Prevention Project Specialist

BBH Burrell Behavioral Health; Kirksville (MO); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Health benefits

Training opportunities

Career mobility

Supportive work culture

Job summary

Centerstone in Kirksville, MO seeks a Prevention Project Specialist to collaborate with local leaders, schools, and coalitions to reduce substance use and improve community wellness. You will act as a subject‑matter expert, help identify needs, develop strategies, secure funding, and implement initiatives that drive lasting change.

Ideal candidates are collaborative, self‑motivated, and passionate about public health, prevention, community engagement, and data-driven decision-making.

Qualifications

• Master's degree (or Bachelor’s with 1 year of relevant social service/public health experience) required.
• MSAPA credential within 6 months of hire; SAPST within 9 months.
• Ability to travel across the assigned service area with a valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary contact for community coalitions, task forces, and prevention partners.
• Provide guidance, coaching, and technical assistance for coalition development and sustainability.
• Identify priorities, develop prevention initiatives, and support funding opportunities.
• Assist coalitions with grant writing, planning, and implementation activities.
• Connect communities with evidence-based prevention programs and resources.
• Facilitate training opportunities and provide technical assistance.

Skills

Relationship building

Public speaking

Data analysis

Project leadership

Communication

Education

Master's degree in related field

Bachelor's degree in related field

Job description

Prevention Project Specialist (C2000)

Company: Centerstone

Full-Time | Monday–Friday | Kirksville, MO

Help Build Healthier Communities Across Northeast Missouri Are you passionate about making a meaningful impact in your community? Do you enjoy collaborating with local leaders, schools, organizations, and coalitions to create positive change? Join our team as a Prevention Project Specialist and play a key role in reducing substance use and improving community wellness across Northeast Missouri. In this position, you'll serve as a trusted resource and subject matter expert for community coalitions, task forces, and prevention partners. You'll help communities identify needs, develop prevention strategies, secure funding opportunities, and implement initiatives that create lasting change. This is an ideal opportunity for someone who is collaborative, self-motivated, and passionate about public health, prevention, community engagement, and data-driven decision-making.

What You'll Do

Community Leadership & Coalition Support

• Serve as the primary point of contact for community coalitions, task forces, and prevention partners throughout the assigned region.
• Provide guidance, coaching, and technical assistance to support coalition development and sustainability.
• Help community groups identify priorities, develop prevention initiatives, and strengthen local prevention efforts.
• Assist coalitions with grant writing, planning, and implementation activities.

Training & Prevention Services

• Connect communities with evidence-based prevention programs, tools, and resources.
• Facilitate training opportunities and provide technical assistance that strengthens community prevention capacity.
• Respond to requests for prevention services and information across the region.

Strategic Planning & Community Impact

• Conduct annual community and coalition needs assessments.
• Contribute to the development, implementation, and evaluation of strategic work plans.
• Gather, analyze, and interpret data to support prevention initiatives and community decision-making.
• Evaluate program outcomes and recommend improvements that enhance effectiveness and community impact.

Communications & Outreach

• Create and manage engaging content for department social media platforms.
• Develop presentations and educational materials for community partners and stakeholders.
• Promote prevention awareness and community engagement activities throughout the region.

Reporting & Grant Compliance

• Prepare required monthly, quarterly, and annual reports.
• Monitor coalition eligibility for mini-grants and support funding opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with contract requirements and grant deliverables.
• Participate in statewide prevention networks, conferences, and professional development opportunities.

What Makes You Successful

• Enjoy building relationships and collaborating with diverse community partners.
• Are comfortable leading projects and working independently.
• Have strong presentation, communication, and public speaking skills.
• Can analyze data and translate findings into actionable recommendations.
• Are organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities.
• Are passionate about prevention, public health, and improving community well-being.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Applicants must meet one of the following: Master's degree from an accredited college or university in a related field; OR Bachelor's degree in a related field and at least one (1) year of professional experience in a social service, prevention, public health, or community-based setting.

Additional Requirements

• Obtain the Missouri Substance Abuse Prevention Associate (MSAPA) credential within six (6) months of hire.
• Complete Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist Training (SAPST) within nine (9) months of hire.
• Ability to travel throughout the assigned service area as needed.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.

Why Join Us?

• Monday-Friday schedule with work-life balance
• Opportunity to make a lasting impact in local communities
• Collaborative and mission-driven team environment
• Professional development and statewide networking opportunities
• Meaningful work that helps strengthen communities and improve lives

Position Perks & Benefits

• Paid time off: full-time employees receive an attractive time off package to balance your work and personal life
• Employee benefits package: full-time employees receive health, dental, vision, retirement, life, & more
• Top-notch training: initial, ongoing, comprehensive, and supportive
• Career mobility: advancement opportunities/promoting from within
• Welcoming, warm, supportive: a work culture & environment that promotes your well-being, values you as human being, and encourages your health and happiness.

Brightli is on a Mission: A mission to improve client care, reduce the financial burden of community mental health centers by sharing resources, a mission to have a larger voice in advocacy to increase access to mental health and substance user care in our communities, and a mission to evolve the behavioral health industry to better meet the needs of our clients.

As a behavioral and community mental health provider, we prioritize fostering a culture of belonging and connection within our workforce. We encourage applications from individuals with varied backgrounds and experiences, as we believe that a rich tapestry of perspectives strengthens our mission. If you are passionate about empowering local communities and creating an environment where everyone feels valued and supported, we invite you to join our mission-driven organization dedicated to cultivating an authentic workplace.

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Burrell Behavioral Health is a Smoke and Tobacco Free Workplace.

About Brightli

Brightli is on a mission: A mission to improve client care, reduce the financial burden of community mental health centers by sharing resources, a mission to have a larger voice in advocacy to increase access to mental health and substance use care in our communities, and a mission to evolve the behavioral health industry to better meet the needs of our clients. We are doing this by forming a new behavioral health organization under new model. Under one parent company, multiple organizations are able to collaborate, share resources and system supports, increase recruiting and retention efforts, increase access to specialized care, and meet the growing demand for behavioral and addiction recovery care. Brightli’s top-line subsidiaries include Burrell Behavioral Health (Burrell), Preferred Family Healthcare (PFH), Southeast Missouri Behavioral Health (SEMO), Firefly, Adult and Child Health, and Places for People. While these organizations operate independently and are governed by separate board of directors, their operations and services benefit from this model. Alone, organizations may be able to navigate the current tumultuous healthcare environment, but we believe that together we can do so much more than survive. Our communities need us now more than ever, and by working together we are ready to answer their call for years to come.

Brightli Snapshot

200 locations 4 states 19 subsidiaries and/or affiliates 5k+ employees