Position Summary:

The Prevention Specialist works to empower local communities, promote alcohol/drug-free lifestyles, and build community structures to support such lifestyles. Essential Job Functions include those listed below.

Essential Job Functions:

• 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;
• Provides general supervision to participants in WestCare Wisconsins program(s) as needed;
• Reports to immediate supervisor, any unusual incidents that should be brought to the attention of the Program Coordinator, Regional Vice President or the WestCare Foundation;
• Attends all internal and external team meetings;
• Maintains all data collection logs daily;
• Provides transportation as directed by immediate supervisor;
• Assists with overall facility maintenance and general housekeeping;
• Embraces and embodies the mission, vision, guiding principles, clinical vision and goals of WestCare Foundation;
• Performs any other duties as assigned.

Certifications/Licensures:

• Certified Prevention Professional certification preferred; Preference will be given to those candidates who are currently Certified;
• Must obtain Credible Messenger training as soon as such training becomes available following hire;
• 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:

• Ability to analyze situations accurately and develop appropriate responses required;
• Ability to communicate effectively in order to facilitate programming and relay information to others as part of an interdisciplinary team required;
• Ability to develop reports, create presentations and communicate finding to both internal and external audiences required;
• Professional appearance and demeanor required;
• Two (2) years of experience in a relevant position is highly preferred;
• Experience in working with high-risk youth and their families preferred;
• Experience in the creation and delivery of events and public presentations desirable;
• Knowledge of the Strategic Prevention Framework highly desired;
• 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, residential, or outdoor setting;
• Some outdoor activities and travel between multiple locations may be required;
• Regular and prompt attendance is required throughout employment.