09/26/1994 05730

ALCOHOL EDUCATION SPECIALIST DEFINITION: This is professional work in the field of alcohol education and information services in the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB).  An employee in this class performs a variety of assignments in the development, coordination and implementation of the alcohol education and information services available through the PLCB. Employees in this class may be responsible for performing within statewide programs in Central Office or programs of similar scope in assigned geographic regions within the Commonwealth. Typically, positions in Central Office are responsible for assisting in the planning, development, and coordination of comprehensive youth- based alcohol education and other related programs focusing on highway safety issues, general health concerns, and zero alcohol consumption for under age individuals. Responsibilities include the identification of information needs and the development of related materials and programs; liaison with varying levels of education administrators, judicial and municipal officials, and special interest groups in developing and conducting focus group sessions; and assisting in the design, development, and implementation of projects, surveys and studies in alcohol education and information. Work in a geographic region involves providing training and technical assistance to licensees and staff in all aspects of the Responsible Alcohol Management Program (RAMP), and providing limited support for statewide youth education and information efforts. Responsibilities include the identification and utilization of appropriate education techniques and methods for licensees; development of informational initiatives including public displays, video packages, and related publications; and assisting in the coordination of statewide programs and outreach efforts with advocacy groups, other state agencies, and local drug and alcohol groups. While employees generally work in either a specialized area or an assigned region, work may also involve a mix of special assignments and regional responsibilities in meeting overall program objectives. In both regional and central office assignments, work is performed with considerable independence and is reviewed by a supervisor through staff conferences, written reports, and evaluation of results.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Develops specialized educational outreach programs and provides consulting services relevant to youth safety, health, and alcohol information concerns.

Participates in the development, conduct, analysis and interpretation of needs assessment surveys.

Conducts focus group sessions and educational forums with students, educators, parents, alcohol/highway safety professionals, judicial and municipal officials, and street-level law enforcement officers statewide.

Participates in the evaluation of college-based student programs to determine educational needs and current support levels.

Assists in administering the joint Alcohol Awareness Poster program with the Departments of Education and Health, and the Governor's Drug Policy Council.

Participates in the hosting of working sessions with youth in the Agency's Alcohol Education Center.

Participates in the development of information modules within the Responsible Alcohol Management Program, including basic and specialized packages comprised of publications and videos.6

Conducts on-site training sessions on responsible alcohol management to interested licensees, and groups of licensees, at local and statewide business meetings in conjunction with DUI groups.

Participates in the development of licensee assistance programs including literature and various prevention materials targeted to establishments confronted with "at risk" groups.

Assists in the development and dissemination of alcohol education and information displays for wholesale stores and regional licensing offices.

Participates in the development and dissemination of program-specific newsletters, information packages, and regular features in the current Licensee Business Quarterly.

Represents the Board at local and statewide meetings and at various trade shows, annual conferences, and seminars, including making public speeches and fielding questions on relevant topics.

Participates in the identification and development of strategic opportunities, programs, literature, educational materials, conferences, special projects, outreach efforts, and public events.

Performs related duties as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of alcohol prevention education methods and materials targeted toward basic and postsecondary education.

Knowledge of basic teaching techniques and methods and of their advantages and disadvantages in relation to achieving educational aims and in application of different social and cultural settings.

Knowledge of evaluation techniques to determine the effectiveness of an informational program in public and private, basic and postsecondary schools.

Knowledge of project leadership, design and control methods.

Knowledge of Pennsylvania laws concerning alcohol.

Knowledge of the techniques of planning, composing, and editing informational materials.

Knowledge of effective public relations techniques and procedures.

Knowledge of good English usage and composition.

Ability to develop, coordinate and implement a general alcohol education and information program.

Ability to develop information and training packages regarding alcohol prevention and responsible alcohol management.

Ability to plan and conduct a variety of public forums regarding alcohol prevention, abatement, and management to personnel such as students, special interest groups, civic organizations, school teachers and administrators, liquor establishments owners/operators, and municipal officials.

Ability to apply evaluation techniques to determine the effectiveness of prepared presentations, studies, surveys, and forums.
 

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with teachers, school administrators, parents, community groups, other state agencies, DUI groups, judicial and municipal officials, and the general public.

Ability to speak effectively in public and to express ideas clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.

Ability to prepare and edit various types of copy.

Ability to recognize newsworthy information and apply to a general alcohol education/information program.

Ability to travel to schools, licensed establishments, and other remote locations for the purpose of conducting a general alcohol education and information program.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: One year of professional experience in the development and implementation of a general alcohol education and training program; and such training as may have been gained through graduation from a four year college or university;

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Any equivalent combination of experience and training.