Youth Prevention of Problem Gambling | Program Director

Gandara Center • Springfield, MA

9d • Onsite

About The Position

Gandara is seeking a Program Director to lead youth prevention efforts related to problem gambling. This role involves educating youth on healthy risk-taking and brain development, coordinating community events, engaging caregivers, and collaborating with various organizations to align prevention strategies. The Program Director will also network with schools, connect youth to community resources, and report to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Flexibility with hours is required to meet the needs of youth and families.

Requirements

• BA/BS in public health, human services, social work, or a related field is preferred. 2 years of experience may be substituted for a degree.
• Experience working with youth in a group setting, preferably including the provision of trauma-inform programming to youth experiencing multiple risk factors.
• Bi-lingual and/or bi-cultural (Spanish + English) required.
• Commitment to community collaboration and working with diverse communities.
• Excellent writing, computer, and people skills
• Commitment to the goals and mission of the agency and social change
• Leadership, Team Management, And Interpersonal Skills
• Sensitivity to, and respect for, the diverse world views and different communication styles of individuals of diverse ethnic, linguistic and/or cultures which nurture and shape an organization that celebrates and promotes diversity in its workforce; highly effective and well-honed verbal and written communication and presentation skills in English; interpersonal skills necessary to persuade and guide both peers and other agency staff regarding operational matters.

Responsibilities

• Educate youth on community issues, healthy risk-taking, and brain development by implementing a prevention curriculum developed by the Massachusetts Center of Excellence.
• Coordinate community events focused on youth development and community advocacy.
• Engage caregivers to bridge the gap of discussion and reinforce prevention practices within youth homes.
• Develop collaborative agendas with surrounding youth- and community-serving organizations to align prevention strategy.
• Network with schools across Springfield to embed prevention messaging into existing youth-facing structures.
• Provide warm hand-offs and connect youth to community resources when clinical or wraparound support is needed.
• Report monthly to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health through scheduled meetings and written report.
• Develop plans to engage community members and educate community organizations about problem gambling.
• Be flexible with hours in terms of events and youth and family needs.
• Other duties were deemed necessary for the role.

Benefits

• Retirement Plan 403(b)
• Health, Dental, Vision, Pet and Life Insurance
• Paid vacations
• Paid holidays
• 8 discretionary days
• Mileage Reimbursement

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree