Prevention Specialist

Community for New Direction; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 35,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Community for New Direction in Columbus, OH seeks a Youth Services Prevention Specialist to deliver drug and alcohol awareness to K-12 populations across diverse settings. You will help develop prevention programs and coordinate activities with schools, after-school programs, summer camps, and community groups.

The role emphasizes working with youth from kindergarten through 12th grade and requires collaboration with various partners to provide information and referrals as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in social/behavioral sciences preferred.
• Bilingual English/Spanish a plus.
• Ohio OPCS certification or willingness to obtain.
• Experience with youth in school or community settings preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and organize prevention activities demonstrating positive youth growth.
• Mentor youth individually and in groups using a behavior management system.
• Collaborate with schools, PTAs, civic groups and youth organizations to provide information on substances.

Skills

Verbal communication

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Diversity & inclusion

Bilingual English/Spanish

Education

Bachelor’s degree in social/behavioral sciences

Associate degree + 3 years experience

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Youth Services Prevention Specialist will provide drug and alcohol awareness directly to targeted populations (K-12) in various settings. You will Assist in the development and coordination of substance abuse prevention and work with schools, after school groups, summer day camp, and community groups and other agencies.
The Prevention Specialist will work with primarily youth ages kindergarten through 12th grade.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Develop and organize prevention activities that demonstrate positive youth growth.
2. Mentor and guide youth individually and in groups while using a behavior management system to shape youth behavior.
3. 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.
4. Network with other prevention and social service agencies within the region to include prevention, intervention, treatment, mental health, etc. to provide comprehensive services, identify needs, and make referrals, as necessary.
5. Participate in alcohol, tobacco or other drug awareness campaigns as needed.
6. Participate in health fairs, business expos, parades, and other community events for the purpose of providing anti-substance use messages.
7. Assist in providing orientation or information sessions for parents, teachers, staff or administrators in target area school and community sites when requested.
8. Document all program actives as required and submit program reports and records according to the agency’s established deadlines.
9. Assist in maintaining and updating the agency’s community resource list, video reference list, curriculum inventory, program materials inventory, and physical inventory.
10. Participate in staff meetings, committees, attend professional development conferences, trainings, webinars/seminars as needed to as enhance your knowledge, broaden your horizon, and obtain continued education.
11. Perform other duties as assigned to promote the overall mission and vision of CND.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Education: A bachelor’s degree in the social/behavioral sciences or related field is preferred, or an associate degree with three years of professional experience in the social service field. Bilingual English/Spanish a plus. Must possess, or be willing to obtain, Ohio Certified Prevention Specialist (OPCS) certification.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications: Prior substance abuse prevention training is preferred. Experience working with youth in school or community settings is preferred (e.g., Substance abuse prevention specialist, social worker, teacher, youth pastor, counselor, etc.). Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills are paramount.

1. Experience in multi-cultural environments is preferred and bi-lingual in English and Spanish is a plus.
2. Commitment to learning, creating positive change, and enabling others to learn.
3. Strong verbal communication skills
4. Ability to work with diverse population.
5. Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.

Computer Skills

Proficient in the use of personal computers and related software (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and use of office equipment (e.g., fax, copier, printer).

Other Requirements

Must possess a valid Ohio driver's license and must pass a criminal background check and a pre-employment drug screen.