OVERVIEW:

A Prevention Education (PE) Specialist is responsible for researching, developing and delivering youth and adult planned duplication sessions; trainings; and multi-session, psycho-education groups regarding alcohol and drug use, chemical dependency and other related topics relevant to youth, families and those who work with youth. PE Specialists also deliver and evaluate research and science-based curriculum with fidelity. PE Specialists provide services through schools, community agencies, neighborhood organizations, PT(S)A, church groups and other groups and associations interested in promoting the healthy development of youth. Note: PE Specialists provide services outside normal office hours and rotate assignments on weekends and evenings, as appropriate.

PE Specialists are responsible for promoting/marketing the Center’s prevention services. S/he is responsible for consulting with requesters to discuss and assess their needs. Based on the outcome of the consultation and assessment, customized service contracts will be developed and implemented. Additionally, through the execution of services, PE Specialists conduct outreach to youth, families and those who work with youth by providing information on the full array of agency services.

PE Specialists facilitate youth development groups; independent living skills training for the clients of the Center House – an emergency shelter for runaway and homeless youth (and other sites as needed); provide consultation/support to other programs and are a training resource to the agency. PE Specialists network with schools and youth service agencies throughout the community to coordinate county-wide prevention services and resources.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTION AND EXAMPLE OF DUTIES :

• Research and design experiential planned duplication sessions, multi-session, psycho-educational groups.
• Develop and implement evaluation process and materials; evaluate services routinely and update as necessary.
• Conduct experiential workshops and trainings.
• Conduct research and science-based curriculum with fidelity.
• Develop and facilitate peer support and youth development groups.
• Provide inter and intra-agency technical assistance and consultation regarding prevention education, group facilitation and youth development.
• Facilitate segments of the independent living skills training at the Center House.
• Conduct training for agency staff and volunteers.
• Develop and distribute specific educational material designed to heighten awareness of youth needs and issues.
• Research, develop and maintain resource files, outlines, evaluations, and audiovisual aids.
• Complete accurately and in a timely manner all program records including service evaluations and Quality Assurance reports.
• Provide outreach presentations on full continuum of agency services.
• Facilitate referrals and provide referral readiness support to youth clients, as needed.
• Maintain client confidentiality and compliance with all agency policies and funder regulations.
• Effectively manage time to meet job responsibilities.
• Actively participate in individual and group supervision, all-staff meetings, and unit, agency and other professional development, as appropriate.
• Represent the agency on community committees, coalitions, task forces, etc. as assigned.
• Upon completion of orientation or by the end of the first year of employment, assumes a leadership role that includes, but is not limited to: mentoring peers, developing innovative programs, developing unit/department specific training, etc.
• Other duties as assigned.

EMPLOYMENT GUIDELINES:

Candidate must:

• Adhere to ethical conduct
• Demonstrate professionalism i.e., timely, dependable, responsible, flexible
• Be non-judgmental and respectful
• Model principles of inclusion and tolerance
• Be youth centered and positive
• Be family friendly
• Demonstrate a high level of responsibility, reliability, leadership, initiative and creativity.
• Establish effective working relationships with supervisor and co-workers
• Develop positive relationships with all key stakeholders
• Have strong literacy skills (i.e., reading, writing, comprehension)
• Have excellent communication skills (verbal and written)
• Conduct research and apply best-practices and evaluation methods
• Effectively promote knowledge and skill development and positive behaviors
• Provide leadership and/or work independently as requested

Candidate must possess significant knowledge of –

• Adolescent development including: positive youth development, asset development, risk reduction and protective factors
• Learning theories and techniques; group facilitation and training methods
• Ability to research state-of-the-art prevention theory and best practices and develop curricula and evaluation instruments based on that research.
• Youth serving systems
• Community resources
• Client advocacy

CULTURAL SENSITIVITY

The Center delivers services to youth and families from many racial, ethnic, cultural, social and life style groups. We value differences in people and strive to understand diverse cultures, ethnic origins, sexual orientations, abilities and beliefs. To this end, all staff are required to attend professional development trainings and to continually enhance their understanding of cultural diversity. Staff are expected to respect and honor cultural and human diversity. The annual Performance Appraisal provides an opportunity for staff to evaluate how they are integrating culturally competent practices into their everyday work.

QUALIFICATIONS:

One to three years of directly related experience with proven platform skills and the ability to facilitate experiential groups. A minimum of a Bachelors Degree in an Education or Human Service related field.

Note: A Master’s Degree, CPP/ICPS/CASAC, advanced training and/or certifications in professional areas directly related to the skills required is preferred.

In addition to the above, it is mandatory that candidates meet the following criteria prior to hire:

• Authorization for the agency to obtain driving record information
• A valid driver’s license with a driving record acceptable to agency insurance carrier and regular access to a motor vehicle
• Automobile insurance at the level of $100,000 per person/$300,000 per accident Bodily Injury and $50,000 Property Damage
• Access to a telephone

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Candidates must be able to be autonomously mobile in providing prevention services in numerous settings including: The Center House; Center offices; numerous city and suburban schools; and other community locations throughout the County.

COMPUTER SKILLS RECOMMENDED:

Microsoft Office- Advanced

Internet Explorer- Advanced