Prevention Specialist / Teen Court Coordinator

Summary: Contingent upon the availability of grant funds. Under direction of the DWI Program Manager, provides effective and efficient support in the areas of office administration, project management and grant compliance in a fast paced, often hectic environment.  Demonstrates strong ethical, professional, and service oriented support. The ideal candidate possess exceptional organizational and reporting skills, is detail oriented, a team player, and can coordinate multiple projects and activities.Essential Duties & Responsibilities: The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position and other duties as assigned. 
Coordinates all Teen Court program operations, including youth referrals, case assignments, and scheduling of hearings. Works closely with the juvenile probation office, schools, and law enforcement to identify eligible youth participants. Conduct intake interviews with referral youth and their guardians to explain Teen Court requirements. Recruits' volunteers, training of volunteers, coordinates and attends Teen Court trial sessions.  Monitors youth participants’ completion of court-ordered sanctions, such as community service, apology letters, and educational assignments. Provides educational sessions to youth participants on decision-making and life skills. 

Coordinates prevention campaigns on issues such as underage drinking, impaired driving, vaping and substance misuse in Luna County. Develops educational materials and social media prevention messages. Participates in events such as, health fairs, Red Ribbon Week, parades, and other community events for the purpose of providing public awareness outreach and education. Collaborates with schools, health agencies, and community organizations to promote prevention efforts. Delivers evidence-based prevention curricula and presentations in schools and community settings. Collects, tracks, and reports program data, surveys, and outcomes to supervisor and funding agencies. Ensures compliance with grant requirements, program policies, and confidentiality standards. 

This position is for 40 hours a week (divides time equally to Prevention and Teen Court services). You may be required to work unscheduled time as directed. Responsible for following County, departmental and statutory policies and procedures when dealing with the public, employees and other agencies. Responsible for relevant educational and professional development opportunities and keep current with continuing education. Ensures compliance with applicable safety regulations and administrative policies.

Demonstrates strong ethical, professional, and service oriented support. Demonstrates strong computer skills with experience using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint), superior organizational excellent command of English grammar and the ability to work independently with minimum supervision.  Must be able to handle several projects simultaneously and have the ability to work with the public on a daily basis utilizing strong people skills while maintaining a courteous and professional attitude.    

Maintains knowledge of current Federal, State and local rules and regulations and maintains this through such means as attending seminars, reviewing professional publications, taking classes and participating in professional development activities.
Supervision: Works under the direct supervision of the DWI Program Manager.
Supervisory Responsibilities: Supervises no one.Minimum Qualifications Education, Certification and Experience:

• Associate degree or higher in criminal justice, social work, education, public health, behavioral health, human services, or a closely related field is preferred.
• One (1) year of experience working directly with adolescents and/or families, preferably in community-based programs, prevention programs, social services, education, behavioral health, or a related setting.
• A relevant combination of education, training, and additional experience may be considered when it demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to successfully perform the essential functions of the position; however, direct experience working with youth and/or families is required.
• Experience facilitating groups, conducting intakes, monitoring participant requirements, de-escalating conflicts, and maintaining confidential records.

Other Requirements and Qualifications: 

• Valid driver’s license and the ability to travel as required by the position.
• Must successfully pass a criminal background check and pre-employment drug screening.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and professionally with youth, parents or guardians, community agencies, volunteers, coworkers, and members of the public.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive, professional relationships with youth and families while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries and confidentiality.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, exercise sound judgment, maintain accurate records, and handle sensitive or confidential information appropriately.
• Ability and willingness to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, travel, and community events as needed.
• Must obtain New Mexico Prevention Specialist Certification within three (3) years of hire, in accordance with LDWI Program Guidelines.

Language Skills:

• Strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively in English in both verbal and written formats.
• Ability to facilitate meetings, presentations, and group discussions and assist in building consensus among diverse groups.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, governmental information, policies, and regulations.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, procedure manuals, and other work-related materials.
• Ability to prepare routine reports, business correspondence, presentations, and other written materials.
• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals and groups, including the ability to make presentations to large groups.

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of substance use issues, prevention practices, and the needs of the local community.
• Knowledge of leadership, organizational, and program management principles.
• Knowledge of methods for collecting, analyzing, interpreting, and presenting data and program information.
• Knowledge of standard office technology and computer applications, including Microsoft Office programs for word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and related administrative functions.

Ability:

• Ability to effectively communicate, advise, and provide information to County officials, employees, legislative bodies, citizen boards, the media, youth, parents or guardians, community agencies, volunteers, and the general public.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally, both orally and in writing, and to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive, professional relationships with coworkers, youth, families, community partners, and the public while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and appropriately handle sensitive information and records.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, initiative, and discretion while working independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to organize work, establish priorities, develop and achieve goals, and effectively manage available resources.
• Ability to demonstrate dependability, punctuality, regular attendance, and commitment to performing assigned duties accurately and effectively.
• Ability to work cooperatively as part of a team and support the DWI Program and County in achieving departmental and organizational goals.
• Ability to provide professional and responsive customer service to internal and external customers.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, travel, and community events as required.

Physical Demands:

The position requires the ability to operate standard office equipment, including a computer, telephone, cell phone, calculator, copier, fax machine, projector, and motor vehicle. The employee is frequently required to sit, stand, speak, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate equipment and handle objects or controls.

The position may require regular kneeling, stooping, bending, crouching, reaching, climbing, balancing, and working at floor level. The employee may be required to stand or walk for extended periods and occasionally lift and carry items weighing up to 50 pounds.

Travel & Transportation:

Must be able to travel to out-of-town meetings, trainings, conferences, and community events as required. Travel may occasionally be required during evenings and weekends.
Work Environment:

Work is performed primarily in a standard office environment under typical office conditions, with normal background noise associated with office activities.

The position also requires work outside the office, including travel to clients' homes, community locations, meetings, trainings, and events. Home visits may involve varying environmental conditions and potential hazards associated with residential settings. The employee is expected to exercise appropriate caution and follow established safety procedures when working in the community or visiting clients' homes.

The work environment may vary based on program activities, community events, and client needs and may require interaction with individuals from diverse backgrounds and circumstances.