Prevention Specialist

Hanover Township•Elgin, IL

22h•Onsite

About The Position

Hanover Township is hiring a Prevention Specialist to implement the Alternative Supports Program, Attendance Support Program, and the Izaak Walton Youth Center teen activities. This role involves developing outreach and prevention programs using Positive Youth Development and Restorative Practice methods, collaborating with school providers, community groups, and funders. The Prevention Specialist supports students at risk by developing positive alternatives and works closely with the Youth and Family Services Prevention & Volunteer Coordinator. This is a grant-funded, exempt, full-time position working 40 hours per week.

Requirements

Capacity to identify and manage multiple projects, programs, and services in an efficient and effective manner.
Patience in working with youth that may have behavioral and learning limitations.
Familiarity with Social Work best practices and theories.
Knowledge of the best practices of Positive Youth Development (PYD) and Restorative Practices and how to utilize it to resolve conflict.
Ability to clearly convey instructions to team.
Capable of speaking clearly and effectively before groups of people and answering questions appropriately.
Ability to read and interpret all types of documents including safety rules and regulations, and procedure manuals.
Ability to create and edit reports and correspondence from varied source material using appropriate style and format.
Ability to maintain effective professional relationships with elected officials, staff, students, parents, school administrators and vendors.
Ability to interface effectively with diverse populations, including ethnicity, education, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or related field required.
Extensive knowledge of all Microsoft Office applications including, but not limited to Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
Ability to use and manage an electronic records system.
Possess a valid Illinois Driver’s License.
Willingness to work regular evenings and occasional weekends as requested.

Nice To Haves

Experience in developing leadership skills, peer mentorship, and grants administration is preferred.
One year of experience in program development preferred.
Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.

Responsibilities

Implementing the Alternative Supports Program, Attendance Support Program and the Izaak Walton Youth Center teen activities including weekly drop-in teen nights and monthly teen programming with local park districts.
Developing outreach and prevention programs utilizing Positive Youth Development and Restorative Practice methods in collaboration with the Youth and Family Services Prevention & Volunteer Coordinator.
Working closely with school providers, community groups, and funders to meet program goals and objectives.
Supporting students who are at risk through the development of positive alternatives to meet the mission of Youth and Family Services.
Transporting student participants in a large vehicle and undergoing bus training as needed.
Becoming certified in Safety and Food Handling within 90 days of hire.

Benefits

Excellent benefits package including major medical coverage, vision, dental, life
Retirement PENSION through the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund
457(b) Plan Retirement Plan
Qualified Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) employer
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
12 PAID Holidays per year
5 PAID Vacation Days after 30 days of employment (10 Vacation Days after one year of employment, 15 Vacation Days after completing 5 years of employment)
12 PAID Sick Days per year (accrue one sick day per month)
Up to 40 hours of Paid Leave for All Workers per year
1 PAID Floating Holiday per calendar year