Prevention Specialist (HIV CARES-FT)

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.