CLASS SUMMARY: This position manages prevention services by providing support including technical assistance related to prevention program design and effective strategies for implementing prevention practices to community-based coalitions, agencies, parents and youth. This position assists other agencies, schools community groups and coalitions with gathering data for needs assessments; including identifying risk and protective factors in the targeted community areas served. The position also collects and reports prevention activities on the required Department of Behavioral and Developmental Services, DBHDS, program activity reports. The position will also coordinate the implementation of targeted prevention initiatives such as the Tobacco Surveillance requirements, Suicide Prevention and Opiate Prevention Grants. DISTINGUISHING ELEMENTS OF THE CLASS: I. IMPACT: The overall quality and effectiveness of the community-based prevention services are directly affected by the work of this class and thereby, affecting the cities’ awareness of and enthusiasm for reducing the various risk factors related to substance abuse, teen pregnancy, youth violence, etc. The health, and social circumstances of the service areas are impacted by the incumbents work. Many of the incumbent’s activities are the primary representation of the agency’s work to the communities served and therefore have an important impact on agency reputation and prestige. II. LATITUDE: Work is generally performed under the indirect supervision of the Manager of Prevention. Procedural guidelines are available from a variety of federal and state sources. Independent literature searches are required for research-based programming. This position must exercise independent decision making and critical thinking with matters in relation to prevention service activities. III. RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE WORK OF OTHERS: Technical support is provided to a variety of community-based coalitions, volunteers and various prevention related collaborative teams. IV. INTERPERSONAL CONTACTS: Work requires interface with a variety of internal and external agency personnel. These include contract agencies, government offices, state-level department staff, national prevention oriented organizations, city/municipal offices and department heads, businesses, law enforcement officials, local human service agencies, civic, social and other citizen organizations. Representing the division and agency to the public and to community-based coalitions is a function of this position. V. DIFFICULTY: Work requires creativity in program planning, problem solving and coordination. Considerations affecting program design decisions are numerous. This position assists other agencies, schools community groups and coalitions with the coordination and gathering data for needs assessments; including identifying risk and protective factors in the targeted community areas served. Work typically entails human, financial, logistical, cultural and other dimensions. Work involves the use of persuasion and involves issues with relatively divergent participants. VI. COMMUNICATIONS: Frequent information, education and awareness presentations are major components of the work. Position involves the preparation of documentation, technical records and reports, data collection and needs assessments. Incumbent regularly communicates with parents, children, adolescents, agency and community-based coalitions, contracting agencies and others. Incumbent represents the agency on task forces, planning groups and other collaborative efforts involving representatives from the public and private sector. Incumbent is required to conduct training on prevention related topics to a wide variety of audiences. VII. EQUIPMENT: Incumbent frequently operates a motor vehicle, audio visual equipment and computer. VIII. WORKING CONDITIONS: Incumbent performs some work in an office environment, however work also entails frequent traveling to other agencies, businesses and neighborhoods of varying safety and security. IX. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSA’S): Thorough knowledge of substance abuse prevention and educational theories and techniques. Thorough knowledge of community-based planning approaches and techniques. Thorough knowledge of cultural issues as they relate to prevention planning and educational programming. Good knowledge of prevention and educational programs impacting the localitiesome knowledge of prevention program evaluation. Ability to establish rapport with community leaders and citizen groups. Ability to serve as an effective representative and liaison of the agency. Ability to establish effective working relationships with others Good ability to communicate effectively, prepare related documentation and make presentations to individuals, as well as, small and large groups. X. LICENSURE: Valid Virginia Drivers License. XI. PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF CLASS (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY): Plans, organizes, initiates, implements and evaluates prevention and educational services and programs. Conducts ongoing review of demographic data related to needs of youth and family in the area served, and presents a summary report to the manager. Participates in citywide prevention planning meetings and strategy development councils. Represents the Manager Prevention Programs on Inter-Agency planning councils as required. Develops training presentations, based on research findings and training resource materials. Collects and supervises the data entry for the Prevention Data base System. Assists with the development of grants and proposals as requested. Monitors and collects progress reports from contracts and coalitions. Establish and maintain liaisons with community and youth groups, law enforcement schools and other human service agencies, political action committees, task forces, councils, etc. Provides resources and educational support to the community. Maintains accurate and concise records on all prevention activities and services. Prepares periodic and ad-hoc activity and statistical reports. Initiates discussions with area agencies, health care facilities, businesses and community groups regarding the need for prevention and education services. Oversight responsibility for volunteer recruitment, training and supervision. Participates in the development and implementation of the program’s quality improvement and risk management plan. Other duties as assigned. XII. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Must have the use of sensory skills in order to effectively communicate and interact with the public through use of the telephone and personal contact as normally defined by the ability to see, read, talk, hear, handle or feel objects and controls. Physical capability to effectively use and operate various items of office related equipment, such as , but not limited to a personal computer, calculator, copier, and faxing machine. |
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