Community Support Officer - Substance Abuse Prevention

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 350,000 - 520,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Professional development

Medical aid

Pension fund

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Community Support Officer in Nelspruit to design, implement, and evaluate substance abuse prevention initiatives within the community. You will partner with schools, clinics, NGOs, and local authorities to raise awareness and connect residents to prevention and treatment resources.

The role requires strong facilitation, data collection, and reporting skills, and a driver’s license for local travel.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Public Health, Social Work, Psychology or related field.
• Minimum 4 years of experience in community health, substance abuse prevention, or related social services.
• In-depth knowledge of substance abuse issues, prevention strategies, and treatment modalities.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and facilitation skills.
• Proven ability to engage with diverse community groups and stakeholders.
• Experience in program planning, implementation, and evaluation.
• Strong report-writing and data collection skills.
• Familiarity with the community structures and resources in Nelspruit and surrounding areas.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel locally.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement evidence-based substance abuse prevention programs and campaigns.
• Conduct community needs assessments related to substance abuse and addiction.
• Organize workshops, awareness events, and educational sessions for various community demographics.
• Build and maintain partnerships with schools, healthcare facilities, NGOs, and local government.
• Provide information and referrals to individuals seeking substance abuse prevention and treatment services.
• Develop and distribute educational materials on the risks and consequences of substance abuse.
• Collect data on program activities and outcomes for reporting and evaluation purposes.
• Facilitate support groups for individuals and families affected by substance abuse.
• Represent the organization at community forums and health expos in Nelspruit.
• Stay updated on best practices and emerging trends in substance abuse prevention.

Skills

Communication skills

Stakeholder engagement

Facilitation

Program planning

Data collection

Report writing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Public Health, Social Work, Psychology

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading public health organization dedicated to community well-being in the Nelspruit area, is seeking a proactive and knowledgeable Community Support Officer specializing in substance abuse prevention. This role is vital in developing and implementing strategies to reduce the incidence and impact of substance abuse within the community. You will work closely with local stakeholders, community groups, and individuals to raise awareness, provide support, and connect people with prevention and treatment services. This is a significant opportunity to contribute to public health initiatives in Mpumalanga.

Key Responsibilities

• Developing and implementing evidence-based substance abuse prevention programs and campaigns.
• Conducting community needs assessments related to substance abuse and addiction.
• Organizing workshops, awareness events, and educational sessions for various community demographics.
• Building and maintaining partnerships with schools, healthcare facilities, NGOs, and local government.
• Providing information and referrals to individuals seeking substance abuse prevention and treatment services.
• Developing and distributing educational materials on the risks and consequences of substance abuse.
• Collecting data on program activities and outcomes for reporting and evaluation purposes.
• Facilitating support groups for individuals and families affected by substance abuse.
• Representing the organization at community forums and health expos in Nelspruit.
• Staying updated on best practices and emerging trends in substance abuse prevention.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Public Health, Social Work, Psychology, or a related field.
• A minimum of 4 years of experience in community health, substance abuse prevention, or related social services.
• In-depth knowledge of substance abuse issues, prevention strategies, and treatment modalities.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and facilitation skills.
• Proven ability to engage with diverse community groups and stakeholders.
• Experience in program planning, implementation, and evaluation.
• Strong report-writing and data collection skills.
• Familiarity with the community structures and resources in Nelspruit and surrounding areas.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel locally.

Benefits

• An attractive annual salary of Rand.
• A hybrid work model offering flexibility and work-life balance.
• Comprehensive professional development and training opportunities.
• Membership in a dedicated and impactful public health team.
• Medical aid, pension fund, and other statutory benefits.
• The chance to make a real difference in preventing substance abuse in Nelspruit.