JOB DESCRIPTION
Palm Springs Unified School District

PREVENTION SPECIALIST

PURPOSE STATEMENT

The Prevention Specialist assists with the instruction of students in substance abuse and intervention education programs; disseminates information to students, staff and to the community regarding substance abuse awareness and other self defeating behaviors that are barriers to education. This position communicates with parents on behalf of the school to ensure that an ongoing partnership between the home and school is formed.

• Assists in coordinating prevention education training programs for administrators, teachers and other staff.
• Confers with teachers, parents and community agencies to assist in the evaluation of students’ progress and to make referrals.
• Monitors students’ attendnce, grades, and credits and works with students, families and staff to improve these areas.
• Visits families in their homes to assess situations, improve communication and provide information.
• Participates in various community events, seminars, and meetings meetings (e.g. IEPs, parent/teacher meetings, staff meetings) etc.
• Prepares a wide variety of written materials (e.g. reports, policy/procedure manuals, brochures, flyers, newsletters, correspondence, etc.) related to prevention education programs.
• Conducts parent meetings, gains information, discusses needs and problems involving students and their families.
• Refers students and their families to outside agencies (e.g. state agencies, medical professionals, counselors, foundations, charities, etc.).
• Responds to inquiries from callers and visitors and provides information, emotional support, referrals and direction.
• Assists students, staff, teachers, parents and community members.
• Assists in the coordination of Safe and Drug Free Schools Program for students and parents.
• Identifies students as at-risk for drugs and alcohol involvement and provides support, intervention and referrals as appropriate.
• Develops program curriculum and presentations and presents to individuals and groups.
• Schedules meetings and appointments.
• Collaborates with various district departments (e.g. Counseling, Security, Sutdent services
• Complies data from a variety of sources to develop and evaluate prevention education programs and services.
• Maintains a wide variety of documents, files, and records.
• Presents information to students as requested by classroom instructors on topics related to drug and violence prevention.
• Provides individual assistance and facilitates support groups for identified students to provide intervention for at-risk students.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:  MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Any combination of experience and training, which would indicate possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed above.  An example of an acceptable combination is:

Equivalent to graduation from High School and two years of experience working as a counselor to at-risk students in the areas of drug prevention and intervention.  Possession of a college degree is desired.

SKILLS to perform a variety of specialized duties in the development and implementation of designated functions and services of a comprehensive prevention program for district students; conduct and assist with the devleopment and implementation of in-services; research and provide a variety of technicial information in the enhancement of program inservices; serve as a technical resource concerning assigned services and related strategies and functions; prepare clear, concise and accurate reports, correspondence, and other written materials; operate a computer using word processing and other business software and standard office equipment.

KNOWLEDGE of applicable state and federal laws, district policies, procedures and regulations governing student education programs, student attendance and confidential records; adolscent development and problems; vocabulary and use of terms common to youth in the area served by the school; ethnic groups and cultural diversity in the community neighborhoods; gang activities and gang influence among youth; school rules and procedures to be followed by students; general principles of supervision and training; record keeping techniques.

ABILITY to gain trust and confidence of individual students and groups; assist in assuring adequate resources to meet program needs; identify and determine the basic nature of student problems and needs and evaluate their relative urgency; assess and report events or incidents involving students; intervene physically in confrontations to restrain students; handle stress and stressful situations in a calm, confident manner; handle emergencies in a calm and effective manner; maintain confidentiality of student files and records; work independently with little direction; travel to various locations; set priorities; establish and maintain effective working relationships; work as part of a team; understand and be sensitive to the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds of vendors, district personnel and administrators; maintain consistent, punctual and regular attendance.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; and significant fine finger dexterity.  Generally the job requires 20% sitting, 30% walking, and 50% standing.  The job is performed under some hazardous conditions.

Education        High School diploma or equivalent. 

EVALUATION

Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between California Teamsters Public, Professional & Medical Employees Union, Local 911 General Employees Unit and Palm Springs Unified School District.