General Description: This position will work to empower communities to promote alcohol and drug free lifestyles; build community structures to support those lifestyles; and encourage and support coordinated, systemic approaches to the prevention of substance abuse. Create and sustain systems and structures that discourage substance abuse, reduce its consequences, and encourage healthy behaviors in children, their families, and other adults. This is a grant funded position.

Position Description:

The Prevention Specialist works in the communities to facilitate substance abuse prevention services based on the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention Strategies which include: 1. Prevention Education, 2. Alternative Activities, 3. Information Dissemination

4. Problem Identification and Referral, 5. Community-Based Process, and 6. Environmental and Social Policy

Position Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with schools, parent-teacher groups, civic organizations, church groups, and other youth and community organizations to provide information and awareness on alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.


• Network with other prevention and social service agencies within the region to include prevention, intervention, treatment, mental health, etc. in order to provide comprehensive services, identify needs, and make referrals as necessary.


• Participate in alcohol, tobacco or other drug awareness campaigns such as are available.


• Participate in health fairs, business expos, parades and other community events for the purpose of providing anti-substance use messages.


• Assist in providing orientation or information sessions for parents, teachers, staff or administrators in target area school and community sites when requested.


• Document all program actives as required, and submit program reports and records according to the agency’s established deadlines.


• Assist in maintaining and updating the agency’s community resource list, video reference list, curriculum inventory, program materials inventory, and physical inventory.


• Attend training, seminars, workshops, and classes to achieve required credentials and continuing education as required by the agency.


• Perform other duties as assigned by the Program Director and/President CEO to meet program and agency objectives.

Education & Experience:

Combination of education and experience represented by:

• Bachelor Degree and/or at least 2 years experience working in the Mental Health and Substance Abuse related field. 


• Experience in Human Services Mental Health, community organization, program development and/or management, required.


• One year experience in public speaking.


• Certified Prevention Professional, preferred.


• Administrative & supervisory experience working with volunteers.


• High Proficiency required in Excel and other related computer programs.