Prevention Specialist

Volunteers of America, Dakotas; Sioux Falls (SD); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Volunteers of America, Dakotas is seeking a Prevention Specialist to manage the prevention resource center, update materials, and promote prevention resources across the 21-county area.

The role emphasizes coordinating trainings for youth and adults, building partnerships with regional coalitions, and supporting state prevention initiatives. Strong organization and communication skills are essential, along with a valid driver’s license and physical ability to handle training materials.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in human services or related field.
• Minimum of one year related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to organize materials, provide training, and promote prevention activities within 21 county area is required.
• Must have excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Ability to lift, carry, and set up training and display materials.

Responsibilities

• Organizes and maintains materials in the resource library and tracks checkout, return, and inventory.
• Keeps the library up to date through cataloging and review and maintains website listings.
• Organizes card files, shelving, and supply room management for the library.
• Packs materials for trainings and events and returns items to shelves after sessions.
• Monitors attendance and records payments for prevention purchases in compliance with procedures.
• Engages with PRC prevention specialists monthly and participates in state meetings.
• Delivers training and education to youth and adults and coordinates activities.
• Facilitates youth diversion groups at Volunteers of America, Dakotas.

Skills

Organize materials

Training delivery

Public outreach

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Driver's license

Lift to 25 lbs

Education

Bachelor’s degree in human services or related field

Job description

Department: PRC

Job Status: Full-time

Reports To: Director of Prevention Services

Position Supervises: None

Work Schedule: Full-time position, requiring flexibility with schedule

POSITION SUMMARY

The Prevention Specialist at the Prevention Resource Center plays a key role in supporting communities through the organization, promotion, and dissemination of vital prevention resources. They maintain and update a comprehensive library of prevention materials, ensure its accessibility through an organized tracking system, and keep the resource center current by regularly reviewing and processing new materials. The specialist also assists with information and resource promotion.

In addition to resource management, the Prevention Specialist fosters strong connections by networking with regional coalitions and prevention specialists. They support state-level prevention initiatives, coordinate forums, and provide public awareness through media and campaign promotions. The role also involves coordinating and delivering training to both youth and adults, ensuring that prevention education reaches diverse audiences. This position is critical in shaping prevention efforts, requiring a dedicated professional who excels in organization, communication, and the ability to empower individuals and communities.

Reasonable Accommodations Statement

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS STATEMENT(S)

Resources

• Organizes and maintains materials in the resource library, ensuring an efficient tracking system for checkout, return, and inventory. Monthly reports and records are completed, with new materials regularly reviewed, ordered, and processed.
• Keeps the library’s resources up to date through cataloging and review, while also maintaining the website’s material listings.
• Ensures the library is well-maintained by organizing card files, shelving materials, and keeping the supply room in order.
• Prepares and packs materials for training, presentations, and meetings; Returns materials to shelves and files after trainings and events.
• Organizes materials, monitors attendance, and records payment documentation for prevention purchases in compliance with both agency and state procedures.

Networking

• Engages with PRC prevention specialists on a monthly basis and participates in state-level meetings.
• Contacts regional coalitions quarterly to share media, initiatives, and public awareness efforts.
• Assists in coordinating PRC forums, networks, and coalitions to foster strong partnerships.

Prevention Activities

• Supports the development and promotion of prevention campaigns by providing materials and ideas to individuals, coalitions, schools, and agencies on a monthly and quarterly basis.
• Delivers training and education to youth and adults, coordinating activities and presentations to promote prevention awareness.
• Monitors progress and evaluations, offering follow-up assistance to schools and community groups involved in training and activities.
• Facilitates youth diversion groups at Volunteers of America, Dakotas

Other

• Provides clerical support, including word processing, faxing, billing, copying, and filing, while assisting with the development of training materials.
• Maintains consistent records of contacts/activities to facilitate monitoring and evaluation of prevention services.
• Punctual to work and events and responds to requests demanding immediate attention.
• Communicates a positive and professional image of the organization and its services at all times.

Responsible for other duties as assigned.

POSITIONS QUALIFICATIONS

SKILLS & ABILITIES

Education: Bachelor’s degree in human services or related field.

Experience: Minimum of one-year related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Skills: Ability to organize materials, provide training, support, and promote prevention activities within 21 county area is required. Must have excellent communication and organizational skills.

Certifications & Licenses: Must possess a valid driver’s license.

Other Requirements: Ability to lift, carry, and set up training and display materials for program promotion.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

A. Ability to Stand, Walk, sit, manually manipulate, reach outward and above shoulders, speak, climb, crawl, squat, kneel, and bend daily

B. Capability to Lift, carry, push or pull up to 25 lbs on a daily basis