Youth Prevention Specialist

Job Summary:

The Youth Prevention Specialist (YPS) is responsible for implementing substance use prevention and youth development services for children and youth within schools and other youth serving settings while also coordinating behavioral health services based on program and client needs. The position provides prevention education, facilitates youth engagement activities, and supports youth led prevention and positive social norms initiatives designed to increase knowledge, strengthen protective factors, increase school attachment, and reduce substance use and anti-social attitudes and behaviors. The YPS works collaboratively with youth, families, schools, educators, community partners, and agency staff to implement evidence-based prevention strategies and connect youth and families to appropriate resources. This role requires initiative, autonomy, and a proactive approach to identifying opportunities to expand prevention services, strengthen community partnerships, and increase program visibility and impact. The YPS serves as a champion for the program in the community, taking the lead in promoting program goals, building relationships with schools and community organizations, identifying opportunities for youth engagement, and advocating for prevention and positive youth development. Training on the Too Good for Drugs curriculum will be provided.

Essential Duties:

• Provides substance use prevention education to youth in school and youth serving settings according to best practice and protocols.

• Implements prevention strategies that address misperceptions regarding substance use and peer approval and increase perceived risk of harm associated with substance use.

• Engages youth in developing and implementing prevention messaging and positive social norms campaigns.

• Facilitates individual, family, and group prevention services as appropriate.

• Provides prevention programming during school hours and after school activities to increase school attachment and reduce anti-social behavior.

• Provides education and support to educators, school staff, volunteers, and other youth serving professionals regarding substance use prevention, identification of risk, and available resources.

• Coordinates with schools and community partners.

• Links youth and families to community resources and appropriate services as needed.

• Maintains effective communication and collaboration with families, schools, community partners, and other service providers.

• Demonstrates ability to maintain confidential/sensitive information.

• Maintains accurate and timely program records, attendance records, progress notes, and required grant documentation.

• Collects and maintains data related to youth participation, engagement, prevention activities, and program outcomes.

• Maintains timely documentation that reflects progress toward program goals.

• Requires advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite computer applications, aptitude for learning computer software applications and the ability to learn various software applications.

• Available to work after hours and weekends as needed based on program and community needs.

• Meets or exceeds service hour expectations as set by Behavioral Health leadership.

Required Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

• Must be 21 years of age (licensing requirement).

• Bachelor's degree in the field of social work, psychology, or related subject area preferred.

• Must meet one of the educational and experience requirements as required by AHCCCS;

o Master's degree or Bachelor's degree in a field related to behavioral health

o Bachelor's degree in a non-related field with 1 year of full-time work in behavioral health

o Associate's degree and at least 2 years of full-time behavioral health work

o High School diploma or equivalency diploma and 4 years of full-time work behavioral health

• Must be able to provide own transportation to and from clients' homes and/or other relevant organizations or agencies.

• The position requires variable schedules including evening and weekend hours.

• CPR/ First Aid certification required.

• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred, but not required.

• Must possess or be able to qualify for a valid Arizona department of public safety level one fingerprint clearance card.

• Must possess a valid Arizona driver license and be insurable under the agency's automobile policy.

• Must be able to meet training and agency requirements for the position.

• Must foster an environment that is solution-focused, dedicated, and compassionate to support the organization's mission, values, and strategic direction.

• Must exhibit a demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion; valuing a diversity of perspectives and encouraging contributions by all team members.

Supervisory Responsibility:

• Not applicable

Level of Supervision:

• Low

Work Environment:

• Work environment may vary between working in an office environment, working in a school environment, providing in-home services or other youth serving settings to provide behavioral health services.

• May be exposed to environmental or situational hazards that may occur in homes. The remainder of the time is spent working in the office.

Position Physical Demands:

• Occasional to moderate physical effort (lift/carry up to 25 lbs.).

• Occasional to moderate reaching, bending, stooping, kneeling or crouching.

Driving Requirements:

• Must drive on behalf of the agency and/or transport clients.

• 5 year MVR Report must be provided.

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.