Program Associate – Tobacco Treatment & Prevention (HCCA)

mcdglobalhealth; Hallowell (ME); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

HCCA seeks a Program Associate to implement Maine Prevention Network and Maine Cancer Foundation objectives across Kennebec County and statewide. The hybrid role involves school-based tobacco treatment delivery, staff engagement, and partnerships with youth-serving organizations.

Responsibilities include leading advisory councils, providing technical assistance, and promoting tobacco treatment options such as Maine QuitLink and My Life, My Quit.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a health-related field preferred.
• Experience in a non-profit setting and with grant-funded projects is a plus.
• Training in counseling and/or social work is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Deliver evidence-based youth tobacco treatment strategies in Kennebec County high schools and statewide.
• Recruit and refer youth for tobacco treatment services in collaboration with school staff.
• Conduct focus groups with youth and interviews with adults to inform program improvements.
• Facilitate quarterly advisory council and provide technical assistance to partners.

Skills

Collaboration

Public speaking

Independent work

Deadline adherence

Professional communication

Data management

Multi-tasking

Communication materials

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a health-related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Job description

Program Associate – Tobacco Treatment & Prevention

Grade Level: 3

Anticipated Salary: $52,000 - $56,000

Reporting Relationship: Program Manager

Reporting to the Program Manager, the Program Associate works with HCCA staff and community partners to implement Maine Prevention Network and Maine Cancer Foundation program objectives in Kennebec County and statewide. The role includes delivery of a school‑based commercial tobacco treatment initiative and engagement with the Central District Maine Prevention Network Team.

Location and Work Environment

This hybrid remote position is based at HCCA’s offices in Hallowell, ME, with regular travel throughout Kennebec County—including frequent work in local high schools and youth‑serving organizations. Occasional statewide travel may be required for meetings, trainings, and conferences.

This position qualifies for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

Responsibilities

• Deliver evidence‑based youth tobacco treatment strategies in Kennebec County high schools and other settings statewide.
• Work closely with school staff and leadership to recruit and refer youth for tobacco treatment services.
• Conduct focus groups with youth and key informant interviews with adults.
• Facilitate and lead a quarterly advisory council.
• Provide ongoing technical assistance and support for local and statewide project partners.
• Recruit and train partners on the tobacco treatment support curriculum.
• Facilitate in‑person and/or virtual youth tobacco quit support groups.
• Assist evaluation efforts for the tobacco quit support curriculum.
• Provide technical assistance to community partners to develop model tobacco use prevention policies that support smoke‑ and vape‑free environments, and that align with state tobacco‑ and smoke‑free laws.
• Develop and advocate for policies that promote smoke‑free and tobacco‑free environments.
• Provide presentations and training (in person and virtually) and promote evidence‑based best practice strategies for tobacco treatment to increase access to Maine QuitLink, My Life, My Quit, and other available tobacco treatment options.
• Collaborate with school partners to implement systems changes that integrate tobacco treatment and restorative responses to behavioral health challenges.
• Serve as a spokesperson for tobacco use and exposure prevention, and HCCA by providing education through webinars and in‑person presentations to schools and youth‑serving organizations on tobacco‑related public health issues.
• Attend required meetings and training sessions.
• Participate in professional development opportunities such as MaineHealth’s Center for Tobacco Independence’s (CTI) basic skills and intensive skills training, and motivational interviewing.
• Attain Tobacco Treatment Specialist certification.
• Attain Certified Prevention Specialist certification.
• Track workplan activities and ensure required data is collected and entered in reporting systems in a timely manner.
• Utilize written and electronic media for a variety of community awareness strategies.
• Protect confidential information about program participants.
• Assist with grant reporting requirements for accurate and timely submissions.
• Work closely with the HCCA Program Manager and Finance Manager to ensure project activity meets budgetary expectations.
• Promote positive relationships between HCCA and potential collaborating partners by networking and establishing new relationships to expand or enhance the tobacco treatment and prevention program.
• Be a member of HCCA’s team of public health professionals working collaboratively to implement primary prevention programming.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Experience

Bachelor’s degree in a health‑related field is preferred; however, equivalent related work experience may be considered.

Experience working in a non‑profit setting and with grant‑funded projects is a plus.

Training in counseling and/or social work is also a plus.

Skills

• Ability to work collaboratively with varied project partners, consumers, community partners, and providers of health and behavioral health care.
• Comfort and ability to present to, facilitate, and engage diverse audiences, including youth and older adults.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to communicate professionally both verbally and in writing.
• Knowledge and skill in management of data‑driven projects.
• Ability to monitor and provide oversight of external local partners’ progress toward deliverables.
• Ability to plan, coordinate, implement, and manage multiple activities at once.
• Ability to gather, synthesize, and summarize a variety of information from many sources.
• Experience developing error‑free, audience‑specific communication materials including flyers, brochures, booklets, and social media.
• Understanding of coalition‑building strategies.
• Experience using Microsoft Office suite and Google Workspace.
• Valid Maine driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States.
• Knowledge of evidence‑based tobacco use prevention and treatment strategies is a plus.
• Knowledge and comfort navigating public schools is a plus.

Additional Notes

The Program Associate will also implement the It’s Worth The Try (IWTT) youth‑focused tobacco treatment curriculum, facilitate a statewide advisory council, and collaborate with evaluators on focus groups, key informant interviews, and participant surveys.