Program Specialist

Arizona Department of Administration • Phoenix, AZ

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Prevention Specialist will be responsible for implementing alcohol awareness and substance use prevention programs in local schools and communities. This includes delivering engaging presentations to diverse audiences of teens, facilitating educational contacts with licensed liquor establishments, and representing the organization at community events. The ideal candidate will have strong public speaking skills and a passion for promoting healthy choices among youth. This role is a highly field based position which requires frequent travel throughout the State with occasional overnight stays. This is a grant funded position, contingent upon continued funding from the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant (SABG).

Requirements

• Knowledge of Public Health and Prevention Science: Core principles of public health, including the socio ecological model, and different prevention strategies, such as universal, selective, and indicated prevention.
• Knowledge of Substance Use Disorders: Biological, psychological, and social factors that contribute to alcohol misuse and addiction is crucial.
• Understanding the short and long term effects of alcohol on the body and mind.
• Skills in Communication and Public Speaking: Present complex information clearly and engagingly to diverse audiences, from students to parents and professionals, is vital.
• Adapting messages to different groups.
• Skills in Community Collaboration: Building and maintaining relationships with stakeholders, including schools, law enforcement, local health departments, and community organizations, is key to successful prevention efforts.
• Skills in Data Analysis: Collect data to inform their programs and demonstrate their impact.
• Ability to work respectfully and effectively with individuals and communities from diverse backgrounds is essential. This includes understanding and addressing cultural factors that influence alcohol use.
• Ability to identify community needs and barriers to prevention and develop creative, evidence based solutions.
• Ability to deliver presentations to diverse groups and network to identify new schools, law enforcement agencies, or community groups for future presentations.
• Must possess an Arizona Drivers License.
• All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

Nice To Haves

• Bachelors, and/or prior experience in alcohol prevention, social services, or teaching.

Responsibilities

• Deliver Educational Presentations: Educate staff on preventing underage drinking, ensuring patron safety, and addressing over service concerns.
• Deliver presentations to teens in schools and other community settings on the dangers of underage drinking and substance use.
• Implement Environmental Prevention Strategy: Execute a proactive community outreach effort to influence policies and practices at a local level.
• Conduct Public Awareness Events: Work at community events to speak on responsible alcohol service and promote public awareness about substance use prevention.

Benefits

• Sick leave
• Vacation with 10 paid holidays per year
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program)
• Health and dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Life insurance and long-term disability insurance
• Optional employee benefits include short-term disability insurance, deferred compensation plans, and supplemental life insurance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level