Prevention Specialist
About the role
Centerstone is among the nation’s leading nonprofit behavioral health systems with thousands of employees dedicated to delivering care that changes people’s lives. A dynamic, well‑established organization, we offer rewarding opportunities to serve all ages in a variety of settings. Centerstone, a trauma‑informed organization, endorses an organizational culture built on understanding, recognizing and responding to those affected by trauma to strengthen resilience for our clients, staff and community.
The Social Skills Enhancement (Project BASIC) program implements curriculum in classroom and/or group settings within schools, community venues and/or systems of care (e.g., detention centers, group homes). It assists in coordinating and delivering community‑based grant activities with children/youth, parents/caregivers and other members of identified service areas. Regular and reliable attendance is required, and occasional overnight travel (expenses paid) may be needed. The free program serves elementary school children (grades K–3) by enhancing interpersonal skills through a social/emotional curriculum, helping children understand and acknowledge their feelings and aiding in the identification of emotionally disturbed children. Funding is provided by a grant from the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.
Responsibilities
- Adhere to policies and procedures of Centerstone and grant funding entity, as well as the organizational policies of service delivery settings (e.g., schools, community centers, detention centers, group homes).
- Maintain required written documentation and submit required reports within the specified period of time.
- Utilize behavior‑management techniques appropriately in classroom and/or group settings.
- Relate to the community (e.g., school staff, professionals, parents/caregivers, and youth) positively while demonstrating professionalism at all times.
- Attend meetings, conferences, and other training sessions as required.
- Maintain a team approach with peers, coordinator and manager by working cooperatively on behalf of the prevention programs and the children/youth served.
- Demonstrate competency in presenting curricula as evidenced by positive Site Reports and Evaluator/Supervisor Observations.
- Adhere to program standards regarding participant contacts as dictated by Centerstone and the funding organization.
Skills
- Effectively communicate via written, verbal, in‑person and virtual methods.
- Able to work independently with an “off‑site” supervisor.
- Ability to speak publicly in front of a diverse group of children/youth, parents, and professionals in multiple settings (e.g., classrooms, systems of care, community meetings, school boards) in rural, suburban and urban communities.
- Ability to present prevention information on challenging topics such as substance use, bullying/violence, emotional development, and/or teen pregnancy/STIs using a trauma‑informed approach.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in a related field required.
- Reliable, insured transportation and a valid driver’s license are mandatory as travel (mileage paid) to setting sites, meetings and trainings is required.
Requirements
- Physical requirements: Standing – 20%; Sitting – 80%; Squatting – Occasional; Kneeling – Occasional; Bending – Occasional; Driving – Occasional; Lifting – Occasional.