Program Specialist

Department of Liquor Licenses and Control – To safeguard the well-being of Arizona communities by promoting responsible alcohol consumption, production, distribution, and sales through efficient licensing and fair and consistent law enforcement.

Job Location: 800 West Washington Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85007
Salary: $28.8461 hourly
Grade: 21

About the role

The Prevention Specialist will implement alcohol awareness and substance use prevention programs in local schools and communities. This includes delivering engaging presentations to diverse audiences of teens, facilitating educational contacts with licensed liquor establishments, and representing the organization at community events. The ideal candidate will have strong public speaking skills and a passion for promoting healthy choices among youth. This role is highly field-based, requiring frequent travel throughout the State with occasional overnight stays. This is a grant-funded position, contingent upon continued funding from the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant (SABG).

Responsibilities

• Deliver educational presentations to staff on preventing underage drinking, ensuring patron safety, and addressing over-service concerns.
• Deliver presentations to teens in schools and other community settings on the dangers of underage drinking and substance use.
• Implement environmental prevention strategies to influence policies and practices at a local level.
• Conduct public awareness events to speak on responsible alcohol service and promote substance use prevention.
• Travel throughout the State of Arizona, including occasional evening and weekend work.
• Network to identify new schools, law enforcement agencies, or community groups for future presentations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and/or prior experience in alcohol prevention, social services, or teaching (selective preference).
• Must possess an Arizona Driver’s License. If driving is required as an essential function, compliance with Driver’s License Requirements is mandatory.
• All newly hired State employees must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Public Health and Prevention Science: Core principles of public health, including the socio-ecological model, and different prevention strategies (universal, selective, and indicated prevention).
• Substance Use Disorders: Understanding of biological, psychological, and social factors contributing to alcohol misuse and addiction, as well as the short- and long-term effects of alcohol on the body and mind.
• Communication and Public Speaking: Ability to present complex information clearly and engagingly to diverse audiences, adapting messages as needed.
• Community Collaboration: Building and maintaining relationships with stakeholders, including schools, law enforcement, local health departments, and community organizations.
• Data Analysis: Collect data to inform programs and demonstrate impact.
• Cultural Competence: Work respectfully and effectively with individuals and communities from diverse backgrounds, addressing cultural factors influencing alcohol use.
• Problem Solving: Identify community needs and barriers to prevention, developing creative, evidence-based solutions.

Benefits

• Sick leave
• Vacation with 10 paid holidays per year
• Paid Parental Leave: Up to 12 weeks per year for a newborn or newly placed foster/adopted child (pilot program)
• Health and dental insurance
• Retirement plan through the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS), with enrollment eligibility after 27 weeks of employment
• Life insurance and long-term disability insurance
• Optional benefits: Short-term disability insurance, deferred compensation plans, and supplemental life insurance