Prevention Specialist-Prevention Wellness & Recovery

Wheeler•Plainville, CT

19h

About The Position

Wheeler's vision is that all people will have the opportunity to grow, change and live healthier, productive lives. Our mission is to provide equitable access to innovative care that improves health, recovery and growth at all stages of life. POSITION SUMMARY The Prevention Specialist works with unit leadership to develop and implement effective strategies for the prevention of substance misuse and problem gambling as well as to promote mental health. They have shared responsibilities staffing community resource vans and tabling events to provide substance use prevention and harm reduction resources to the public, developing social media and marketing materials and supporting various projects of Wheeler’s Connecticut Center for Prevention, Wellness and Recovery. The Prevention Specialist is a highly visible role that works in partnership with state and local funders, school leadership, community providers and community coalitions to select, design, and implement a broad spectrum of strategies to address the prevention and health promotion needs of the state and community. The position works independently under the direction of the Program Manager and exhibits a high level of critical thinking, judgment, and decision making. They coordinate and may occasionally conduct training sessions, conferences, and other professional development events on current topics or trends in the prevention field.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in communications, human services or related field is required.
Critical thinking, excellent oral and written communication skills required.
Excellent documentation skills, attention to detail, and time management are required.
Expertise in social media, health promotion and marketing required.
Must hold a valid driver’s license.
The position requires regularly driving the community resource van statewide to disseminate prevention and harm reduction materials at various events and targeted community areas.
The position requires a flexible schedule including some weekends and evenings.
Must have, be working on, or willing to acquire Prevention Specialist certification.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with youth, adults, and diverse populations in prevention and with primary and environmental prevention in a culturally responsive and respectful manner is preferred.

Responsibilities

Actively participates in the implementation of programs to impact issues of prescription drug, opioid, alcohol and other drug misuse and their prevention, problem gambling prevention and supporting healthy families and communities in collaboration with management, funders or other stakeholders.
Effectively utilizes social marketing, social media and other emerging technologies as prevention and health promotion tools. Assists in developing messages, updating the websites, and managing social media platforms.
Drives the community resource van and travels statewide to participate in community and agency events and activities.
Provides support for statewide and local prevention and health promotion campaigns and initiatives in partnership with funders and as directed by department goals.
Builds and maintains highly visible relationships with current partners, funders and key stakeholders, as well as creates new ones as appropriate.
Actively participates in project planning and coordination meetings with funders.
Collects and reports on demographic, statistical, and evaluation data for assigned programs and activities.
Completes necessary data entry and other required tracking and data management.
Develops and maintains holistic knowledge of populations being served including cultural, ethnic, sexual orientation, gender, and ability difference.
Trains on prevention and health promotion topics as qualified and appropriate.
Assists Program Manager in duties necessary for the success of the program and department.
Promotes Wheeler’s Connecticut Center for Prevention, Wellness and Recovery and its activities throughout the state.
Assists Program Manager in providing excellent customer service, responding to funders and providing community outreach in accordance with program goals and objectives.
Helps Program Manager implement and maintain an effective communication strategy to promote projects and relationships with existing partners.
Travels locally to participate in community and agency events and activities, as needed.
Adheres to prevention operating standards, guidelines, and code of ethics.
Continues to develop knowledge and understanding about the history, traditions, values, family systems, and artistic expression of groups served as well as uses appropriate methodological approaches, skills, and techniques that reflect an understanding of culture.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical and prescription insurance through Centivo
Comprehensive dental and vision insurance through Cigna
Access to wellness programs to support your physical and mental health
Enjoy peace of mind with company-paid life and AD&D insurance
403(b) Plan, with contributions from the company
Pursue your educational goals with our Education Reimbursement Program
Access training and development opportunities
Receive a productivity incentive to recognize your hard work and dedication
Get reimbursed for licensure/certification expenses
Recharge with generous paid time off, including:
15 vacation days per year to explore and recharge
8 sick days per year for your well-being
2 personal days per year for your personal needs
2 floating holidays per year to celebrate what matters to you
9 paid company holidays to spend with loved ones
Access free and confidential counseling through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP)