Prevention Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Community Prevention Program Specialist will focus on the Youth Mentoring Program. The Specialist will recruit and train potential mentors to be matched with youth between the ages of 12-24 years. The Specialist will work with the Director of Programs, complete grant reports, act as a liaison for WestCare Texas, and will represent the program in a professional manner. The Specialist will assist youth on their path to education, obtain their GED and/or achieve career independence and self-sufficiency. The specialist will also plan, lead, all program-social engagement events for youth and mentors to gather, socialize, and network to build comradery.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Collect, request, and submit Criminal Background Checks on behalf of mentors & volunteers for processing. Ensure all required paperwork is submitted, to follow agency and program guidelines.
• Recruit and train mentors so they are better equipped to work with and support youth that they are assigned to.
• Pair and interview mentors, by evaluating their interests, and ensuring they are a good match for a youth.
• Assist clients with being paired with a suitable mentor. Conduct safety training and other initial orientations with youth upon enrollment. Conduct a pre-match survey with youth, track and log activity between youth and the mentor and ensure record keeping.
• Log and report on number of volunteer hours in an internal spreadsheet and volunteer database, Give Pulse.
• Complete performance and progress reports.
• Work with non-profit agencies, government entities, private businesses, schools, and other entities to execute diverse prevention strategies related to creating healthy, safe, and thriving communities.
• Organize social engagement activities for youth and mentors to gather, socialize, network, and give youth the opportunity to have new experiences.
• Make mentors aware of program requirements and guidelines, so they have more of a rewarding experience while donating their valuable time to the Youth Mentoring Program.
• Perform additional supportive services and make referrals to community partners for youth when necessary.
• Perform regular maintenance of case files. Maintain electronic volunteer case files and an Excel document of volunteer information & activity.
• Outreach and present to community partners such as school districts, universities and colleges and other entities to collaborate on potential partnerships and recruiting of mentors.
• Outreach to potential clients by conducting home visits or other outreach efforts and following procedures for enrolling youth into the Youth Mentoring Program.
• Every employee is required to take a solution-oriented approach in their interactions and undertakings, as well as being a team member that promotes collaboration and commitment to the Mission and Vision of the organization.
• Other duties as assigned

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the duties and responsibilities satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Knowledge and operational understanding of various WestCare processes.
• Good time management, prioritization and multitasking abilities
• Strong interpersonal skills to facilitate relationships with colleagues
• Effective communication, including speaking, writing and active listening
• Methodical about analyzing processes and systems to fully understand their functions
• Proactive research skills used in seeking out opportunities to advance and improve the organizational and administrative systems of the agency
• Analytical skills to evaluate data and provide recommendations on operational decisions
• Ability to work in a team environment
• Good critical thinking and creative problem solving skill
• Ability to operate and create reports using Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, WORD Software
• General knowledge of office operations to include purchasing and cost control, inventory control, and general bookkeeping practices
• Collaboration and teamwork skills
• Able to work successfully in a high-pressure environment
• Must have reliable transportation.
• Must have a clean driving record & valid driver license and valid vehicle liability insurance.
• Ability to operate an agency 12 passenger van on an as-needed basis for program activities and must be 21 years of age to operate an agency vehicle.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• Two (2) years of experience in administrative support of a small business or non-profit agency
• Bachelor's degree and comparable work experience at a minimum is required

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION:

• Ability to qualify for WestCare vehicle insurance and possession of a valid Drivers' License
• CPR Certification and First AID Certification preferred

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work is performed primarily at a Community Center Facility.
• Some driving of company vehicles or one's own private vehicle; and
• Logistical support of community events

Essential Physical and Mental Demands of the Job - The employee must be able to perform the following essential duties and activities with or without accommodation:

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Occasional lifting of more than 25 pounds; and
• Sitting, standing, walking, reaching are performed in the normal course of the position