Youth Prevention Program Lead (DFC Coalition)

WestCare Foundation, Inc.; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 34,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

WestCare Foundation, Inc. is seeking a Project Coordinator/Prevention Facilitator to organize Drug-Free Communities coalition activities in Chicago.

You will lead coalition meetings, recruit members across twelve sectors, and guide youth advisory initiatives to strengthen prevention messaging and community programs. The role emphasizes collaboration with schools and community partners, data collection for program evaluation, and ongoing grant reporting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public health, social work, psychology, behavioral health, prevention, education, human services, or related field or equivalent is required
• Minimum one year of experience in human services is required
• Experience facilitating groups, trainings, or community education activities
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Experience using Microsoft Office applications
• Ability to coordinate multiple projects and community partnerships
• Bilingual is preferred
• Must be highly organized, detail-focused, and have excellent time management
• Must possess strong computer skills or have the ability to learn
• Ability to pass a background check
• Ability to obtain and maintain DCFS CANTS clearance
• Ability to obtain and maintain OIG LEIE clearance
• Ability to pass pre-employment drug screening
• Ability to exercise good judgment and discretion
• Must have CPR certification, first aid certification, and tuberculosis test

Responsibilities

• Coordinate monthly coalition meetings and committee meetings.
• Recruit and retain coalition members representing the twelve required DFC sectors.
• Maintain coalition membership records and participation documentation.
• Conduct onboarding and orientation for new coalition members.
• Assist in the development and implementation of coalition strategic plans and action plans.
• Facilitate communication among coalition partners and community stakeholders.
• Recruit and support Youth Advisory Council members.
• Facilitate Youth Advisory Council meetings.
• Engage youth in prevention messaging, campaign development, and community activities.
• Support youth-led prevention and advocacy initiatives.
• Coordinate and facilitate community prevention activities, including Red Ribbon Week, Youth Summits, Sticker Shock Campaigns, health fairs, parent education events, community outreach events, Safe Festival initiatives.
• Coordinate guest speakers and community presentations.
• Develop prevention messaging focused on youth alcohol and cannabis prevention.
• Develop and distribute prevention-focused social media content.
• Support production of public service announcements and prevention awareness campaigns.
• Assist with media outreach and community awareness activities.
• Promote coalition initiatives through digital and community communication platforms.
• Administer youth surveys and prevention outcome assessments.
• Assist in collecting and maintaining program performance data.
• Collaborate with the program evaluator in data collection and reporting activities.
• Maintain required logs, attendance records, and outcome data.
• Assist in the preparation of quarterly, annual, and grant-required reports.
• Support continuous quality improvement efforts.
• Develop and disseminate prevention resource guides.
• Provide referrals to prevention, treatment, behavioral health, and community support services.
• Maintain current knowledge of local prevention and treatment resources.
• Ensure compliance with CDC Drug-Free Communities grant requirements.
• Maintain documentation necessary for grant monitoring and reporting.
• Assist program leadership in completing required federal reports and continuation applications.
• Participate in required DFC and National Coalition Institute training.
• Ensure that a comprehensive education program is offered to all youth clients, including up-to-date curriculum, videos, assignments, and guest speakers.
• Improve the health, welfare, and well-being of at-risk youth through a schedule of educational and therapeutic activities.
• Advocate for informed choices by providing resources and referrals for continued care.
• Provide community education on the Youth Services continuum of service delivery options.
• Document in case files all attendance in groups and pertinent data collected relevant to treatment goals.
• Report all concerns to the program manager for follow-up as needed.
• Embrace and embody the mission, vision, guiding principles, clinical vision, and goals of WestCare Foundation.
• Other relevant duties as assigned.

Skills

Group facilitation

Public speaking

Bilingual

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree in public health, social work, psychology, behavioral health, prevention, education, human services, or related field

Job description

WestCare Foundation, Inc. is seeking a Project Coordinator/Prevention Facilitator to organize Drug-Free Communities coalition activities in Chicago.

You will lead coalition meetings, recruit members across twelve sectors, and guide youth advisory initiatives to strengthen prevention messaging and community programs. The role emphasizes collaboration with schools and community partners, data collection for program evaluation, and ongoing grant reporting.