Prevention Specialist

McLaren Health Care•Bay City, MI

16d

About The Position

The Prevention Specialist facilitates evidence-based curricula in the community and develops and maintains coordinated, county-wide substance abuse prevention, promotion, and education services. The role coordinates services with county organizations and state and national programs, assesses community needs for drug and alcohol prevention programs, and assists schools, organizations, and business groups with planning, organizing, designing, implementing, and evaluating programs. The specialist provides community leadership through committees, networks, and coalitions, fostering cooperation among diverse groups focused on responsive prevention services and public policy, and provides technical assistance and consultation. The role collaborates with community and school organizations to share information about alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs; networks with prevention and social service agencies to coordinate comprehensive services, identify needs, and make referrals; and participates in awareness campaigns and community events. It also assists with requested information sessions, maintains program documentation and inventories, and attends training and continuing education. Other duties may be assigned by the Prevention Lead. When classified in a lead role, the position also assists with quality control, performance improvement, performance feedback and hiring decisions; supports standards and compliance; evaluates new processes; trains staff; provides technical leadership and problem solving; and helps manage work distribution.

Requirements

Associate degree in Health and Human Services or a health-related field, equivalent course hours toward a bachelor’s degree, or equivalent work experience.
Two years of substance abuse prevention experience or related experience.
If not already certified, must begin a Development Plan toward MCBAP Prevention Specialist Certification within three months of hire.
For lead roles: bachelor’s degree, MCBAP Certified Prevention Specialist certification, and two years of substance abuse prevention experience or related experience.

Nice To Haves

MCBAP Certified Prevention Specialist certification.
Bachelor’s degree.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with schools, parent-teacher groups, civic and church groups, and other youth and community organizations to provide information and awareness about alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.
Network with regional prevention and social service agencies, including intervention, treatment, and mental health services, to coordinate comprehensive services, identify needs, and make referrals as needed.
Participate in alcohol, tobacco, or other drug awareness campaigns.
Participate in health fairs, business expos, parades, and other community events to provide anti-substance-use messages.
Assist with orientation or information sessions for parents, teachers, staff, or administrators at target-area schools and community sites when requested.
Document program activities and submit reports and records by agency deadlines.
Assist in maintaining and updating community resource, video reference, curriculum, program materials, and physical inventory lists.
Attend training, seminars, workshops, and classes to obtain required credentials and continuing education.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Prevention Lead.
For lead roles: assist with quality control and performance improvement; contribute to performance feedback and hiring decisions; ensure quality, timeliness, and customer-service standards; evaluate and test new procedures and processes; orient or train new staff; provide problem solving and subject-matter technical leadership; help distribute work; and assist in ensuring compliance with applicable regulatory, agency, legal, and statutory requirements.