DRUG AND ALCOHOL PREVENTION PROGRAM SPECIALIST L0682

DEFINITION: This is advanced professional work involving drug and alcohol prevention program development in a Single County Authority.

An employee in this class is responsible for performing work involving community development and organization in both the schools and the community, or performs work of comparable difficulty in another prevention program activity. Employes are responsible for working with various groups in the schools and community including school administrators, teachers, parent/teacher organizations, law enforcement personnel, service and charitable organizations, nurses and physicians and religious organizations to establish broad based and/or individual programs for preventing or alleviating drug and alcohol problems. Employees are required to establish and maintain contacts with individuals in the above organizations to provide guidance and technical direction in a variety of areas. The work is characterized by substantial public contact including public speaking engagement and extensive media contact. Employees performing the public contact work do so as an introduction to developing programs rather than as a random approach on an engagement basis. Employees advise, train and/or organize a cross section of people to deal effectively and knowledgeably with drug and alcohol problems. Employees function under general supervision from a prevention manager or higher level administrator. Work is reviewed for conformance to established standards and adherence to adopted plans.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Negotiates with school district administrators to revise the school discipline codes, including establishing referral for treatment mechanisms in order to provide for rationale treatment alternatives for students manifesting drug and alcohol problems.

Works closely with community organizations by providing technical assistance, guiding their organizing efforts and channeling their activities in specific directions in order to integrate their program with the overall county drug and alcohol program.

Plans, organizes and provides the initial training and orientation to teachers and students in order to establish an intervention or peer counseling group in a school.

Trains teachers on the substance, content and techniques for teaching the state recommended curriculum in schools implementing the above.

Instructs teachers, college or high school students, or students experiencing problems in school in coping skills, decision making, self concept, and self esteem in order to improve their ability to function and relate to other people.

Teaches courses on parenting and life skills to parents in order to enable them to deal more effectively with their children.

Contacts local WIC Agency, Maternal and Child Health Organizations, and physicians and in conjunction with the above take the lead in developing a comprehensive approach to the problem of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.

Works with senior citizens groups to establish broad based prevention programs to deal comprehensively with the problems of the elderly in relation to drug and alcohol.

Meets with staff from businesses, industries, and hospitals to gain insight to work problems, environment, needs, and concerns in order to develop and present a specific training program tailored to the above facility.

Performs related work as required.

DRUG AND ALCOHOL PREVENTION PROGRAM SPECIALIST (CON’T.)

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of current drug and alcohol prevention and treatment practices and philosophies.

Knowledge of school districts organizational structure, educational, and discipline philosophies and practices.

Knowledge of training, techniques, and practices.

Knowledge of basic sociological and psychological concepts relating to human behavior.

Knowledge of the health conditions of young children, infants, pregnant-mothers, and the elderly.

Ability to develop or revise rules and regulations.

Ability to develop skill in teaching techniques and practices.

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

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, community groups, and the general public.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: One year experience as a Drug and Alcohol Prevention Specialist;

or

A Bachelor’s Degree in Health Education, Education, or the Social or Social or Behavioral Sciences and two years of progressively responsible experience in drug and alcohol prevention activities;

or

Any equivalent combination of experience and training.

Commonwealth Equivalent PSG ST07