Preventionist in Addison, Illinois at YWCA Metropolitan Chicago

POSITION TITLE: Preventionist

STATUS: Exempt, FT

GRADE: 2

DEPT: Sexual Violence Support Services

PROGRAM: Prevention Education & Training

REPORTS TO: Manager, Education Services

SALARY: $48,500-$$50,000

SUMMARY: The Preventionist delivers and evaluates YWCA prevention programs while contributing to curriculum design that serves diverse audiences. Through intentional relationship-building, the Preventionist strengthens community partnerships to foster shared learning, collaboration, and collective action. The role actively supports alignment across YWCA programs and centers racial justice and gender equity in all prevention efforts.

*Note: This position description also is valid for a Bilingual Preventionist.

COLLABORATES WITH: YWCA staff members; Volunteers; representatives of community and state agencies and coalitions; K-12 and higher education personnel; and other stakeholders and entities.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Direct Services: Plan and deliver educational programs and professional training to students, professionals and religious organizations, school personnel, employers, and other audiences about sexual violence. Provide non-client crisis intervention, information, and referral services as needed. Conduct outreach and mobilize communities by attending meetings, events, and other gatherings to share information about YWCA prevention programming, impact of sexual assault and other forms of violence, and to promote community support and involvement and foster collaboration and partnerships.

Curriculum Design and Media Content Development: Contribute to the development, selection, update and enhancement of educational curricula and training materials for diverse audiences, ensuring content is accurate, engaging, age-appropriate, and culturally responsive. Collaborate with team members to align curriculum with program goals, learning objectives, and community needs. Create and disseminate media content to increase awareness, engagement, and outreach for prevention programs, using clear, accessible, and audience-appropriate messaging, such as flyers, brochures, newsletters, social media posts, etc. Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of both curriculum and digital content, adjusting as needed to maximize impact.

Community Engagement: Assist with education programming and professional training for K-12 and higher education, organizations and companies; plan and present Erin’s Law-based training, such as Mandated Reporting, to school communities (this includes school personnel, parents, students). Maintain ongoing relationships with all model schools and youth organizations within the local service area. Schedule and attend resource fairs and other select sponsored events, i.e., "Take Back the Night" and community events, as needed. Participate in appropriate city, state and national coalitions, and advocacy efforts. Network with community groups, state agencies and coalitions, providing services related to sexual abuse, and violence prevention, especially in designated target areas.

Reporting: Maintain an awareness of potential child abuse cases and report related incidents as required. Maintain member confidentiality as designated by law or funding sources. Manage and maintain comprehensive statistical records, in accordance with funding and YWCA guidelines.

Professional Development: Maintain professional development by completing a minimum of twelve (12) hours of continuing education annually, with at least six (6) hours focused on the specific populations served. Participate in additional training and continuing education as required by ICASA, funders, or other governing agencies.

NON-ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES: May work with or assist with the supervision of volunteers. Assist with planning special programs, i.e., Sexual Assault Awareness Month, YWCA Week without Violence, Day of Commitment, 40-hour Training Coordination.

OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED: Other duties outside of the responsibilities of the position may be assigned, whether for a project, special needs task or other assignment.

QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES:

Subject Mater Expertise: Previous training in sexual assault and/or related issues is preferred. One year of prior experience in educational programming, casework, counseling or tutoring youth is required, although two years of such experience are preferred.

The work requires both cultural sensitivity and an understanding of professional and school community cultures. Working with youth and others requires diplomacy, and when necessary, the communication of understanding and empathy. The Preventionist must work well as a team player.

Accountability: Effectively manages own work, and works with teams, ensuring delivery of high-quality work

Public Speaking & Communication: Uses effective written and oral communication with internal staff, leadership teams and organizations served; demonstrates empathy and active listening with diverse populations. Is able to deliver dynamic, engaging, and culturally relevant presentations.

Critical Thinking: Consistently identifies, gathers, and applies relevant information to their work.

Client-Service Orientation: Recognizes the needs of diverse stakeholders and approaches relationships with an inclusive service orientation, to ultimately maximize the impact of service delivery.

Technology: The role requires developed skill in analysis to review data and program outcomes. Intermediate level skills in Microsoft Office are necessary, with additional required knowledge of Internet use and the completion of web-based platforms, i.e. Zoom, Canva, and Online Engagement Tools.

Professional Training Required: Complete the 40-Hour Sexual Assault Crisis Intervention Training within ninety days of employment start date (if not completed within the prior two years). Complete 60 hours of adult-specific sexual abuse/assault training within first year of employment (if not completed within the prior five years). Complete other continuing education and training as set by the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault or other agencies/funders, in addition to undertaking any needed renewal of 40-Hour training.

Note: A bilingual Preventionist must have both conversational and written fluency in the language of the population that is served. Cultural competency and proficiency in the population’s language and English are required.

EDUCATION:

· High school diploma or GED required

· Associate or bachelor’s degree preferred in Social Work, Women and Gender Studies, Education, Public Health, Performing Arts, Communications, or related field. Equivalent work experience will also be considered.

CERTIFICATION(s) REQUIRED: N/A

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The physical and environmental demands described here represent those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. The Educator must be available for a flexible work schedule, which may include occasional on-call shifts. The role involves office work as well as frequent travel to schools and community sites to deliver presentations, with typical noise levels being moderate. While performing the duties of this job, the Educator is regularly required to sit, stand for extended periods, walk, use hands to handle or feel objects, reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, crouch, and communicate effectively. The Educator must occasionally lift and/or move materials weighing up to 50 pounds. This position may occasionally require exposure to outdoor weather conditions during travel to education events. Reasonable accommodations will be made for an incumbent to meet the essentials responsibilities of the position.

WORK SCHEDULE: Monday – Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm. This position may require work on evenings and weekends. Schedule can vary depending on the needs of the agency.

Annual Salary Description

$48,500-$50,000