PREVENTION SPECIALIST
About The Position
New Horizons is seeking a caring and compassionate Prevention Specialist to teach essential life skills and foster resilience among youth. The position delivers evidence-based prevention curricula, including Too Good for Drugs, Too Good for Violence, and Botvin Life Skills, to students in grades K–8. Services are provided in classrooms and individually, covering topics such as alcohol, tobacco, and drug prevention. The specialist works with assigned schools and collaborates with school and community partners to support student well-being and prevention efforts. The schedule is Monday through Friday during school hours, with occasional Saturday or evening hours for community events. Summer services are provided at local summer camps and after-school programs. The role also includes recordkeeping, reporting, participation in meetings and professional development, and other duties that support program effectiveness.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in counseling, social work, psychology, criminal justice, nursing, rehabilitation, special education, health education, or a related human services field; alternatively, a Florida Certification Board certification with five years of experience working with children facing substance abuse and/or mental health issues. Written acceptance of certification in lieu of a bachelor’s degree must be obtained from school administration and kept in the personnel file.
- Ability to apply therapeutic aggression management techniques effectively, as needed.
- Must pass a Level 2 background check through the DCF and AHCA Clearinghouse.
- Comfortable teaching students in a classroom setting.
- Able to work effectively with students individually.
- Reliable transportation.
- Works well as part of a team.
- Strong organizational skills.
Nice To Haves
- Experience working with elementary and/or middle school students.
- Experience working with children facing substance abuse and/or mental health challenges is preferred.
Responsibilities
- Teach evidence-based prevention education to students in assigned schools.
- Provide individual substance abuse prevention services tailored to youth needs.
- Foster resilience and positive decision-making skills in students.
- Collaborate with teachers, school administrators, families, and community organizations to promote student well-being.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date case records and comply with reporting requirements.
- Prepare weekly and monthly reports as required by the agency.
- Participate in staff meetings, training sessions, and professional development opportunities.
- Support school-wide initiatives that foster mental health awareness and substance abuse prevention.
- Perform other duties as assigned to support program effectiveness.
Benefits
- Health insurance, including mental health coverage
- Dental and vision insurance
- Short-term and long-term disability insurance
- Paid time off and holidays
- Paid training
- Employee Assistance Program
- Life insurance
- Retirement plan (403b)
- Opportunities for growth
- School loan forgiveness for those who meet federal criteria for the PSLF Program
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
