The Prevention Specialist works under the direction of the Prevention Coordinator in LUK’s Community Engagement and Support (CES) Division. The Prevention Specialist collaborates with youth, community members, agencies, and coalitions to prevent youth substance use and problem gambling in the community. Job functions may include: facilitating groups and trainings, building the skills of youth leaders, and supervising youth leaders. This position cultivates and maintains relationships with school personnel, youth-serving agencies, and coalitions in North Central MA. The Prevention Specialist also works closely with CES Prevention staff and partners to develop relationships with communities, organizations, youth, parents, and coalitions. The Prevention Specialist also delivers trainings on youth substance use and gambling prevention, and mental health within the community, plans educational events and social media campaigns for youth and parents, and coordinates other prevention activities as assigned.
The qualified candidate will have a minimum of 2 years of experience in positive youth development, prevention work, coalition building, and/or school systems. A Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services, Public Health, Social Work, Education, or a closely related field and/or lived experience preferred. The successful candidate will have excellent organizational and communication skills as well as strong computer skills.
This is a full-time position located in North Central Massachusetts and will include community-based travel and implementation.
In addition to very competitive salaries LUK offers a substantial and unique benefit package found here.
Introduction to LUK, Inc.
LUK has deep roots in Central Massachusetts. We’re driven by our values and we’re serious about our work. It’s not easy work, but it is rewarding! With Crisis as our middle name (LUK Crisis Center), we are well versed in handling all kinds of issues that may arise. LUK exists to help people thrive – the people we serve and the people who work here. We appreciate creative thinking, uniqueness, and tenacity. We encourage staff to participate in numerous opportunities to grow as an individual and a member of a team, influence others and be influenced, be your best and do your best. We provide individualized services to the people we work with and offer flexibility so that staff can meet responsibilities at work and outside of work. The community is “LUK-y” to have the skills, experience, and talent of our staff!
For more information, please visit our website & social media accounts!
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Purpose
The Prevention Specialist will facilitate, lead, and organize youth gambling prevention and underage substance abuse prevention initiatives and programming in North Central MA.
Responsibilities Include
- Assist the Prevention Coordinator with funder requirements
- Assist with internal reports and reports for the program funder
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with schools, youth groups, parents, partners, and coalitions within the region
- Utilize the Strategic Prevention Framework with partners and coalitions to deliver substance abuse prevention and problem gambling prevention programs/strategies
- Coordinate the marketing of awareness and skill building campaigns for youth and parents
- Facilitate substance use prevention, mental health awareness, positive youth development, and trainings with youth, parents, and community members as needed
- Engage partners, coalitions, and the community in positive youth development work
- Outreach to parents through parent groups, parent events, and educational opportunities
- Collaborate with prevention staff, partners, and coalitions to plan youth educational activities and events
- Build connections with and collaborate with local coalitions on prevention programs and positive youth development initiatives
- Collaborate with other staff to assess and develop the skills of youth leaders
- Acquire a deep understanding and commitment to LUK’s Mission, Vision and Values and programming
Job Location
The Prevention Specialist will work throughout North Central Massachusetts with access to office space in Fitchburg. The position will provide community-based and parent services. Transportation required. Ability to work remotely on occasion.
Salary Range and Benefits
Contact LUK’s Human Resources Department for information on the salary range.
For benefit-eligible positions, LUK provides an extensive and unique benefit package. For more information on LUK’s employment benefits please visit: www.LUK.org/Benefits
Position Overview
LUK Division: Community Engagement and Support (CES) Services
LUK Component: Prevention Services
Direct Supervisor: Prevention Coordinator
LUK Staffing Category: 9
This position is 40 hours per week
This is a salary position: ☒
This is an hourly position: ☐
This position is benefit eligible: ☒
This position is community-/home-based ☒
EOE and Diversity Commitment
LUK is committed to fostering a welcoming and supportive workplace and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our team includes talented professionals from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences—from those with firsthand knowledge of the communities we serve to recent graduates and experienced professionals. We believe that bringing together people with different perspectives makes us stronger and better equipped to serve our communities.
Knowledge and Experience Required
- 2 years of experience in prevention work, coalition building, working with parents, and/or positive youth development
- Certified Prevention Specialist (CPS) credential preferred
- Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services, Public Health, Social Work, Education, or a closely related field preferred
- Bilingual/bicultural candidates encouraged to apply
Skills and Abilities
- Commitment to cultural responsiveness
- Strong communication skills
- Passionate about prevention work and positive youth development
- Excellent organizational skills
- Able to work independently and collaboratively on a team
- Comfortable with public speaking and presenting
- Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain working relationships with parent groups and other entities
- Internet access for remote work
- Reliable and safe transportation
