Prevention Specialist

Overview

Position Summary:

Under the direction of the Epidemiology Manager, this position will work with other staff members toward population-level outcomes and build sustainable community infrastructure for alcohol, opioids, stimulants and substance abuse prevention.

• Assist in the planning and implementation of evidence-based prevention strategies in partnership with communities/coalitions by following the guidelines of the Strategic Prevention Framework model.
• Work collaboratively with internal and external groups to develop and conduct needs/readiness assessments.
• Assist in capacity-building activities.
• Aid partner coalition in development of strategic and work plans and implement work plan objectives, conduct needs assessments and surveys as needed.
• Assist as directed in the implementation of evidence-based strategies aimed specifically at indicated priorities at the local level in partnership with communities/coalitions.
• Assist in gathering data to evaluate outcomes and recommend needed adjustments in the strategic plan.
• Attend and assist with planning/coordination, and facilitation of identified partnering coalition and subcommittee meetings.
• Create and provide educational training, staff in-services, etc. by conducting presentations to coalition and/or community.
• Attend local, regional, and statewide meetings and trainings as required.
• Exhibit effectiveness in developing and conforming to policies and procedures; support and enforcement of organizational commitments and goals, completion of assignments in line with established budgets and schedules.
• Maintain complete, accurate and current records and submit all required reports in a timely and efficient manner. Assist in record keeping and compliance with grant requirements and objectives as defined by ODMHSAS and contract and workplan deliverables.
• Assist in media advocacy by developing print and media articles for publication, disseminating prevention information and referral sources, and writing summaries for the media of the results on activities.
• Work with internal programs to address comorbidities and the intersection between multiple comorbid conditions and other factors such as syndemics.
• Assist with the completion and submission of grant applications as required.
• Participate in staff meetings, quality assurance activities, and appropriate training in support of the duties and responsibilities of this position.
• Other duties as assigned, including those required to fulfill activities in support of public health emergency operations.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, Health Education/Promotion, Behavioral Health, Epidemiology, or related social service field preferred.

Experience: One year of community work/prevention programming and/or environmental prevention programming and/or community organizing and assessment. Three years’ experience in health promotion/education, case management, and planning/ implementing alcohol and drug evidence-based strategies.

• Knowledge of the public health approach to alcohol and drug prevention.
• Knowledge of substance use terminology and methodology.
• Knowledge of community needs in terms of awareness, advocacy, and education regarding the scope of substance abuse and related problems.
• Knowledge of preparing and delivering presentations to address gaps in knowledge and services.
• Ability to assess and maintain cultural competency in all aspects of one’s work, treating all persons with courtesy and respect.
• Knowledge of the principles and techniques of community organizing, health education, social marketing, and public speaking, including presentation of information in a public forum.
• Understanding of the physiology and psychology of chemical dependency; the continuum of substance use through addiction; and the concepts of codependency, prevention, and intervention.
• Knowledge of community-based substance use resources, including mental health, social service agencies, and recovery/support programs.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision.
• Excellent interpersonal, written/oral communication skills and telephone…