Prevention Specialist

The Prevention Specialist will provide guidance and conduct educational prevention programs to professionals, adults and youth. This position provides support to the Harford County Office of Drug Control Policy ("ODCP") through the Harford County Department of Housing and Community Services ("H&CS".)This position includes extensive public speaking as well as engagement with local schools and the community. The Prevention Specialist is responsible for assisting team members with grant development, administration and reporting. Work is expected to be performed both on-site and off-site, with some evening and weekend work as needed for meetings, events and presentations. The position requires proven experience in substance use prevention and associated mental health. In addition to experience, this position requires adaptability. flexibility and excellent communication skills. Frequent interaction with other community stakeholders will be extensive and critical to the role. Interactions may include, but are not limited to, State and County officials, Legislators, Court officials, program administrators and participants, as well as the general public. The position reports to and is supervised by the assigned Manager/Supervisor for ODCP. (The following examples illustrate the work performed in the positions in the class. Positions may require some or all of these examples depending on the organization of work within the department. The list is not inclusive. A position may require duties not listed, if necessary, to accomplish the work of the department.) Promotes community awareness and offers technical assistance for the Office of Drug Control Policy programs through marketing, planning and attending events, and community outreach. An employee in this class develops, coordinates and promotes substance use prevention and related mental health programs working with a network of community based organizations and government agencies. Implement evidence based strategies which include public-private partnerships in order to address substance use and related mental health related issues. Consults with Director, Deputy Director and program administrators regarding upcoming events, campaigns and initiatives. Conducts workshops and trainings related to reducing substance use and promoting good mental health. Provides technical assistance and resources for schools, churches and community organizations developing substance use prevention and mental health programs. Coordinates special projects promoting community involvement in substance use prevention. Providing information to and linking resources in the community to the public. Attend and participate in all Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) webinars and meetings as required by grants funding. Assist in writing grants as well as in the selection, implementation and evaluation of prevention activities. Drive to varying locations when providing services and activities as described above. Attend staff meetings, trainings and meetings associated with ODCP and the position as assigned. Occasional evening and weekend work required. Other duties and responsibilities as assigned. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Must have knowledge of concepts of substance use dependency, mental health, and the relationship between the two. Ability to mobilize community action in the development of effective science based alcohol and drug prevention as well as mental health programs. Ability to create promotional and educational literature relating to alcohol and drug prevention. Ability to effectively perform presentations on substance use, mental health and prevention. Working understanding and use of Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel and Power Point programs. Able to assist in preparation of grant and fiscal reports. Work independently as well as with staff members, volunteers and community groups while managing multiple projects. Able to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. Ability to plan, coordinate, budget and direct programs and events. Ability to develop and implement standards, best practices and be accountable for work assigned. Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, sit or stand. Able to drive a vehicle while carrying out assignments. EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree in public health, social work or related field from an accredited college or university is required. CERTIFICATIONS: Mental Health First Aid (MHFA; adult and youth preferred), QPR and CCAR are Required within six (6) months of hire. Additional certifications may be required due to changing laws and requirements associated with the position. EXPERIENCE: Five (5) years of experience working with adults and youth in the field of prevention of substance use, addiction or mental health. Experience with public speaking and knowledge of the local Continuum of Care preferred. LICENSE: Possession of a valid Class "C" non-commercial driver's license with no more than three (3) points. Please be advised this position requires a valid driver's license. Your application will not be considered if you fail to include the full driver's license number on this electronic application. SAFETY: Must comply with all Federal (OSHA), and State of Maryland (MOSH), safety regulations and applicable Harford County safety policies, procedures, or manuals as required for this position. Additional related education may be substituted for required experience on a year-for-year basis. Proof of receipt of college degree must be provided by the selected candidate. Qualifications of certification in Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) and QPR and be qualified to be an instructor in those areas is a requirement and will not be waived. If the chosen candidate is not MHFA, QPR and/or CCAR certified as of date of hire, the employee shall obtain these certifications within six (6) months of hire.