Prevention Education Specialist

We partner with young people to build a foundation that promotes safety, opportunities, and well-being in their lives.
Project Oz is looking for a full-time Prevention Specialist to provide classroom and online instruction to students, professionals, employees, and community groups in drug prevention, drug education, and life skills training.
Prevention Specialist also collaborates with the PED team in the research, design, development, and presentation of new curricula.
Our staff love working with young people and appreciate the following benefits: Flexible work schedule, with possibility of some remote hours Health insurance No cost dental & vision insurance Mileage reimbursement or use of agency vehicles Generous vacation and sick time and 13 paid holidays Cell phone reimbursement or agency issued cell phone Generous retirement plan Professional development and advancement opportunities Employee Assistance Program Eligible for federal student loan debt forgiveness program Flexible spending plan Duties and Responsibilities Role Specific: Present drug education, drug prevention, and life skills training to McLean County 4th – 8th graders through traditional classroom and online delivery systems.
Train and educate various professionals and community organizations in drug prevention, drug education, and life skills training.
Coordinate school-based media communication campaign and potential related youth group.
Develop and update drug and life skills education programs.
Conduct research for new program material and alternative delivery systems.
Coordinate presentation materials for teaching and training programs.
Function as a neutral advocate to address student and/or faculty concerns when assigned to schools.
Refer students to other resources or activities that provide a positive influence in behavior and/or character development.
Attend school or community activities, as necessary.
PED/Oz Specific: Complete all required forms and progress notes and submit agency reports, forms, and logs by agreed upon dates.
Participate in community outreach, panels, and other committee meetings as directed.
Act as a representative of Project Oz and as a community resource person.
Attend all required staff meetings and weekly program meetings.
Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor, manager, or executive team.
Act as a Mandated Reporter as outlined by DCFS rules and regulations.
Qualifications Required: Bachelor’s Degree in education, behavioral sciences, or related field.
Eligible to receive an Illinois Substitute Teachers Certificate.
Reliable personal transportation, valid Illinois driver’s license, satisfactory driving history, and current automobile insurance.
Preferred: Minimum of 6 months full-time teaching experience in, elementary, junior high, high school, or special education.
Related professional experience working in a human services program and with people of diverse backgrounds.
Knowledge of childhood trauma and/or experience working with youth that have been exposed to trauma.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Strong negotiation and mediation skills.
Ability to solve practical mathematical problems.
Knowledge of Microsoft® Teams software and/or Outlook, Excel, and Word.
Additional Details Background checks – Must pass required criminal and character background checks.
Mandated Reporter - Act as a Mandated Reporter as outlined by DCFS rules and regulations.
Travel – Job may require travel via commercial transportation and/or driving motor vehicles.
Must occasionally drive in heavy traffic and/or inclement weather conditions.
Physical Requirements – Must be able to stand, walk, and sit.
May occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
Hours – Job may occasionally require irregular work hours and travel outside of normal business hours.
Competencies Adaptability – Alter approach as the situation demands.
Work effectively within a variety of situations and with various individuals and groups.
Integrity – Act ethically and honestly in all employment activities and build professional relationships by promoting mutual trust.
Communication – Express ideas and facts effectively, contribute to open exchange of ideas, and exhibit an understanding of audience needs.
Relationship Building – Build and maintain relationships (internally and with key external groups) that support and improve personal/team effectiveness.
Teamwork – Work toward common goals by demonstrating sensitivity to others' needs and supporting, encouraging, and sharing information with colleagues.
Resourcefulness – Identify critical information, effectively use available resources, and seek ways to improve agency processes.
Dependability - Reliable, responsible, and helpful on the job while fulfilling obligations in a timely manner.
Self-Control - Maintain composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
Technical/Functional Expertise – Demonstrate proficiency in technical aspects of role and use technical and functional knowledge to improve processes.
Keep current in own field of expertise.
Problem Sensitivity - Ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
Trauma Sensitivity - Ability to communicate with clients and others with sensitivity understanding that someone may have been exposed to trauma.
Skills Active Listening – Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical Thinking – Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Social Perceptiveness – Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Strategic Thinking – Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish work.