Prevention Specialist

Program:	Health Services/Behavioral Health/SAMHSA Native Connections		Salary Grade:	GS – 12
Supervisor:	Director of Behavioral Health		Salary Range:	$19.38-$23.14
FLSA Status:	X Exempt      Non-Exempt     Public Safety		Position Type:	Full Time

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Native Connections Prevention Specialist is responsible for the planning and implementation of prevention programs and initiatives directed to address suicide, prevent substance misuse and promote mental health. Prevention Specialist will work with youth and family serving tribal programs, agencies and schools to promote positive lifestyles, reduce suicide attempts and completions, and eliminate drug use and other risk factors that lead to unhealthy behaviors.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Assist in the Community Needs Assessment to identify community needs and develop plan for the education and prevention of suicide, substance misuse and dependency, and mental health.
2. Assist in the Community Readiness Assessment to determine the level of readiness for implementing prevention strategies, activities and events.
3. Assist and participate in the development of a Strategic Action Plan to address universal, selective and indicated prevention strategies to address suicide prevention and substance misuse.
4. Utilize cultural and evidenced-based education, prevention, early intervention, and referral techniques to meet community needs.
5. Serve as a member on the Behavioral Health provider team as well as the FTHC Management Team to provide updates regarding community prevention activities and outcomes with parents, schools and other involved agencies.
6. Refer youth and their parents/legal guardians and young adults to mental health services if needed.
7. Coordinate with FPST departments, schools and other agencies to provide outreach, training and events that provides suicide prevention events/activities and promotes mental wellness and drug/alcohol free lifestyles.
8. Collect and compile data for the evaluation of prevention activities and outcomes.
9. Seek further training and knowledge in behavioral healthcare to remain current with behavioral health standards of care.
10. Adheres to all healthcare standards as related to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
11. Performs other duties as required for this position.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

1. Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in health and/or human services or related field; background in the field of behavioral health, prevention or related programming, or
2. Minimum Qualifications: A high school, GED or equivalent and two or more years’ experience conducting prevention activities.

Licenses & Certificates/Other Requirements

1. Candidate must have or be working on certification as a Prevention Specialist.
2. Must have valid Nevada driver’s license and be insurable through the Tribe.
3. This position may be required to travel to SAMHSA meeting in DC, and travel to meetings and trainings in tribal communities in Northern Nevada.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

(To perform this job, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Requirements, below, are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions)

• Knowledge and experience working in the behavioral health programs.
• Understanding of and ability to work with American Indians with the knowledge and ability to address cultural sensitivity for the population served.
• Knowledge and understanding of Federal Laws regarding patient confidentiality and HIPAA.
• Must have proficient communication skills, verbal and written.
• Deal effectively with individuals or groups representing wide points of view and temperament.
• Be computer literate and able to demonstrate ability in various Microsoft programs, and demonstrate efficiency in data processing programs for Tribal, Federal and State reporting.
• Ability to represent the organization in a professional manner, building respect and confidence.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative/effective work relationships with participants, partners, professionals and the public.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

1. This position is covered by the provisions of the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act (Public Law 101-630), as amended, which requires an investigation of the character of each individual who is employed, or is being considered for employment, in a position with duties and responsibilities that involve regular contact with or control over Indian children. A criminal history investigation will be performed, and the applicant must meet the requirements of the Act.
2. The duties of this position include mandatory reporting pursuant to 1) the Victims of Child Abuse law (34 USC § 20341) and 2) elder and vulnerable person laws (NRS 200.5093), as incorporated by decision of the FBC that elders and those who cannot speak for themselves are entitled to the same protections. Because such laws may subject employees to criminal penalties under FPST LOC § 5-50-040 and/or 18 U.S.C. §§ 1169 and 2258, all employees hired to this position must complete a Mandatory Reporter training within 90 days of hire.