Outreach & Education Specialist- Bilingual Spanish

SUMMARY

Under the supervision of the Prevention Coordinator, the Outreach & Education Specialist will be responsible for conducting outreach and providing education/information to increase awareness/understanding of substance use/abuse prevention and available community resources. Responsibilities include outreach to stakeholder groups, disseminating educational materials, and providing substance abuse prevention counseling to youth clients and/or their parents. The Outreach & Education Specialist will also provide clients with linkages to other services as needed.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

· Collaborate with schools, parent groups, community-based organizations, Faith-based groups, and other youth and community organizations to provide information and awareness on Substance Use

· Prevention aligned with county goals and objectives.

· Network with other prevention and social service agencies within the region to in order to address the County’s identified goals and objectives in a coordinated fashion.

· Participate in health fairs and other community events for the purpose of providing substance use prevention messages and promote services offered throughout the agency.

· Conduct substance use prevention information sessions for parents, teachers, staff or administrators in target area school and community sites.

· Conduct outreach and education targeting marijuana dispensaries, alcohol and tobacco retailers, etc. with the goal of limiting availability of harmful substances (vapes, marijuana) to youth.

· Assist Program Evaluator in conducting community assessment in relation to substance use/abuse.

· Facilitate individual and/or group prevention curriculum using community defined and/or Evidence Based Practices targeting parents and youth in schools or in a community setting.

· Ensure that data for pre/post measures and all survey information is distributed, collected and tallied for each activity performed.

· Collaborate with the Program Evaluator to ensure data collection is submitted in a timely manner.

· Document all program activities as required, and submit program reports and records according to the agency’s established deadlines.

- Complete (weekly) data entry using Los Angeles County Department of Public Health- Substance Abuse Prevention and Control’s data entry system, ECCO in compliance with Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Primary Prevention Data Quality Standards established by Department of Health Care Services (DHCS).

· Attend training, seminars, workshops, and classes related to substance use curriculum or based on funder requirements.

· Assist with the development of substance use prevention material for social media postings and campaigns.

- Serve as a representative for community events and coalition meetings in efforts to promote SSG PEP as a resource. Meetings take place virtually and in-person throughout Los Angeles County. Meetings may include:

**South Los Angeles Movement Coalition- Attend monthly meetings, participate in discussions, take notes to share with Prevention Coordinator, prepare and facilitate educational presentations on risks and harms related to substance use.

**Reducing Access to Marijuana Coalition- Attend monthly meetings, participate in discussions, take notes and share with Prevention Coordinator, prepare and deliver educational presentations on the risks and harms of substance abuse.

· Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS – KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

· Bachelor’s degree in social sciences field required; bachelor’s degree in social work preferred.

· One (1) year of experience providing substance use prevention services prior to employment. Education may be substituted for experience where coursework is directly related to substance use prevention, or the public health field.

· Experience developing, providing, and/or evaluating environmental prevention programs/services.

· Experience in leading, facilitating, engaging and/or organizing community members, schools, businesses, and other stakeholders in the implementation/adoption of a community and/or population-based effort.

· Ability to implement evidence-based strategies and prevention concepts to address substance use related community problems and contributing factors.

· Competency to work with the various ethnic/cultural groups in the target area/community(ies).

· Bilingual English/Spanish A MUST

· Proficient writing and oral communication skills, and knowledge of PC hardware and software.

· Verification of employment eligibility

· Possession of valid CA driver’s license, valid insurance, clean driving record and reliable transportation for some local travel (<25%) to off-site meetings, agency events

· Ability to perform duties on some weekday evenings and weekend days when required

· Updated tuberculosis test read, reviewed, and dated by a clinician (annual requirement)

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This incumbent does not have formal supervisory responsibilities.

Environmental Conditions (Working Conditions)

Ergonomically safe office environment with desktop computer, desk, chair, natural light. Engagement with clients and stakeholders at schools, community centers, agency offices and at marijuana dispensaries.

Physical Requirements

This job requires sustained sitting and listening, and customary talking, walking, and carrying (max. 20 lbs.) necessary to perform outreach services. This role will require frequent driving from/to office to/from various community sites.

Mental Requirements

This position requires someone that can accommodate to any/all of the following: constant distractions, interruptions; uncontrollable changes in priorities/work schedules; and exposure to inappropriate behavior and language of others

Special Service for Groups is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer