Gambling Prevention Specialist

About the role

The Prevention Specialist is responsible for implementing prevention initiatives serving select communities throughout Central and Southern Illinois. Specific program assignments may include Substance Use Prevention, Teen Pregnancy Prevention, Gambling Prevention, or other prevention initiatives as designated by the Program Manager or Director.

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.
• 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.
• Aids 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.
• Mets 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.

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.

Qualifications

• 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.

Skills

• Completion of CARE and TCI training is an internal requirement for all staff and must be completed upon hire.
• Consistent application of CARE and TCI principles drives company culture and is essential to job performance.

Benefits

• Medical insurance with company funded Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Dental and vision insurance
• Paid vacation, sick, and personal days
• 10 company holidays and 1 floating holiday
• Monthly cell phone reimbursement
• 6 weeks paid parental leave
• 403(b) retirement plan with up to 5% employer match
• Employer-paid life insurance
• Voluntary supplemental benefits including: voluntary life, short-term disability, long-term disability, accident, and critical illness coverage
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) available to employees and their household members for additional support
• Tuition reimbursement to encourage continued learning and growth
• BenefitHub Perks Program offering valuable employee discounts