The Youth Prevention Specialist is responsible for the delivery of universal, selected and/or indicated prevention services. These services include curriculum-based prevention support groups and promote social-emotional learning for youth. The State’s four prevention priorities: underage alcohol use, tobacco and nicotine products, marijuana and other cannabinoids, and prescription drug misuse are addressed. These services promote a proactive process to address adverse childhood experiences, social determinants of health, and/or other youth, family and community risk and protective factors. The Youth Prevention Specialist is also responsible for strengthening resources and developing relationships within the community to prevent substance use and misuse. The service area includes Atascosa, Bandera, Bexar, Kendall, Kerr, Medina and Wilson Counties.
- Learn and thoroughly understand the philosophy of the Council, its programs, services and resources available for children and families.
- Implement the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP) Strategies that include delivery of prevention education, information dissemination, positive alternatives and community-based processes and identification of problems and referral to services.
- Recruit local schools and community organizations to acquaint them with the Council’s substance abuse evidence-based programs and establish sites for curricula to be implemented.
- Screen program participants to ensure that required program criteria is met.
- Implement and facilitate the approved evidence-based curricula either weekly or bi-weekly sessions with students/youth. These sessions may take place in person or via online platforms.
- Preparation and documentation of weekly or bi-weekly group sessions.
- Prepare presentations about substances of abuse and other topics that may relate and use positive alternatives to provide fun, challenging, and structured activities so people have constructive and healthy ways to enjoy free time and learn skills.
- Conduct and facilitate presentations to youth or adults in schools or in the community or via an online platform regarding substance abuse/use and other related issues to the program target population.
- Actively attend in person or online community coalition meetings related to prevention of drug and alcohol abuse with youth and adults.
- Attend team and staff meetings in person and online work with Directors on process, outcome evaluation and the development of activities to meet program goals.
- Provides advocacy and referral services to fill the needs of participants not met by SACADA prevention services.
- Provide both written and oral monthly reports concerning program activities and evaluation information to the Youth Prevention Director.
- Prepare and complete accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual reports by deadline while following organization and funding requirements
- Employees will be expected to attend online meetings, trainings and to be on time and to be professionally dressed and groomed for all online sessions.
- In addition to working in the general community SACADA staff may need to work from home as assigned due to the current COVID-19 Pandemic. Staff will follow any guidelines provided by SACADA as updated based on COVID-19 status in the community. However, any request from a supervisor to work in the office as need on a specific assignment supersedes the guideline until the assignment is completed.
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- Bachelor’s Degree preferred in the field of psychology, education, social and/or human services, or public health preferred.
- A minimum of one (1) year demonstrated experience in conducting presentations, group facilitation, training, or teaching adults and adolescents.
- A minimum of one (1) year demonstrated experience in working with children, parents and families.
- Knowledge in Substance Abuse Prevention/Education
- Experience working with culturally diverse populations.
- Ability to work some nights and weekends
- Working knowledge and understanding of Texas Department of Health and Human Services guidelines a plus.
- Excellent Oral, Written Skills required.
- Knowledge and experience using Microsoft Office Suite, Teams, Office 365.
- Knowledge and experience using various online platforms such as Google. Classroom, Zoom, and Go To Meetings and other platforms is preferred.
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- Attend Sexual Harassment Awareness Training at Orientation
- Attend HIV/AIDS Mode Workplace Guidelines Training at Orientation
- Attend Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and First Aid Training within 60 days of employment or have valid certification upon hire.
- Complete 15-Hour Prevention Skills Training (PST) within six (6) months from date of hire (one-time required training).
- Certified Prevention Specialist (CPS) Preferred or Associate Prevention Specialist (APS) to be completed within 20 months of employment.
- Complete Cultural Competence and Prevention-related Ethics annually.
- Complete at least one Suicide Prevention Training annually.
- Attend at least one Youth or Adult Mental Health First Aid Training.
- Complete required training of the evidence-based curriculum that will be implemented.
- Must be able to lift, pull, and carry up to 30 lbs.
- Must have reliable transportation and provide your own transportation to and from schools and community assignments.
- Must be able to work occasional outdoor activities and handle outdoor environmental elements.
- Demonstrate adherence to the National Standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services in the Health and Health Care (The National CLAS Standards, 2013) for the proposed target population and demonstrate good-faith efforts to reach out to underserved population.
In addition to the above, the Prevention Specialist shall demonstrate a commitment to the philosophy and goals of the San Antonio Council on Alcohol and Drug Awareness and a level of energy commensurate with the Council’s expectations.
Online
Use the blue “APPLY NOW” button on this page to provide us your information and Resume/CV file.
Email/Fax
Send your resume and this SACADA Employment Application Form (Fillable PDF) completed, via Email Gloria Solis at gsolis@sacada.org or fax them to 210-225-4768.
SACADA is an Equal Opportunity employer. Personnel are chosen on the basis of ability without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, marital status or sexual orientation, in accordance with federal and state law.
