the purpose of providing positive health promotion messages. Assist in providing orientation or information sessions for parents, teachers, staff or administrators in target area school and community sites when requested. Document all program activities as required and submit program reports and records according to the agency's established deadlines. Assist in maintaining and updating the agency's community resource list, video reference list, curriculum inventory, program materials inventory, and physical inventory. Be able to work both independently and as part of a positive and collaborative team. Attend training, seminars, workshops, and classes to achieve required credentials and continuing education as required by the agency and HHSC. Conduct assigned Tobacco Retailer Compliance checks as assigned in Ellis and Johnson Counties. Perform other duties as assigned to meet program and agency objectives. Required Qualifications / Credentials /

Training:

Minimum Bachelor's Degree (Education, Counseling, Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, Health, Criminal Justice, etc.) Pre-employment criminal background check, employment background check and drug screening are required. Evidence-based curriculum training must be obtained within 2 months of employment, and prior to service delivery. Must obtain Associate or Certified Prevention Specialist (APS/CPS) designation within 18 months of employment. Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and First Aid Certifications must be obtained within 2 months of employment, and certifications must remain current at all times. 15 hour Prevention Training must be completed within 6 months of employment, and annually thereafter. Substance Abuse Prevention Skills Training (SAPST) must be completed within 18 months of employment. Preferred Experience / Skills /

Training:

Prior substance use prevention experience preferred. Experience working with youth in school or community setting is preferred. Experience working with at risk youth and adolescents is preferred. Experience in public speaking is preferred, and prior curriculum implementation is a plus. Experience in multi-cultural environments is preferred, and bi-lingual in English and Spanish is a plus. Excellent communication skills (oral and written) required. Knowledge and comfort using Microsoft Office, Google Drive, and online meeting platforms (i.e. Zoom) is preferred. Other Requirements Must be able to lift, pull, and carry up to 30 lbs. Must have reliable transportation and provide your own transportation to and from schools and community assignments. Must be able to work occasional outdoor activities and handle outdoor environmental elements. Must be able to work occasional evenings or weekends for community events and presentations. Demonstrate adherence to the National Standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services in the Health and Health Care (The National CLAS Standards, 2013) for the proposed target population and demonstrate good-faith efforts to reach out to underserved population.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$42,000.00 - $45,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Vision insurance

Work Location:

Hybrid remote in Midlothian, TX 76065