Prevention Specialist

Prevention Specialist

Annual Salary: $49,284

Work Schedule: Hours vary, some evenings and weekends

The Hampton-Newport News Community Services Board (HNNCSB) is seeking a full-time Prevention Specialist to support community-based efforts focused on substance use disorder prevention and mental health promotion in Hampton and Newport News, Virginia. This position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by delivering evidence-based education and prevention programs, including Mental Health First Aid, Suicide Prevention, and Trauma/Resilience initiatives for youth and adults. The Prevention Specialist will implement strategies targeting underage drinking, tobacco use, opioid misuse, and other substance-related concerns, while supporting environmental prevention efforts such as Counter-Tools initiatives.

WHO WE ARE

Since 1971, the Hampton-Newport News Community Services Board has provided the highest quality of behavioral health services to residents of the cities of Hampton and Newport News, Virginia, offering a comprehensive array of programs for both children and adults living with mental illness, developmental disabilities, and/or substance use disorders.

YOUR DAY AS A PREVENTION SPECIALIST

The Prevention Specialist advances community-wide substance use disorder prevention and mental health promotion across Hampton and Newport News. This role exists to strengthen protective factors, reduce risk, and ensure prevention initiatives are delivered consistently, measured accurately, and aligned with program guidelines.

Key responsibilities include planning and implementing prevention programs for youth, adults, and families; delivering community education (including Mental Health First Aid, suicide prevention, and trauma/resilience); supporting coalition development through consultation, technical assistance, and meeting support; conducting tobacco and alcohol retailer store audits and education; implementing environmental strategies (including Counter-Tools); maintaining statistical/program information; and entering required outputs in the DBHDS Data System.

You may start the day finalizing materials for a training, then facilitate an interactive session for youth or adult audiences. Midday often includes coordination with local partners, preparing for coalition activities, or compiling outcome information for timely DBHDS entries. Field time can include visiting retailers for store audits and brief educational conversations, followed by documenting observations and next steps. The day typically ends by organizing upcoming events, confirming schedules with community contacts, and ensuring deliverables are ready for the next program cycle.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR IN A PREVENTION SPECIALIST

Required qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Human Services such as Social Work, Psychology, Counseling
- 1 year of experience in mental health promotion and substance use disorder prevention

OUR BENEFITS

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
• Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• 11 paid holidays
• Participation in the Virginia Retirement System (VRS)

GET STARTED WITH OUR TEAM!

If you are ready to bring your passion and expertise to a role where everyday matters, the Hampton-Newport News Community Services Board is the perfect place to grow your career while transforming lives. Apply today and help strengthen families, support recovery, and make a meaningful impact in your community.

The selected candidate must successfully pass a criminal history fingerprint background investigation, DMV record check, Child Registry search, drug screening test and employment reference checks.