Prevention Specialist

The Substance Use Disorder Prevention Specialist carries out responsibilities in accordance to the policies and procedures of Macomb Family Services (MFS). Persons employed assist in the development and implementation of alcohol and substance use disorder prevention programs and services to individuals, groups, and the community. All programs and services are designed to increase the knowledge and coping skills of participants in relation to alcohol and other drug use disorders. Substance Use Disorder Prevention Specialists are under the direct supervision of the Director of Prevention and carry out their responsibilities within the State of Michigan and Federal guidelines, the NASW Code of Ethics, insurance and funding source mandates, and the standards of our accreditation agency (COA).

Minimum Level of Education, Training, and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Services or related field preferred.
• Background in substance use disorder education preferred.
• Strong community organization skills and demonstrated group teaching experience.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in both written and oral format.
• Ability to work with diverse community groups.

Principle Duties and Responsibilities

• Promotes the professional and ethical image of MFS, and at the discretion of the Director and/or CEO, attends various functions and represents MFS in the community.
• Have a working knowledge of substance use disorder prevention policies & procedures, as well as prevention and therapeutic service referrals.
• Deliver clear and concise educational material to the participants and communities served.
• Work with community groups and organizations in the provision of needs assessments, the development of community leadership, support networks, and additional training as needed.
• Assist parents/guardians and school personnel in the research and development of policies and procedures regarding the use, possession, and sale of drugs/alcohol that are geared toward the prevention and eradication of substance use disorders. Emphasis on alternatives to expulsion from the educational system is encouraged.
• Provide substance use disorder education and information to civic, youth, and other groups as a means of increasing awareness and community involvement.
• Attends community, prevention, and Macomb County meetings designed to effect meaningful change and prevention in relation to the use of illegal and legal substances.
• Assists in the organization and enlistment of Macomb County youth in the participation of specially designated activities such as After School and summer programs in order to increase awareness regarding substance use disorder and the development of healthy coping skills.
• Provide in-service trainings as requested.
• Prepare and maintain reports/documentation as required by MFS, local funding sources, and our accreditation agency, (COA).
• Actively pursue Certification in prevention (CPS, CAC, CPC).
• Perform other functions at the discretion of the director and MFS.
• Average a minimum of 17 MBO hours per week, with a strong emphasis on 20 MBO hours per week.