Job Abstract

General Description: This is a professional position. The incumbent performs complex tasks focused on the development of healthy life skills. This includes decision-making, goal setting, conflict resolution, communication skills, and related skills which aid in preventing substance abuse and other at-risk behavior.

Organization: The Prevention Specialist reports to a Program Coordinator and supervises no staff.

Essential Functions:

• Provides prevention services and community education to targeted populations.
• Provides consultation to and collaborates with other youth serving agencies or community groups.
• Prepares documentation as needed.
• Performs related work as assigned.

Working Conditions:

A. Hazards

• None Known

B. Environment

• Office - Primary
• Field –May transport program participants.

C. Physical Effort

• Minimal

D. Non-exempt

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of child/adolescent development, youth programming, effective behavior management techniques, and life skills/related prevention programming, required. Must have group facilitation and supervision skills. Must be able to promote resiliency and to reduce risk factors in families. Requires the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and to maintain confidentiality. Effective oral and written communication skills.

Education, Experience and Training: High school diploma or equivalent plus relevant training and work experience, required. Bachelor's degree, preferred. Any equivalent combination of education, experience and/or training sufficient to demonstrate the knowledge, skills and abilities is acceptable.

Special Conditions:

• Criminal Records Check, including fingerprinting
• Valid Commonwealth of Virginia Driver's License
• CPS (Child Protective Services) Check
• TB test
• Twelve-month probationary period
• Work schedule may include nights and weekends