Prevention Specialist

WESTCARE INC•Miami, FL

8d•$22 - $22•Onsite

About The Position

Provides prevention services to individuals in the area assigned through the public school system, universities, trade schools, as well as youth involved in juvenile justice, foster care and community organizations. Offers prevention education in group setting, peer counseling on individual level, and referrals as needed.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited bachelors program with a degree in Addiction Counseling, Criminal Justice, Social Work, Psychology or related field is required
A minimum of two years experience in the field of social services preferred.
Bilingual is preferred.
Must have reliable means of transportation
Must have familiarity with Miami-Dade County.
CPR Certification, First Aid Certification and an annual Tuberculosis test.
Ability utilize Microsoft Office Software Suite
Ability to provide an Affidavit of Good Moral Character
Clearance in Pre-Employment Drug Testing and Criminal Records Checks, as required.
Maintains confidential files and records.
The ability to coordinate and integrate multiple services, as well as interface and communicate with internal and external providers
The ability to provide information to individuals and families concerning alcohol or other drug use, mental health problems, and the available services and resources
Ability to communicate effectively with youth (13-20 years) to motivate them to change high-risk behaviors, problem solve and/or to utilize available resources.
Must have an extensive and up-to-date knowledge about substance abuse and safer sex practices.
Knowledge and understanding of social, sexual, psychological and familial factors facing youth.
Ability to discuss sensitive and personal information in a developmentally appropriate manner.
Ability to engage and motivate youth through effective oral communication through group or individual educational sessions.
Proficiency in delivery of Alcohol Literacy Challenge, PRIME for Life, and Teen Intervene.
The ability to handle multiple responsibilities and to prioritize.
Written communication skills necessary to maintain consumer records or referrals.
Ability to communicate with Program Director of the progress and coordination of all services delivered to the consumers.
Ability to use trauma informed care principles including ensuring consumer safety, preventing/avoiding re-traumatization, maximizing trustworthiness, enhancing consumer choice, maximizing collaboration, and emphasizing empowerment
Ability to identify and describe key signs, symptoms, impact and manifestations of trauma
Aware of the differences between trauma informed and trauma-specific services
Understands the bidirectional relationships among substance use and mental disorders and trauma
Understands the differences among various kinds of abuse and trauma, including: physical, emotional, and sexual abuse; domestic violence; experiences of war for both combat veterans and survivors of war; natural disasters; and community violence
The ability to identify crises when they surface; mitigate or resolve the immediate problem; and de-escalate the situation, including the ability to develop Safety Plans, as needed
The ability to provide information to individuals and families concerning alcohol or other drug use, mental health problems, and the available services and resources
The ability to identify the needs of a consumer and family that cannot be met by the counselor or agency and to assist the consumer/family to utilize the support systems and community resources available
Knowledge and application of developmental theories
Understanding of family dynamics, family roles, and family structure
Understanding and application of federal, state, local and agency confidentiality rules and professional standards of conduct
Understanding of professional ethics, consumer rights, and professional responsibilities
Understanding of issues related to cultural identity, ethnic background, age, developmental level, gender and sexual orientation in prevention, intervention and treatment.
Understands that different cultural and ethnic groups have different perceptions of health, wellness, behavioral health, and preventive health services
Demonstrates respect for individual’s cultural and ethnic values when conducting assessments, developing Wellness and Recovery Plans, and providing services
Understands that different cultures define and perceive family and its importance differently
Demonstrates ability to work effectively with culturally diverse staff and populations
Knowledge of WestCare Mission, goals and values
Knowledge of Incident Reporting
Knowledge of HIPAA, Professional Ethics, Consumer Rights and Confidentiality
Familiarity with WestCare services and programs
Demonstrates a high degree of dependability.
Maintains a good attendance record.
Observes working hours
Shows flexibility and is responsive to requests from supervisor
Works independently with minimal supervision
Exhibits characteristics of good workmanship, and integrity on the job
Work time is always productive
Demonstrates ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with consumers, co-workers, external partners, and regulatory agencies
Is courteous to consumers, staff, and all others.
Demonstrates tact at the appropriate time.
Cooperates with others both within and outside WestCare.
Works well with supervisor; accepts direction and supervision
Maintains a positive attitude toward work
Ensures and maintains a safe working environment.
Work area is clean and orderly.
Verbalizes, understands and adheres to agency safety procedures.
Demonstrates appropriate use of Unusual Incident Reports, in accordance with the Center’s reporting procedures
Presents a positive personal image
Dresses and maintains a professional demeanor

Nice To Haves

A minimum of two years experience in the field of social services preferred.
Bilingual is preferred.

Responsibilities

Identify target populations and locations where service gaps exist.
Provide community education to increase awareness about substance abuse, HIV/AIDS, and other STDs.
Identify and recruit consumers for Alcohol Literacy Challenge, PRIME for Life, and Teen Intervene.
Conduct Universal, Selective and Indicated substance prevention services using Alcohol Literacy Challenge, PRIME for Life, and Teen Intervene
Provide referral for services not provided by program.
Prepare reports on monthly, quarterly and yearly basis, or whenever requested to do so by Program Coordinator and/or Program Director.
Maintain consumer records in accord with 65D-30 and Department of Health regulations and Village Policy and Procedure.
Participate in case conference
Understand HIPAA, Professional Ethics, Consumer Rights and Confidentiality
Completes all orientation and mandated training activities, including E-Learning Courses, within required timeframes, and in accordance with the criteria established for this position.
Participate in performance improvement activities
Embrace and embody the mission, vision, guiding principles, clinical vision and goals of WestCare Foundation.
Perform any other duties as assigned.