Prevention Specialist at Hoyleton Youth and Family Services

Description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Prevention Specialist is responsible for implementing prevention initiatives serving select communities throughout Central and Southern Illinois, including assessing community needs, developing youth advisory councils and communication campaigns, and delivering comprehensive prevention programs targeting youth ages 11 to 18.

Specific program assignments may include Substance Use Prevention, Teen Pregnancy Prevention, or other prevention initiatives as designated by the Program Manager or Director.

The Prevention Specialist provides education, delivers evidence-based curricula, supports coalition and advisory group activities, and serves as a community resource on prevention and youth development. This position works in school, community, and residential settings to promote healthy decision-making, reduce risk behaviors, and strengthen protective factors among youth and families.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides education and activities for youth and parents, consistent with CARE principles.
• Works with the supervisory staff to identify and prepare for implementation of appropriate evidence-based curricula and assessment tools.
• Coordinates curriculum implementation scheduling and training for each program site.
• Delivers selected prevention curricula as described by the program model; identifies service delivery issues and makes recommendations about strategies to resolve delivery problems.
• Conducts pre- and post-program assessments and maintains written records of each program session as directed by the supervisory staff.
• Engages in assessment activities to identify community needs, existing resources, and data related to youth substance use, sexual health, and other relevant prevention indicators.
• Identifies and secures potential program sites as directed by the supervisory staff.
• Maintains communication with front-line staff at each program site to identify concerns or issues, communicates these to the site coordinator, and makes recommendations for resolution.
• Leads or participates in community coalitions, advisory committees, and youth leadership groups that address prevention-related issues.
• Assists in developing and implementing communication campaigns to address risk behaviors and promote positive youth development.
• Delivers positive youth development activities in accordance with the program delivery plan and consistent with CARE principles.
• Participates in and supports community events as a representative of the organization.
• Must be certified in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) and capable of performing crisis prevention and de-escalation techniques in accordance with TCI guidelines.
• Actively seeks to prevent behavioral crises, de-escalates situations as they occur, and responds appropriately in alignment with TCI standards.
• Inputs required data into the Prevention HUB and completes required documentation as identified by the Illinois Department of Human Services.
• Meets all goals and objectives stated in the grant or program plan.
• Attends all required training and workshops as outlined by the agency and funding source.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Serves as a positive role model and community resource on prevention topics for youth, families, and stakeholders.
• Demonstrates professionalism, punctuality, and accountability in meeting program and grant requirements.
• Applies the CARE practice model and TCI techniques consistently and in accordance with agency standards.
• Completes required training and participates in meetings as directed by the agency or grant funder.
• Supports prevention programming through collaboration, engagement, and effective communication.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills.
• Ability to engage youth, parents, and community members on sensitive topics.
• Understanding of community needs and the ability to analyze local data.
• Capacity to recruit program sites and mobilize community leaders around prevention efforts.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Must meet DCFS/CANTS Clearance Requirements. 
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and maintain proof of automobile insurance.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution preferred.
• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience working directly with adolescents, schools, or community coalitions preferred.
• Knowledge and/or experience related to addiction, substance abuse prevention, or youth development preferred.

CARE & TCI

Hoyleton has adopted the CARE (Children and Residential Experience), developed by Cornell University, to guide our culture and practice. CARE is grounded in six core principles: Developmentally Focused, Family Involved, Relationship Based, Ecologically Oriented, Competence Centered, and Trauma Informed. 

Completion of CARE and TCI training is an internal requirement for all staff and must be completed upon hire. Ongoing application of these principles is expected and essential to successful job performance. 

TCI (Therapeutic Crisis Intervention). Employees must:

• Pass the written test annually
• Pass the physical test every six months (if applicable to their role)

Consistent participation and application of both CARE and TCI principles drive company culture and are essential to job performance.

Working Conditions

This position operates in a professional office and a community-based environment and may require travel to Monroe, St. Clair, Clinton, and/or Washington counties, depending on role responsibilities.

The role involves periods of walking, standing, or sitting, and may occasionally require climbing stairs, bending, kneeling, or lifting materials up to 10lbs depending on job duties. 

Minimal exposure to environmental factors such as noise, dust, or varying indoor/outdoor temperatures may occur depending on program needs and client-related activities.