Prevention Program Specialist

This includes prevention activities and strategies directed at individuals not identified to be in need of treatment.  This position will assist agency administrators in the evaluation, planning, implementing, and coordination drug and/or alcohol prevention activities within the community setting.  This position will perform work with independent judgment while performing in accordance with established regulations, policies, and procedures; but is expected to exercise initiative.  The agency administrator will give assignments to staff person in order to develop professional growth with results reviewed by the above listed management staff on a routine basis through individual conferences and evaluation of reports. An important part of this work involves evaluation, development and implementation of substance abuse prevention programing, strategies, policies practices and procedures based upon proven methodologies. The prevention activities must be provided in a variety of settings to targeted populations who are affected by risk factors associated with substance abuse, determined thorough a county-wide needs assessment. This position shall be responsible for the development and/or collaboration of needs assessments designed to profile populations’ needs, resources, and readiness to address needs and gaps within the community. Accomplishing strategic goals and the attainment of measurable outcomes is done in collaboration with local and state partners.  This position is responsible for providing technical assistance and consultation to the community on substance abuse prevention activities and programs, which may include community resources and referral.  Along with prevention providers this position provides awareness and knowledge of the nature and extent of substance abuse prevention to include its effects on individuals, families, and the community.  This position provides technical assistance and consultation to establish or change written and unwritten community standards, codes, and attitudes thereby influencing the incidence and prevalence of substance abuse in the community. This position must plan, monitor, evaluate and analyze prevention service delivery using the required prevention data system. 

• Conduct and/or offer collaboration on a community oriented needs assessments on a periodic basis to profile population needs, resources and readiness to address needs and gaps in within the community. 
• Develop a community wide substance abuse prevention plan based on the needs assessment.
• Develop baseline performance standards by which to measure the impact of prevention services.
• Coordinate the activities of the SCA-funded prevention providers to carry out the goals and objectives of the community wide substance abuse prevention plan. 
• Attend various task forces, committees, and advisory groups as assigned.
• Offer community training and presentations as requested. 
• Understand and adhere to all state and federal drug & alcohol confidentiality laws and regulations.
• Provide technical assistance, guidance education and training opportunities to prevention providers and the community.
• Oversee coordination of SCA and community substance abuse related training opportunities and all related activities. 
• Maintain a broad knowledge base of prevention providers and human services agencies providing related services.
• Review, evaluate and utilize various media techniques for the dissemination of drug and alcohol educational information.
• Interprets rules, regulations, policies, standards, and objectives of prevention to co-workers and provider agencies.
• Prepares reports, correspondence, and studies and keeps necessary records
• Assist in maintaining agency documentation related to prevention
• Secure and provide files and provide information on available drug and alcohol literature and resources.
• Oversee and participate as appropriate in the scheduled monitoring site visits of the contracted prevention  providers 
• Establish and maintain liaison between community drug and alcohol activities and schools, community groups, hospitals, faith-based organizations, and other concerned parties.
• Complete all required trainings and trainings related to position and adhere to staff training plan as developed. Collect and maintain the Student Assistance Program data for the SAP Reporter Program.
• Submit SAP Reports to the state and other designated government agencies.
• Submit required prevention data to the state and other government agencies through the required data system.
• Distribute and make available information regarding a wide variety of substance abuse related issues to the community.
• Oversee provider contracted injection drug use outreach program. 
• Utilize computer based software applications.
• Oversee the Student Assistance Program and all required components. 
• Adhere to all DDAP grant requirements including DDAP issued manuals. 
• Conducts prevention provider meetings and participate in staff meetings related to prevention.
• Perform other related duties as assigned. 

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Health Education, Education, or the Social or Behavioral Sciences and two years of progressively responsible experience in drug and alcohol prevention activities; or one year experience as a Drug and Alcohol Prevention Specialist; or any equivalent combination of experience and training.
• Knowledge of current drug and alcohol prevention and treatment practices and philosophies.
• Knowledge of school districts organizational structure, educational, and discipline philosophies and practices.
• Knowledge of training, techniques, and practices.
• Knowledge of basic sociological and psychological concepts relating to human behavior.
• Knowledge of the health conditions of young children, infants, pregnant-mothers, and the elderly.
• Ability to develop or revise rules and regulations.
• Ability to develop skill in teaching techniques and practices.
• Ability to speak effectively in public and express ideas clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, community groups, and the general public.