Job Description

Job Description Summary:

The Prevention Specialist will provide guidance, education, and leadership through prevention programs, including the Bridge Program. The candidate will conduct these programs for professionals, parents, and youth based on best practices in substance use, mental health, and suicide prevention. This position includes extensive public speaking as well as engagement with local schools and the community. The employee is also responsible for grant administration and reporting, prevention marketing campaigns, and leading community outreach.

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 employee must be flexible and an excellent communicator with proven experience in substance use prevention and associated mental health. They will need to be able to work independently as a self-starter, as well as in a team setting while maintaining a strong work ethic, high standards of accountability, responsiveness, responsibility, and teamwork. The employees ability to maintain contacts with various County and State officials, State and local legislators, local Courts, State and local program administrators and participants as well as the public, is extensive, critical and important. The position reports to and is supervised by the Administrator of the Office of Drug Control Policy.

Job Description:

Budgeted Salary: $50,000.00 - $60,000.00

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

• Promotes community awareness and offers technical assistance for the Office of Drug Control Policy programs through marketing, events, and community outreach.
• An employee in this class develops, coordinates, and promotes substance use prevention programs and works with a network of community-based organizations and government agencies to address drug and alcohol abuse in the county.
• Implement evidence-based strategies that include public/private partnerships to address issues related to substance use.
• Consult with program administrators about upcoming events, campaigns, and initiatives.
• Coordinates the Bridge Program; including conducting programming, providing case management, and preparing necessary documentation.
• Conducts workshops and training related to mental health education.
• Provides technical assistance and resources for schools, churches, or community organizations developing a substance abuse prevention program.
• Coordinates special projects promoting community involvement in substance use prevention.
• Provides information and resources to the public as required.
• Attend and participate in all webinars and meetings as required by the grant.
• Assists in writing grants.
• Assists in the selection, implementation, and evaluation of prevention activities.
• Drives to multiple locations to provide services.
• Attends staff meetings, training, activities, and other meetings as required.
• Evening and weekend work required.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
• This position is considered essential.
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EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor's Degree in public health, family studies, social work, psychology, criminal justice or related field from an accredited college of university

OR

Associate's Degree AND three (3) years' experience working in the behavioral health field

OR

Five (5) years’ experience working in the behavioral health field and/or with youth.

Note:

Additionally, ideal candidate's experience will include experience in public speaking.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of concepts of substance use disorder; 
• Knowledge of existing public and private agencies and community resources;
• Ability to mobilize community action in the development of effective prevention strategies; 
• Ability to compose promotional and educational literature relating to substance use and mental health, and the ability to present on these topics;
• Ability to conduct youth programming in a group setting;
• Working knowledge of personal computer operations; 
• Ability to prepare grant and fiscal reports;
• Ability to organize and maintain records;
• Ability to deal effectively with staff members, volunteers, and community groups while managing multiple projects;
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing;
• Ability to plan, coordinate, budget, and direct programs and events; 
• Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, sit, or stand, and drive a County vehicle to carry out some work assignments

SAFETY:

Must comply with all Federal (OSHA), State of Maryland (MOSH), safety regulations and applicable Harford County safety policies, procedures, or manual as required for this position.

COMPENSATION:

Other compensation may include but is not limited to:

• Overtime
• Compensatory time
• Shift Differentials

BENEFITS:

Harford County offers an exceptional benefits package that includes:

• Health, Dental & Vision insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation
• Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse, and Children
• Generous Leave Package & Paid Holidays
• Tuition Reimbursement

Harford County Government is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local law.