Prevention Specialist (OVW)

Position Summary:

The Prevention Specialist serves as a member of the team of WestCare Kentucky and works collaboratively with the Project Director to ensure the delivery of quality services. This role provides support to staff and gather quantitative/qualitative statistical data.

Essential Job Functions:

• Embraces and embodies the mission, vision, guiding principles, and goals of WestCare Kentucky.
• Uphold strict confidentiality of individual information.
• Assist with establishing or re-establishing prevention support systems within the community.
• Advocate on behalf of WestCare Kentucky to improve access to prevention services and information to representatives and agencies.
• Assess the resources in the area to help participants find support and/or assistance.
• Provide referrals and linkages to participants regarding vocational training and education programs.
• Assist with skill building groups and other activities as assigned by the Project Director.
• Acts as an appropriate role model inspiring change.
• Serve as a representative of WestCare Kentucky at community events, meetings, workshops and activities.
• Attend necessary monthly integrated staff team meetings.
• Attend in-person and virtual program conferences and meetings, community meetings, and events as deemed necessary.
• Maintain strong professional relationship boundaries with individuals served and organizations/ community agencies who refer individuals to WestCare Kentucky.
• Establish, develop and maintain positive working relationships with community partners that include the school system, law enforcement, local, federal, state, grantors, community stakeholders and other businesses and agencies.
• Develop a community planning team for monthly meetings and include participation from WestCare Foundation Evaluation department (Data Analyst), stakeholders, and community members.
• Submit a weekly report to the Project Director.
• Work closely with Project Director, Research Assistant, and WestCare Foundation Evaluation team regarding the collection of data and reporting of program outcomes.
• Effectively communicates on a consistent basis with community stakeholders.
• Identify focus groups for participants.
• Gather and compile appropriate materials to create Public Service Announcements (PSA) and media campaigns that promote the program goals and objectives and to work collaboratively with local radio and tv stations.
• Recruit and train community volunteers who may assist within the program.
• Gathers appropriate data to generate the required grant reporting in a timely manner.
• Perform additional tasks that support a productive office workflow as deemed necessary by the KY Regional Administrator.
• Will engage and complete the required WestCare Kentucky Relias training, and any other program related trainings.

Essential Qualifications:

              Certifications/Licenses:

• Valid driver’s license is required.
• Certified Prevention Specialist certification preferred or relevant certification and/or licensure preferred.

Education:

• Graduation from an accredited two-year Community College or a four-year College/University with a degree in Case Management, Workforce Development, Communication, Sociology, Criminal Justice, Social Work, Psychology, Human Resources or related human services field to the position is preferred.
• Previous experience of at least 3-5 years will be considered in lieu of a degree.

Experience and Competencies:

• At least two (2) years of experience in a workforce development and/or case management role required.
• Basic knowledge of behavioral health, social services, or related industry.
• Excellent communication skills including public speaking.
• Some experience with performing outreach and marketing.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and discretion.
• Ability to work well in a team environment.
• Ability to adhere to the highest standard of ethical conduct and confidentiality.
• Professional appearance and demeanor.
• Must be culturally/linguistically sensitive to populations served.
• Research and evaluate data.
• Experience with using data tracking systems.
• Ability to stay highly organized and maintain time management.
• Ability to utilize a computer and software that includes Microsoft 365.
• Regular and prompt attendance is required throughout employment.

Working Conditions:

• Work is primarily performed in a combination of an office and outdoor setting.
• Some travel will be required to trainings and conferences.
• Local travel is associated with participating in stakeholder meetings and other potential meetings to fulfill the requirements of the Next Chance Workforce program.

Essential Physical and Mental Demands of the Job

The employee must be able to perform the following essential duties and activities with or

without accommodation:

Physical Demands:

• Requires mobility and physical activity: Having an adequate range of body motion and mobility to work in an office or outdoor environment including standing and walking

(even and uneven surfaces), sitting for extended periods of time, bending, twisting, reaching, balancing, occasional lifting and carrying of up to fifty pounds. Use of computer and telephone systems is required which includes coordination of eye and hand, and proper utilization by the hands (typing, writing, and working with files).

• Requires talking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. Talking is required to impart oral information to employees, the public, and in those activities in which the employee is required to convey detailed or important spoken instructions to others accurately, loudly, or promptly.
• Requires hearing: Hearing is required to receive and communicate detailed information through oral communication.
• Requires seeing: Clarity of vision including proper eyewear at 20 inches or less and at distance.
• The normal work routine involves no exposure to human blood, body fluids or tissues. However, exposure or potential exposure may be required as a condition of employment. Appropriate personal protective equipment will be readily available to every employee.

Mental Demands:

• Requires the ability to collect and analyze complex numerical and written data and verbal information to reach logical conclusions.
• Requires the ability to work and cooperate with co-workers, manager's and the public at all levels in order to exchange ideas, information, instructions and opinions.