Prevention Specialist

Hanover Township – Prevention Specialist

The Prevention Specialist position is responsible for implementing the Alternative Supports Program, Attendance Support Program and the Izaak Walton Youth Center teen activities including weekly drop-in teen nights and monthly teen programming with local park districts. This position works collaboratively with the Youth and Family Services Prevention & Volunteer Coordinator to develop outreach and prevention programs utilizing Positive Youth Development and Restorative Practice methods. Works closely with school providers, community groups, and funders to meet program goals and objectives. The Prevention Specialist assists with meeting the mission of Youth and Family Services by supporting students who are at risk through the development of positive alternatives. This is a grant funded position.

The exempt position is full-time, 40 hours per week, and the salary is $46,000 annually. The hours are typically Monday, Tuesday 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM, Wednesday, Thursday 9:30 AM - 6:00PM, Friday 9:30AM - 4:30PM with the ability to work evenings and/or weekends, as needed.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Capacity to identify and manage multiple projects, programs, and services in an efficient and effective manner.
• Patience in working with youth that may have behavioral and learning limitations.
• Familiarity with Social Work best practices and theories.
• Possess knowledge of the best practices of Positive Youth Development (PYD) and Restorative Practices and how to utilize it to resolve conflict.
• Ability to clearly convey instructions to team. Capable of speaking clearly and effectively before groups of people and answering questions appropriately.
• Ability to read and interpret all types of documents including safety rules and regulations, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to create and edit reports and correspondence from varied source material using appropriate style and format.
• Ability to maintain effective professional relationships with elected officials, staff, students, parents, school administrators and vendors.
• Ability to interface effectively with diverse populations, including ethnicity, education, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Education, Experience, and Computer Skills:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or related field required.
• Experience in developing leadership skills, peer mentorship, and grants administration is preferred.
• One year of experience in program development preferred.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Extensive knowledge of all Microsoft Office applications including, but not limited to Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Ability to use and manage an electronic records system.

Special Requirements:

• Required to transport student participants in a large vehicle and undergo bus training as needed
• Possess a valid Illinois Driver’s License.
• Willingness to work regular evenings and occasional weekends as requested.
• Must become certified in Safety and Food Handling within 90 days of hire.

Benefits:

• Excellent benefits package including major medical coverage, vision, dental, life
• Retirement PENSION through the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund
• 457(b) Plan Retirement Plan
• Qualified Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) employer
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 12 PAID Holidays per year
• 5 PAID Vacation Days after 30 days of employment (10 Vacation Days after one year of employment, 15 Vacation Days after completing 5 years of employment)
• 12 PAID Sick Days per year (accrue one sick day per month)
• Up to 40 hours of Paid Leave for All Workers per year
• 1 PAID Floating Holiday per calendar year

Please submit a resume and cover letter to the Prevention Services Manager, Jennifer Solis, at [email protected]. A copy of the complete job description can be found at Hanover Township is an equal opportunity employer.