Director of Prevention & Human Services

The Town of Ashland is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Director of Prevention & Human Services. This position is responsible for the oversight of the Prevention and Human Services Department; conducting community-wide outreach and education to ensure the continuity of prevention and community services. The successful candidate will work with other Town Departments and local/regional organizations to integrate prevention into community programs and social service practices; incorporate or amend policy, practice, systems and environmental strategies to address factors that impact individual and community health including basic needs, substance use/misuse and other behavioral health concerns.

Annual Salary Range: $70,000 - $77,250
Schedule: 40 hours per week

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

• Supports the Department’s mission to promote, elevate and sustain the positive health and well-being of all Ashland residents by fostering a sense of community marked by equity, inclusion, social justice, empowerment, self-advocacy, human connections and positive relationships
• Develops, coordinates, oversees, and assesses efforts to inform and educate the community about prevention & behavioral health
• Identifies opportunities to expand prevention across the life span and in the scope of services it provides to support Ashland’s goal of Community Wellbeing through prevention, education, social services, case management and resources & referrals

• Works with community organizations and municipal departments to integrate prevention into education and community programs and practices.
• Develops communications for municipal departments and the general public about issues related to substance use disorders and behavioral health
• Develops, designs, promotes and communicates community-wide prevention activities, programs and education
• Assesses, enhances, promotes and communicates social service programs, services and supports
• Participates in local, regional and statewide discussions regarding substance use/misuse and other behavioral health issues affecting Ashland community members.
• Serve as the liaison and coordinator for the Town’s comprehensive prevention plan to include social services and supports
• Represents the Department and carries out Town-directed initiatives including monthly municipal Department Head meetings, staff trainings, town projects/programs, and other municipal directives
• Provides oversight of the Department’s STOP (Sober Truth on Preventing Underage Drinking Act) Grant and supports the Youth & Community Coordinator in grant coordination
• Identifies, applies for and manages federal and state grants, opioid settlement funds and other funding sources to support prevention initiatives, programs and education
• Develops and oversees the Department’s municipal budget
• Supervises human services, prevention and food pantry staff and provides departmental support including supervision, professional development, annual reviews, staff meetings, and payroll
• Oversees the MSW internship program, including securing arrangements to host MSW student/s, adhering to MSW program procedures/requirements, and working with the department team to provide an appropriate learning curriculum and supervision setting
• Builds partnerships with human services agencies and serves on regional/agency committees and networking groups including the MetroWest Regional Suicide Prevention Coalition, MetroWest Care Connects, Project ABC, MetroWest Substance Awareness & Prevention Alliance and MetroWest YFS Directors
• Attends professional meetings, classes, and trainings regarding issues related to the Prevention & Human Services Department
• Provides human services-related information and education through the Town website, social media, public presentations, and written reports.
• Possesses knowledge of local, state, and national organizations and prevention and human services resources to maximize collaboration and outreach.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Master’s Degree in Social Work, Psychology, or related Human Services field; Master’s Degree in Social Work preferred. 5-7 years of social services experience, LCSW or LICSW preferred, but not required. Candidates must have 3-5 years of progressively responsible experience with leading staff in a human service related agency or municipal setting.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITY AND SKILL

Knowledge: Knowledge of prevention theory and practice, human service systems, case management delivery, risk and protective factors that impact individual, family and community health and available services to address social, emotional, and financial issues. Must have a basic understanding of the mobility, persistence and significant factors impacted by poverty/low income for children, families and individuals living and/or struggling with mental illness or substance use/misuse related difficulties.

Abilities: Ability to communicate both orally and in writing, to be a good listener, display sensitivity to the needs of residents, and have strong social and interpersonal skills. Ability to express compassion and empathy for those we serve with dignity and maintain confidentiality.

Skill: Applicants must possess excellent planning, managerial, organizational and interpersonal skills; effective communication skills both orally and in writing; the capacity to adapt to change, be creative and forward-thinking; and possess strong computer skills. Bilingual abilities are preferred with proficiency in Spanish or Portuguese.

Salary : $70,000 - $77,250