Prevention Program Support Specialist at The Village for Families and Children – Vernon, Connecticut

Our Mission:

Starting annual salary $43,888 will commensurate with experience

JOB SUMMARY

Provide advocacy and support to the youth of Vernon, Ellington, and Stafford to prevent underage drinking and drug abuse. Responsible for providing training and educational programs about issues involving alcohol and drug related abuse, healthy relationships, and related topics. Work with the Project Director on the alcohol and drug prevention initiative. Represent the program in meetings, coordinate youth coalition members, and assist with submitting reports and other grant deliverables.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Develop and manage social media, newsletter and other media content for the community coalition.
2. Coordinate alcohol and drug prevention events, trainings, and meetings.
3. Serves as a resource and support for students who have concerns regarding their or someone else’s substance abuse and/or who may be at risk for abuse or dependence.
4. Network and collaborate with other organizations, schools, peer groups and agencies to provide current information and education regarding underage drinking and other drugs.
5. Develop collaborative relationships with schools, community youth and peer groups.
6. Attend trainings and participate in meetings and events as it relates to enhancing the quality of the program.
7. Maintain confidentiality.
8. Provide opportunities for youth to work directly with the coalition in all steps of the Strategic Prevention Framework.
9. Perform other related tasks as required.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s in social work, public health, psychology, or related field from an accredited program required.

EXPERIENCE

• Strong written and oral communication skills as well as good presentation and public speaking skills.
• Self-motivator with high levels of energy and enthusiasm.
• Experience developing social media content on a professional platform
• Strong time management and organizational skills.
• Be an effective role model for students and consistently model healthy decision-making skills.
• Ability to work with all levels of the student population.
• Knowledge or experience accessing local resources.
• Demonstrated knowledge and ability to work with diverse population of students, faculty, staff, external programs and agencies.
• Knowledgeable of the causes and effects of drugs and alcohol addiction and the impact it has on individuals, families, and communities.
• Proficient knowledge in youth development framework and experience with at-risk youth.
• Experience in developing and facilitating group training events, focus groups and prevention presentations.
• Experience with the Microsoft Suite (proficient in Excel and Word).