Prevention Specialist

Marion-Crawford Prevention Programs
Position Description

Position: Prevention Specialist – High School

Supervisor: Associate Director & Director

Are you passionate about empowering youth and creating positive change in your community? We're looking for a dynamic Prevention Specialist to work with youth-led groups helping young people build leadership skills, make informed decisions, and prevent risky behaviors. If you’re driven by the opportunity to make a real difference in young people’s lives and want to help shape the leaders of tomorrow, this is the job for you!

What You'll Do:

• Lead and Support Youth-Led Initiatives: Work closely with youth groups to design, implement, and assess prevention programs that address topics like substance abuse and mental health.
• Create Empowering Spaces for Youth: Provide mentorship to help young people develop their leadership abilities, critical thinking skills, and confidence to tackle challenges in their communities.
• Collaborate Across Communities: Build strong partnerships with schools and other key stakeholders to bring youth-driven initiatives to life and raise awareness on prevention issues.
• Facilitate Workshops and Events: Organize and lead interactive workshops, conferences and community events that foster engagement, education, and peer-to-peer support among youth.
• Encourage Advocacy and Community Change: Help youth advocate for positive change in their schools, neighborhoods, and beyond. Empower them to use their voices to raise awareness and advocate for healthier, safer environments.

What We're Looking For:

• Experience: Proven experience working with youth in group settings. Previous work in prevention programs, community outreach, or related fields is a plus. A background in education, social work, public health, or similar fields is preferred.
• Leadership Skills: Strong ability to mentor, inspire, and engage youth in meaningful ways. Comfortable with public speaking and fostering a positive, inclusive atmosphere for self-expression and growth.
• Communication Skills: Exceptional ability to connect and build relationships with young people from diverse backgrounds
• Knowledge of Prevention Strategies: Understanding of risk factors related to youth health and behavior, with a focus on prevention approaches that promote resilience, empowerment, and informed decision-making.
• Organizational Skills: Ability to coordinate events, programs, and workshops effectively, managing timelines and resources to ensure smooth operations.

Why This Position Is a Great Opportunity:

• Make a Difference: Help youth take charge of their future and equip them with the tools they need to thrive. Your work will directly impact the well-being of young people in your community.
• Personal and Professional Growth: Join a supportive team that values professional development, offering opportunities for training and growth in the prevention and youth empowerment fields.
• Collaborative Environment: Work alongside passionate colleagues and community partners who share your commitment to empowering youth and promoting healthy, thriving communities.
• Flexibility: We offer flexible work hours and the ability to work on meaningful projects that have a lasting impact on the lives of young people. Must be able to work nights and weekends.

Qualifications:

• Candidates must have a minimum of 2 years’ experience working with high school aged youth
• A Bachelor’s degree in social work, education, public health or related field is preferred. Associate’s degrees with experience considered
• A candidate should be OCPS, in process, or eligible to begin process within 6 months of starting position. Applicants must be able to become credentialed within the first two years of employment.
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills.
• Passion for helping young people thrive, with a focus on prevention, empowerment, and healthy decision-making.
• The ability to work effectively and productively on your own is a must. Candidates must be willing and available to work evenings and weekends and have reliable transportation.

How to Apply: Interested candidates should send a resume and a cover letter detailing their experience and passion for working with youth to: laura.b@mcpreventionprograms.com. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Office Hours:
Monday – Friday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm (1/2 hour lunch)

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Work Location: In person