PREVENTION SPECIALIST

New Horizons is the largest mental health and addiction recovery provider on the Treasure Coast and beyond, serving 15,000 children and adults annually through inpatient crisis services, a 24-hour helpline and mobile response team, and outpatient programs across Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee, and St. Lucie counties. Additionally, we assist 22,000 students in area schools, working closely with the courts, law enforcement, jails, and hospitals to enhance individual well-being and improve overall community health.

We are seeking a caring and compassionate Prevention Specialist to join our team. As a Prevention Specialist, you will play a key role in shaping the future of our youth by teaching essential life skills and fostering resilience. Our team utilizes evidence-based curricula—including Too Good for Drugs, Too Good for Violence, and Botvin Life Skills—to educate students on topics such as alcohol, tobacco, and drug prevention. These services are provided in classroom settings and one-on-one with students in grades K-8.

Position Details:

• Based in St. Lucie county
• Full-time position (40 hours per week).
• Typical working hours: Monday to Friday during school hours, with occasional Saturday or evening hours for community events.
• Summer services are provided to local summer camps and after-school programs.
• Starting pay: $18 per hour.
• Pay increase to $19 per hour after 90 days (subject to performance).
• Opportunities for growth

Key Responsibilities:

• Teach evidence-based prevention education to students in assigned schools.
• Provide individual substance abuse prevention services tailored to youth needs.
• Foster resilience and positive decision-making skills in students.
• Collaborate with teachers, school administrators, families, and community organizations to promote student well-being.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date case records and ensure compliance with reporting requirements.
• Prepare weekly and monthly reports as required by the agency.
• Participate in staff meetings, training sessions, and professional development opportunities.
• Support school-wide initiatives that foster mental health awareness and substance abuse prevention.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support program effectiveness.

We are seeking a candidate who:

• Is comfortable teaching students in a classroom setting.
• Can work effectively with students individually.
• Has reliable transportation.
• Works well as part of a team.
• Has experience working with elementary and/or middle school students.
• Possesses strong organizational skills.

Now under new management, New Horizons offers meaningful work with opportunities for professional growth, competitive pay, and comprehensive benefits, including:

• Health Insurance (including mental health coverage)
• Dental & Vision Insurance
• Disability Insurance (Short-Term & Long-Term)
• Paid Time Off, Sick Leave & Holidays
• Paid Training & Employee Assistance Program
• Life Insurance & Retirement Plan (403b)

New Horizons is looking for candidates who are passionate about helping youth make positive life choices and possess the following qualifications:

• • Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited university in counseling, social work, psychology, criminal justice, nursing, rehabilitation, special education, health education, or a related human services field.
• Experience working with children facing substance abuse and/or mental health challenges is preferred.

OR

• • Possession of a Florida Certification Board certification with 5 years of experience working with children facing substance abuse and/or mental health issues. (Written acceptance for certification in lieu of a Bachelor's Degree must be obtained from the school administration and kept in the personnel file.)
• Ability to apply therapeutic aggression management techniques effectively, as needed.