Project Coordinator/Prevention Facilitator

WESTCARE INC•Chicago, IL

2d•$26 - $26•Onsite

About The Position

The Project Coordinator/Prevention Facilitator is responsible for coordinating and implementing all activities associated with the Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Coalition. This position provides leadership for coalition development, youth engagement, prevention programming, community outreach, data collection, evaluation activities, public awareness campaigns, and stakeholder collaboration. The Project Coordinator serves as the primary facilitator of prevention initiatives designed to reduce youth alcohol and cannabis use while increasing protective factors among youth and families. This position collaborates with schools, community organizations, youth leaders, coalition members, and evaluation staff to implement evidence-based prevention strategies consistent with the Drug-Free Communities Support Program.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in public health, social work, psychology, behavioral health, prevention, education, human services, or related field or equivalent is required
Minimum one year of experience in human services is required
Experience facilitating groups, trainings, or community education activities
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Experience using Microsoft Office applications
Ability to coordinate multiple projects and community partnerships
Must be able to work in a culturally responsive setting and have knowledge of urban communities
Must be highly organized, detail-focused, and have excellent time management
Must possess strong computer skills or have the ability to learn
Ability to respond as needed to crisis situations in an efficient manner
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to pass a background check
Ability to obtain and maintain DCFS CANTS clearance
Ability to obtain and maintain OIG LEIE clearance
Ability to pass pre-employment drug screening
Ability to exercise good judgment and discretion
Ability to work well in a team environment
Adherence to the highest standard of ethical conduct, especially to standards governing confidentiality
Must have professional appearance demeanor
Ability to obtain and maintain CPR certification, first aid certification, and an annual tuberculosis test

Nice To Haves

Bilingual is preferred

Responsibilities

Coordinate monthly coalition meetings and committee meetings.
Recruit and retain coalition members representing the twelve required DFC sectors.
Maintain coalition membership records and participation documentation.
Conduct onboarding and orientation for new coalition members.
Assist in the development and implementation of coalition strategic plans and action plans.
Facilitate communication among coalition partners and community stakeholders.
Recruit and support Youth Advisory Council members.
Facilitate Youth Advisory Council meetings.
Engage youth in prevention messaging, campaign development, and community activities.
Support youth-led prevention and advocacy initiatives.
Coordinate and facilitate community prevention activities, including but not limited to: Red Ribbon Week, Youth Summits, Sticker Shock Campaigns, health fairs, parent education events, community outreach events, Safe Festival initiatives.
Coordinate guest speakers and community presentations.
Develop prevention messaging focused on youth alcohol and cannabis prevention.
Develop and distribute prevention-focused social media content.
Support production of public service announcements and prevention awareness campaigns.
Assist with media outreach and community awareness activities.
Promote coalition initiatives through digital and community communication platforms.
Administer youth surveys and prevention outcome assessments.
Assist in collecting and maintaining program performance data.
Collaborate with the program evaluator in data collection and reporting activities.
Maintain required logs, attendance records, and outcome data.
Assist in the preparation of quarterly, annual, and grant-required reports.
Support continuous quality improvement efforts.
Develop and disseminate prevention resource guides.
Provide referrals to prevention, treatment, behavioral health, and community support services.
Maintain current knowledge of local prevention and treatment resources.
Ensure compliance with CDC Drug-Free Communities grant requirements.
Maintain documentation necessary for grant monitoring and reporting.
Assist program leadership in completing required federal reports and continuation applications.
Participate in required DFC and National Coalition Institute training.
Ensure that a comprehensive education program is offered to all youth clients, including the use of appropriate up-to-date curriculum, videos, assignments, and guest speakers.
Improve the health, welfare, and well-being of at-risk youth by providing a daily schedule of educational and therapeutic activities. This includes early education of misuse/use/abuse of substances, physical and psychological effects, health-related concerns, and appropriate use of leisure time skills.
Advocate for informed choices by providing resources and referrals for continued care.
Provide community education on the Youth Services continuum of service delivery options.
Document in case files all attendance in groups and pertinent data collected relevant to treatment goals.
Report all concerns to the program manager for any follow-up that may be needed.
Embrace and embody the mission, vision, guiding principles, clinical vision, and goals of WestCare Foundation.
Other relevant duties as assigned.