Drug & Alcohol Prevention Program Specialist

County of Northumberland; Sunbury, Little Rock Township (Northumberland County, IL); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The County of Northumberland is seeking a Drug & Alcohol Prevention Program Specialist. This advanced role involves developing prevention programs, providing training, and engaging with community groups to address drug and alcohol issues. Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree and relevant clearances.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required.
• Knowledge of drug and alcohol prevention practices.

Responsibilities

• Develops and implements drug and alcohol prevention programs.
• Provides training and technical assistance to school staff.
• Gives presentations to community groups.

Skills

Communication

Crisis Management

Public Speaking

Data Analysis

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Job description

Description

You must apply for this position at the PA.gov civil service website at the following link. Please answer all questions with as much detail as possible.

Drug & Alcohol Prevention Program Specialist (Local Government) - Northumberland County D&A | Job Details tab | Career Pages

This is advanced professional work involving drug and alcohol prevention program development in a Single County Authority.

The Drug and Alcohol Prevention Program Specialist gives presentations to community groups; uses a variety of media to disseminate information, serves as the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder liaison; organizes youth for involvement in community projects; becomes Student Assistance Program trained; enters prevention activity data, interprets data, and generates reports; participates in various meetings; performs case management duties as needed; and becomes familiar with the Single County Authority’s Outreach Program. A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of experience and training required. Pennsylvania State Police, Childline, and FBI Clearances are required. Must be Pennsylvania Civil Service Commission eligible.

An employee in this class is responsible for carrying out a variety of activities involving the school and/or community as part of an overall comprehensive prevention program. Work involves providing technical assistance and training relating to drug and alcohol abuse to school staff in terms of curriculum and policy matters; developing and maintaining contacts with and providing advice to community groups, and developing and disseminating education material for use by the general public. The work of this class is characterized by substantial program involvement in one or more of the above areas in order educate and advise people on drug and alcohol issues. Employees function under general supervision within program goals and objectives established by management. Employees are expected to carry out assignments independently within the parameters established by management.

Requirements

• Knowledge of current drug and alcohol developments in the drug and alcohol field, prevention and treatment practices and philosophies.
• Knowledge of problems in the schools and community in relation to drug and alcohol consumption.
• Knowledge of school district organizational structure, curriculum, policies, and discipline philosophies and practices.
• Knowledge of community organizations and their function relative to drug and alcohol related problems.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, community groups, and the general public.
• Knowledge of health impacts relating to drug and alcohol consumption in young children, infants, pregnant-mothers and the elderly.
• Knowledge of basic sociological and psychological concepts relating to human behavior.
• Knowledge of training, techniques and practices, and ability to develop skill in teaching techniques and practices.
• Knowledge of the alcohol highway safety laws and their applications.
• Ability to develop or revise rules and regulations.
• Ability to gather data in order to compose advertising and educational literature and deliver speeches on drug and alcohol topics.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, speak effectively in public, and express ideas clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.

Physical Job Requirements:

· Mobility: Ability: to travel between office locations, client homes, hospitals, and community sites. This may involve walking, standing, climbing stairs and/or driving.

· Sitting/Standing: Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk or computer, as well as standing or walking when conducting field visits.

· Lifting/Carrying: May require lifting or carrying files, office supplies, small equipment, a child, or an adult (typically up to 25-150+ pounds)

· Reaching/Bending: Regularly required to reach, bend, crouch, or kneel to assist clients or handle paperwork

· Fine Motor Skills: Frequent use of hands for typing, writing, and handling documents.

Mental and Emotional Demands:

· High Stress Tolerance: Ability to manage crisis situations, interact with individuals in distress, and handle potentially volatile situations.

· Communication: Frequent verbal and written communication with clients, families, healthcare providers and legal entities.

· Decision-Making & Problem-Solving: Requires critical thinking to assess client needs, develop care plans, and navigate complex social services.

Work Environment Considerations:

· Client Homes and Community Settings: May encounter unsanitary conditions, pets, smoke, or environmental hazards.

· Potential Safety Risks: Interactions with individuals experiencing severe mental illness, substance use disorders, or behavioral crisis.

· Flexible Schedule: May require evening, weekend, or on-call work depending on agency requirements.