The Prevention Specialist educates program participants on HIV transmission and prevention, the hazards of substance misuse/use/abuse, life skills, and other health-related topics. Essential Job Functions include those listed below.

 

Essential Job Functions:

Ensures that a comprehensive HIV, substance abuse, life skills, and other health-related topics education program is offered to program participants; Improves the health, welfare, and well-being of at-risk youth by providing educational and therapeutic activities, including education on HIV, the misuse/use/abuse of substances, life skills etc.; Advocates for informed choices by providing resources and referrals for continued care; Documents, in case files, all attendance in groups and pertinent data collected; Collects statistical data, maintains logs, and provides regular reports to the supervisor; Empowers communities to promote alcohol/drug-free lifestyles, and helps to build community structures that support those lifestyles; Encourages and supports coordinated, systemic approaches to the prevention of substance abuse; Creates and sustain systems and structures that discourage substance abuse, reduce its consequences, and encourage healthy behaviors in children, their families, and other adults; Attends all required internal and external team meetings; Embraces and embodies the mission, vision, guiding principles, clinical vision and goals of WestCare Foundation; Performs any other duties as assigned.

Certifications/Licensures:

Relevant certification and/or licensure highly preferred; Preference will be given to those candidates who are currently certified; Valid drivers license and the ability to obtain and maintain WestCares vehicle insurance is required;

 

Education:

Graduation from an accredited four-year college with a degree in Counseling, Criminal Justice, Social Work, Psychology or other field related to the position is preferred; High School Diploma or equivalent is required.

 

Experience and Competencies:

Two (2) or more years of experience in a relevant position is required; Experience in working with high-risk youth and their families preferred; Experience in the creation and delivery of events and public presentations desirable; Ability to analyze situations accurately and develop appropriate responses or techniques required; Ability to communicate effectively to facilitate programming and relay information to others as part of an interdisciplinary team required; Ability to develop reports, create presentations, and communicate findings to both internal and external audiences required; Professional appearance and demeanor required; Knowledge of the Strategic Prevention Framework highly desired; Knowledge of child development, group dynamics, and behavior modification techniques preferred; Knowledge of the principles, procedures, techniques, trends, and literature related to prevention and substance abuse preferred; Ability to promote positive, collaborative, and professional working relations among program participants, co-workers and community-based stakeholders highly desired; Professional appearance and demeanor required; Must be culturally/linguistically sensitive to populations served.

 

Working Conditions:

Work is primarily performed in an office or outdoor community setting; Some outdoor activities and travel between multiple locations may be required; Regular and prompt attendance is required throughout employment.