Prevention Specialist

Youth Outreach Services•Chicago, IL

12d

About The Position

Under the direction of the Program Manager, the Prevention Specialist provides evidence-based prevention curriculum lessons related to substance use and/or teen pregnancy prevention within select schools throughout Chicago and the Lyons/Proviso Township area. The Prevention Specialist delivers engaging, interactive classroom facilitation and is comfortable leading lessons independently as well as collaboratively with co-facilitators or school partners. Works with teachers and school personnel to develop programming for specified grades (6th–12th) and demonstrates the ability to manage a classroom environment, adapt to student needs, and utilize effective presentation skills to maintain youth engagement. Prepares materials (handouts, PowerPoint slides, etc.) needed for classroom-based presentations and works both independently and as part of a team to ensure consistent, high-quality programming across multiple school sites. Collects and enters all necessary data for grant reporting. The Prevention Specialist also participates in activities designed to raise community awareness of issues related to adolescent substance use and pregnancy prevention. Provides community education and outreach regarding the programs. Attends community/partner meetings related to Prevention activities. Maintains all documentation as required by funders. During the summer months, the Prevention Specialist will also participate in the One Summer Chicago youth employment program. Assists in identifying employers willing to place youth ages 16-24 for employment. Provides weekly mentoring and monitoring to the youth during their employment term. Prepares presentations on relevant employment-related topics to provide to youth. Collects and enters all necessary data for grant reporting.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in social services/public health preferred. Will consider some college credit with significant experience as a substitute for a degree.
Valid driver’s license and daily access to own vehicle required
Some experience working with adolescents in a professional capacity (teaching, mentoring, coaching, camp counselor, etc) preferred
Prior experience facilitating groups, teaching, or presenting to youth in structured settings strongly preferred.
Comfortable leading discussions, managing group dynamics, and engaging diverse groups of adolescents.
Self-motivated, dependable, and able to work independently while also contributing positively to a team-oriented environment.
Demonstrated passion for empowering youth and supporting their ability to make responsible, informed choices.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of/prior experience in substance use and/or teen pregnancy prevention programming preferred
Bilingual (Spanish) a plus

Responsibilities

Provides evidence-based prevention curriculum lessons related to substance use and/or teen pregnancy prevention.
Delivers engaging, interactive classroom facilitation.
Works with teachers and school personnel to develop programming for specified grades (6th–12th).
Manages a classroom environment, adapts to student needs, and utilizes effective presentation skills to maintain youth engagement.
Prepares materials (handouts, PowerPoint slides, etc.) needed for classroom-based presentations.
Collects and enters all necessary data for grant reporting.
Participates in activities designed to raise community awareness of issues related to adolescent substance use and pregnancy prevention.
Provides community education and outreach regarding the programs.
Attends community/partner meetings related to Prevention activities.
Maintains all documentation as required by funders.
Assists in identifying employers willing to place youth ages 16-24 for employment.
Provides weekly mentoring and monitoring to the youth during their employment term.
Prepares presentations on relevant employment-related topics to provide to youth.