Prevention Services Specialist

Job Title

Prevention Services Specialist

Community Engagement and Supportive Services

Chicago Substance Use Prevention Supervisor

Full Time, In-person, Salary, Non-Exempt

3720 N. Kedzie and Nearby Schools, Chicago, IL

$36,000 to $38,000 based on experience

This role focuses on supporting youth substance use prevention initiatives through a combination of education, outreach, and community engagement. The role requires strong organizational, communication, and facilitation skills to effectively educate, engage, and support youth in making healthy, informed decisions.

• Implement communication campaign in select schools
• Recruit and administer the Illinois Youth Survey in required schools
• Implement the Youth Prevention Education Curriculum in select schools
• Assist in the facilitation of monthly Youth Advisory Committee meetings and planning yearly events
• Assist in the planning of two activities during National Prevention Week that focus on youth marijuana, prescription and opioid drug prevention, involving the Youth Advisory Committee
• Planning and promoting a live in person prescription drug takeback event on National Prescription Drug Takeback Day
• Maintain and update a resource guide that identifies all SUD treatment and human service organizations
• Gather, report, and interpret data for improved program outcomes
• Learn new data reporting platform to communicate with IDHS about the grant
• Attend conferences, coalitions, workshops, and professional development trainings
• Build relationships with school administration to organize implementation of substance use prevention curriculum
• Foster and model cultural competence in all interactions and program activities
• Provide additional holistic support through Rincon Family Services to students and community members whose needs extend beyond the scope of the CSUP grant
• Keep informed of prevention best practices
• Other duties as assigned

• Strong project management skills
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Suite, Canva, and other data management/reporting systems
• Strong written and oral communication and presentation skills, both with youth and adults
• Ability to work effectively with peers, clients, and groups
• Proactive and resourceful in identifying needs and implementing solutions
• Familiarity with grant‑funded programs or data reporting
• 1–2 years of experience working with youth in educational, prevention, or mentoring settings
• 1–2 years of experience working with youth in grades 7–12, preferably in a school or community setting
• Experience implementing prevention or health education programs
• Experience organizing events or campaigns targeting youth or community engagement
• Preferably a bachelor's degree in the social services field, or five years of experience in Social Justice fields
• Must pass background checks
• Ability to travel within Chicago
• Fluency in Spanish (bicultural applicants strongly preferred)

• Health insurance
• Dental & vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Short‑ and long‑term disability insurance
• 403(b) retirement plan
• Generous PTO (up to 21 days in Year 1, some carryover allowed)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Professional development opportunities
• Eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)
• Possibility of City of Chicago commuter transit benefits

Office-based tasks will be combined with fieldwork—including transporting paperwork and other materials between on‑site and off‑site locations, traveling to attend meetings and events, and engaging with community members. Standing, walking, and occasionally lifting materials are required. Adaptability to various physical environments is essential.

35‑hour work week (7 hours/day with unpaid lunch). Typically 9‑5 schedule with flexibility for evenings/weekends and school needs.

Fluency in Spanish, bicultural applicants strongly preferred.