Prevention Training Specialist, Substance Abuse Programs

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Director, Sexual Health Services and Community Resources, the Prevention Training Specialist, Substance Use Programs focuses on the recruitment of MSM who use methamphetamine into the APLA Health & Wellness’ crystal methamphetamine program.

The Prevention Training Specialist assists in the implementation of strategies designed to educate persons who use/abuse crystal methamphetamine on methods of harm reduction. The Prevention Training Specialist also ensures that the program is coordinated with APLA Health & Wellness’ harm reduction philosophy and larger health education goals. The outline of duties and responsibilities is below.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Recruit members of the target population into group level interventions focused on substance use harm-reduction and HIV and STD prevention.  
• Implement contingency management, which includes the following: recruitment of participants via formal and informal outreach strategies, monitoring urine sample collection, recording of test results, distribution of incentives, and retention of participants throughout the intervention.
• Assist in the development and facilitation of in-person and virtual workshop/trainings to members of the target demographic, as well as organizations who would benefit from information on crystal methamphetamine use/abuse.
• Gather and update data for the Referral Network, which will provide target populations and other community stakeholders with links to HIV testing, STD screening/treatment, substance abuse intervention/treatment, and mental health services as well as other health education related areas.
• Work with stakeholders and community partners familiar with the needs of the target demographic to create a network of care opportunities that include, mental health providers, substance abuse counselors, treatment centers, advanced harm reduction programs, and linkage opportunities that will better the lives of persons using crystal methamphetamine.  

• Coordinate the design and layout of promotional materials used in the marketing of program activities and offerings.
• Monitor, update, and sustain program visibility on social media platforms, specifically Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.  
• Assist in the dissemination of lessons learned by developing and submitting abstracts for presentations at professional meetings and local conferences and presenting at community forums.
• Ensure culturally and linguistically appropriate services.
• Supervise volunteers and peer health educators as necessary.

Attend community/public meetings as necessary.

• Prepare quantitative and qualitative reports as assigned.

OTHER DUTIES MAY BE ASSIGNED TO MEET BUSINESS NEEDS.

REQUIREMENTS:

Training and Experience:

Associate’s degree in a human services related field or one year experience working with gay and non-gay identified African American and Latino MSM and transgender individuals who use or abuse substances. Experience in outreach, community organizing and in conducting educational trainings. Familiarity with substance use/abuse challenges and harm-reduction strategies. Experience in a nonprofit environment preferred; specific training/experience with HIV and other health related issues preferred. Training and/or experience working in HIV prevention and health education/health promotion, substance abuse treatment and program development.

Knowledge of:

Health disparities spectrum of HIV and STD disease; harm reduction theory; behavior modification theory; human sexuality, substance use and abuse , motivational interviewing techniques; outreach strategies; data management; health and social concerns of diverse populations of gay and non-gay identified MSM; risk reduction theory; principles of social marketing; and venues where the target population congregates, including the Internet.

Ability to:

Work independently; work effectively with diverse staff, volunteers and professionals; work effectively with diverse community stakeholders who may hold a wide range of opinions on gay and non-gay identified MSM who use or abuse substances; organize stakeholders and engage community building and establish linkages between stakeholders; identify particular goals and objectives with respect to harm reduction; meet frequent, sometimes conflicting deadlines in a rapidly changing environment; respond with sensitivity to social inequities and diverse ethnic groups; maintain confidentiality.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

This is primarily an office position that requires only occasional bending, reaching, stooping, lifting and moving of office materials weighing 25 pounds or less. The position requires daily use of a personal computer and requires entering, viewing, and revising text and graphics on the computer terminal and on paper.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must possess a valid California driver’s license; proof of auto liability insurance; and have the use of a personal vehicle for work related purposes.

COVID-19 and Booster or Medical/ Religious Exemption required.

Equal Opportunity Employer: minority/female/disability/transgender/veteran.