Prevention Specialist

JOB SUMMARY:   The Prevention Specialist collaborates and builds partnerships with community members, the Coalition for Prevention, Prevention staff, and the Program Director to educate communities, youth, families and people of all ages on substance use, mental health, vaping and suicide prevention, and ways to develop a healthy and safe lifestyle.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Educates youth, people of all ages and families about substances alcohol, marijuana, prescription medication, tobacco, fentanyl and opioids, vaping, and healthy choices and drug-use prevention;
2. Provides education on suicide prevention and promotion of mental health;
3. Provides training and activities that support life skills development, substance abuse education and vaping education while reflecting a high energy, enthusiastic relatability with youth, community members, and staff;
4. Provides community outreach and information dissemination throughout Jefferson County;
5. Facilitates as needed, prepares for and attends regularly Coalition for Prevention:
6. Builds strong working relationships with school staff and administrators; presents evidence-based curricula to students throughout Jefferson County schools and after-school/youth programs;
7. Collaborates with prevention staff in the tri-county area to implement prevention action plans;
8. Collects and analyzes data to provide reports;
9. Provides public presentations and events to educate the community on prevention of substance-abuse, suicide and other health issues;
10. Submits information as requested to Prevention Supervisor for website, social media, and print media;
11. May occasionally be required to work evening/weekend hours;
12. Other related duties as assigned by immediate supervisor or Program Director

ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Performs work in alignment with BestCare’s mission, vision, values and professional code of ethics
2. Supports the organization’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion by fostering a culture of open-mindedness, cultural awareness, compassion, and respect for all individuals;
3. Strives to meet Program/Department goals as well as workplans and supports the organization’s strategic goals;
4. Adheres to the organization’s Code of Conduct, Business Ethics, Employee Handbook, and all other relevant policies, procedures, and other compliance needs;
5. Understands and maintains professionalism and confidentiality per HIPAA, 42 CFR, and Oregon Statutes;
6. Attends required program/staff meetings and completes assigned training timely and satisfactorily;

1. Ensures that any required certifications and/or licenses are kept current and renewed timely;
2. Works independently as well as participates as a positive, collaborative team member;
3. Acts independently in the community and promotes a positive image, the Prevention Program, and BestCare Treatment Services;
4. Performs other organizational duties as needed;

QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Prior experience working with youth and diverse communities is required
• Prior experience event planning
• For individuals in recovery from substance-use disorder, must have maintained continuous recovery for the previous two years at the time of hire

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS:

• Prevention Specialist I on SS-1 pay grade with agreement/commitment to obtain CPS through MHACBO within 2 years or

Prevention Specialist II (certified CPS by MHACBO) on SS-2 pay grade

• Must maintain a valid Oregon Driver License or ability to obtain one upon hire, and be insurable under the organization’s auto liability coverage policy (minimum 21 years of age and with no Type A violations in the past 3 years, or three (3) or more Type B violations)
• Must have a reliable vehicle with adequate insurance to travel as needed in Jefferson County and to BestCare facility locations for various trainings, workshops and conferences

PREFERRED:

• Associate’s degree in social services preferred
• Bilingual in English/Spanish a plus (written and spoken)

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES:  Must have demonstrated competency or ability to attain competency for each of the following within a reasonable period:

• Strong ability to build and maintain collaborative community relationships with demonstrated understanding of diversity, equity and policy change;
• Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and effectively (both orally and in writing);
• Must have cultural sensitivity and a fundamental respect toward diverse populations and ability to work well with individuals from diverse backgrounds
• Proficiency in use of Microsoft applications (Office 365, Word, Excel, Outlook, One-Note, Teams, PowerPoint), databases, virtual meeting platforms, internet, and ability to learn new or updated software;
• Ability to maintain strict confidence as required by HIPAA, 42 CFR, and Oregon Statutes;
• Ability to build and maintain positive relationships;
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills;
• Strong communication skills (oral and written);
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, accuracy, and follow-through;
• Excellent time management skills;
• Critical thinking skills and ability to function effectively and use good judgment in crisis situations;

• Ability to manage conflict resolution and anger/fear/hostility/violence of others appropriately and effectively;
• Ability to work independently as well as participate as a positive, collaborative team member.