Lead Prevention Specialist (Prevention and Aftercare Services)

Prevention and Aftercare Services is a program focused on preventing child abuse by enhancing family resilience and fostering positive behavioral development. The program’s goal is to reduce social isolation, increase economic prospects, and enhance access to valuable services. Services include case management, community outreach, parenting classes, domestic violence education, and workshops. 

The Lead Prevention Specialist plays a vital role in guiding and enhancing community-based prevention efforts, particularly in relation to youth and family education. They mentor and support Youth Prevention Specialists, ensuring that prevention strategies align with community needs and goals. The Lead Specialist leads the Pomona Youth Prevention Community Council, providing mentorship and resources to youth, while also organizing and facilitating youth leadership, peer support groups, and parent education workshops. They collaborate with community partners to coordinate school-wide prevention activities and environmental campaigns, while also managing data and documentation for program outcomes. 

3. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES  

Lead Duties 

• Guide and mentor Youth Prevention Specialists.
• Lead and/or model programming protocols to new prevention specialists.
• Assist in designing and implementing prevention strategies, setting goals, and ensuring that program aligns with community needs and goals.
• Identify new opportunities or areas where prevention programs can be expanded or improved.
• Assist the Supervisor with performing tasks necessary for effective program delivery.
• Implement programming with Part-Time Youth Prevention Specialist. 

Youth and Parent Education Activities 

• Conduct evidence-based youth prevention education lessons about ATOD (Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs) at schools and community sites.
• Facilitate youth leadership and peer support groups and activities.
• Lead and coordinate the Pomona Youth Prevention Community council.
• Provide mentorship, resources, prevention education, and leadership skills to youth involved with the Pomona Youth Prevention Community council.
• Recruit youth, retain records, engage and maintain relationships with youth and community members involved with the council.
• Conduct individual and group prevention sessions for at-risk youth as needed.
• Conduct parent meetings and/or parent prevention education series workshops and classes. 

Community Engagement and Coordination 

• Facilitate and develop relationships among community partners to collaborate with the council.
• Assist in the coordination of community-wide prevention activities and environmental campaigns.
• Facilitate the coordination of program-sponsored school-wide prevention activities/campaigns and alternative social activities.
• Consult with school faculty, counselors, or other personnel to identify, assess, and motivate youth.
• Coordinate referrals to mental health, alcohol and drug treatment programs, and community services as needed. 

Data Management and Documentation 

• Collect assessments of alcohol and drug exposure with youth.
• Conduct data entry of assessments and maintain accurate records.
• Document youth progress and participation, parent progress and participation, all work-related activities, and outcomes. 

Administration and Other Duties 

• Complete all assigned training in a timely manner.
• Work on evenings and weekends as assigned.
• Read and respond to emails when appropriate.
• Drive to the locations to conduct education classes, workshops, etc. or as assigned. 

4. QUALIFICATIONS 

Education, Certification, or Licensure 

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Social Work, Psychology, or related field from an accredited institution.
• Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist Certification or other related certification is a plus.
• Valid First Aid and CPR certification or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.
• Valid California driver’s license and access to registered and insured transportation. 

Experience 

• Experience working with diverse populations with demonstrated understanding of African American and Latino cultural issues.
• At least one year of experience providing alcohol, tobacco, and other drug prevention services.
• At least two years of experience working with youth in school, community centers, youth organizations, or social service agencies.
• Experience with leadership roles and/or providing supervision to direct service staff.