CD Prevention Specialist

Nooksack Indian Tribe•Everson, WA

20h•$28 - $30

About The Position

The Chemical Dependency Prevention Specialist delivers front-line work for the Nooksack Way of Life (NWOL) prevention program, including substance-use prevention education and awareness, culture-based youth activities such as Canoe Racing and Canoe Journey, participant recruitment, referral coordination, and data collection supporting SAMHSA reporting. The position works with Tribal programs, the Tribal community, and regional schools to address alcohol and drug misuse within the Native American Indian population. The role plans and carries out prevention and health-promotion activities, provides information and referrals, coordinates participant care with health and community professionals, and supports culturally grounded activities as alternatives to substance use. It also recruits youth, coordinates services across partner agencies, advocates for participants, supervises and trains volunteers and chaperones, and collects and reports program data. The position assists with SAMHSA and chemical-dependency strategic planning, sustainability planning, and other project activities. This is a full-time, regular, non-exempt position in the Health Department reporting to the Chemical Dependency Program Manager. The standard work week is Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with occasional evening work. The position may require travel among locations and work in office and field settings.

Requirements

High school diploma and an AAS degree, or four years of directly related experience.
Possess or obtain, within six months of employment, 120 hours of chemical-dependency training focused on prevention principles and effective strategies for addressing individual needs.
Pass alcohol/drug screening at hire and throughout employment.
Pass criminal background checks at hire and periodically thereafter.
Knowledge of Coastal Cultural traditions and ceremonies.
Working knowledge of Northwest Tribal communities.
Management skills to meet deadlines and follow through on project goals and objectives.
Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior.
Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Work with minimal supervision.
Be willing to meet and travel to multiple locations and attend meetings with government agencies and other stakeholders.
Maintain a valid Washington State Driver’s License and meet the Tribe’s insurability requirements; provide a driving abstract at hire.
Hold First Aid/CPR certification.
Provide proof of a negative TB test within the past 12 months.
Complete HIV/AIDS training or obtain it within the first month of employment.
Pass pre-employment checks through DSHS, Oregon DHS, and Washington State Patrol.
Meet the physical requirements, including occasionally lifting 20 or more pounds, and be able to bend, reach, kneel, twist, and grip.
Read, write, speak, and understand English.
Remain composed in mentally and physically stressful situations and be able to listen to clients and explain rules, regulations, and policies.

Nice To Haves

Experience developing and coordinating substance-abuse prevention programs.
Experience supervising chemical-dependency youth prevention programs.
Direct work experience with schools, community groups, and other agencies.
Experience coordinating collaboration with volunteers.
Ability to assist with grant writing.
Experience providing referrals to health officials and maintaining and protecting client privacy.

Responsibilities

Deliver education and awareness activities about substance use and alcohol and drug misuse.
Plan, conduct, and evaluate public education, prevention, and health-promotion activities with organizations, institutions, and communities.
Provide information about substance use, available services, and programs through print and electronic media, and make appropriate referrals.
Instruct others in chemical-dependency prevention program methods, procedures, and functions.
Conduct outreach and build a strong community presence for the prevention program.
Collaborate with SAMHSA Prevention staff on Canoe Racing and Canoe Journey activities as meaningful alternatives to substance use, including training, practices, competitions, Journey stops and giveaways, and learning regalia, singing, and dancing.
Recruit at-risk youth from the Tribal community and from Tribal programs, schools, courts, and TANF for prevention services.
Coordinate counseling efforts with chemical-dependency, mental-health, and other health professionals.
Draft and maintain client referral service agreements with Tribal Education, Social Services, Housing, TANF, Police, Tribal Court, and other partners for Project Supervisor review and approval.
Advocate to resolve participant and program problems accessing care or services.
Communicate with family members or others close to participants about planning and progress.
Coordinate activities with schools, courts, probation officers, community services, and post-treatment agencies; serve as liaison between participants and medical staff, schools, and court systems as needed.
Participate in case conferences and staff meetings.
Supervise volunteers and chaperones during prevention activities.
Train supervisors and chaperones in safety and behavior management.
Provide lead direction to other prevention workers on activities and coordination of wrap-around care services, as assigned by the Project Supervisor.
Conduct research, collect data, monitor activities, distribute pre- and post-surveys, provide results to the Project Supervisor and CD Program Manager, and assist with report writing.
Assist in developing, reviewing, and evaluating progress toward measurable prevention goals in SAMHSA and chemical-dependency program strategic plans.
Assist the Project Supervisor with project-specific prevention activities and processes associated with SAMHSA goals and objectives.
Assist with research and development of project sustainability plans.
Prepare activity reports as requested by the Project Supervisor.
Meet with the Project Supervisor at least weekly to assess program progress and planning.
Perform other office and field duties as needed in support of community service and Tribal members.