Prevention Specialist Social Service Worker

Job Summary

We are looking for a qualified Prevention Specialist to join our team! You will play a crucial role in evaluating DCFS-referred, court-referred, and self-referred clients and developing individualized service plans through initial intake appointments. The Prevention Specialist is responsible for implementing programming goals and objectives. Reporting to the Program Director, the Prevention Specialist plays a critical role in implementing school and community-based services.

Operating with professional expertise and deep care for participants, you are a natural problem solver and self-starter. You enjoy working in fast-paced environments that afford you the autonomy to bring your best.

• Work to implement the agency's overall goals and objectives
• Participate with participants to create an individualized service plan
• Facilitation of Effective Parenting and Anger Management curriculum
• Ability to effectively communicate with DCFS and Circuit Court of Cook County case managers and probation officers
• Make follow-up phone calls to assess and continue the plans of care
• Plan interventions and make referrals based on participants' needs and findings
• Maintain accurate, organized, and up-to-date records
• Communicate and implement the agency's service strategy in the field so that desired outcomes are attained
• Plan, coordinate, and implement schools and community-based workshops and trainings with service partners and represent AKAM at meetings and events across the City as assigned
• Participate in staff development trainings and/or mandated trainings/conferences as designated by funding sources
• Adhere to all standards for service, conduct, and overall performance, and ensure that all performance-related issues are proactively and consistently addressed

• Minimum of two years of experience. College degree preferred or equivalent years of experience in a related field.
• Ability to reach and facilitate workshops/trainings related to prevention education, and knowledge of prevention strategies.
• Knowledge of IDHS reporting systems or equivalent, or possess the ability to be trained in such.
• Knowledge of coalitions and/or coalition building or possess the ability to be trained in such.
• Some familiarity with the neighborhoods, the leaders, and priorities of the target service areas and service population.
• Strong commitment to and working diverse and inclusive workforce, and working effectively with people from various backgrounds.
• Software application competency to handle basic administration and record-keeping. Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint at a minimum.
• Strong ability to effectively listen, interpret and communicate.
• Experience with families in a school or social service setting and understanding principles of child development, education, and crisis intervention.
• Ability to identify and assess the needs of high-risk families; and navigate the family toward services required for assistance.