Youth Prevention Specialist

Qualifications and Competencies

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Education, Social Science, Criminal Justice, or related field.
• Preferably, two years of experience serving youth and families preferably in the areas of education, outreach, and case management.
• A fun, positive attitude!
• Youth engaging skills including classroom management.
• Demonstrated facilitation and public speaking skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills, cultural competence, and ability to work effectively with youth and adult volunteers in a collaborative, team-oriented approach.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, professionalism and maturity in handling sensitive information, participant interaction, and community relations.
• Ability to organize, plan, and manage multiple tasks.
• Ability to manage time efficiently and meet deadlines.
• Bilingual in English/Spanish/Kreyol is strongly preferred.
• Must have access to a licensed, insured personal vehicle at all times during work hours for reliable transportation. Mileage reimbursement will be provided for the use of personal vehicles as part of work-related travel.
• Performing the duties of this position requires the ability to walk, sit, stand, reach, talk, hear and lift presentation materials, including equipment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Facilitate in-school and community-based (after-school) sessions using evidence-based curricula, while maintaining fidelity to the models.
• Conduct intakes, and assessments, identify student needs, and link students to services.
• Administer evaluation tools and collect program data.
• Absorb with coalition activities and initiatives to educate community stakeholders on substance use issues.
• Maintain systems, procedures, and methods for programmatic record-keeping while ensuring accuracy.
• Attend funder trainings, staff trainings, and meetings to improve professional skills and enhance the program activities.
• Abide by all HIPAA rules and regulations. Maintain strict confidentiality when handling client information.
• Serve as an Ambassador of Gang Alternative, Inc.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Health Insurance – 100% paid for employee only
• Medical Gap Insurance – 100% paid for employee only
• Dental Insurance – 100% paid for employee only
• Vision Insurance – 100% paid for employee only
• Life and AD&D – 100% paid for employee only
• Supplemental Insurance – Aflac
• 403(b) Retirement plan (with employer match)
• Employee Assistance Program
• 11-12 Paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off, including Birthday and Personal Day
• Professional development opportunities
• Opportunities for career growth
• Non-profit IRS Taxable Benefits

Position Summary

Gang Alternative, Inc. implements various programs under its Positive Youth Development Pillar of Service. All of these programs use evidence-based curricula and are delivered either in school or in an out-of-school (after school program) setting and are targeted to elementary, middle, and high school students. They focus on youth substance abuse prevention; healthy relationships including social and ‘romantic’ relationships; violence prevention; and/or HIV/STI education. The Youth Prevention Specialists are responsible for facilitating sessions of evidence-based curricula and identifying additional needs of students through screening and assessments. Youth Prevention Specialists serve as liaisons to school personnel as well as community partners. Outreach is a key component of fulfilling this position.