Gambling Prevention Specialist

Position Summary

The Prevention Specialist is responsible for implementing prevention initiatives serving select communities throughout Central and Southern Illinois, including assessing community needs, developing youth advisory councils and communication campaigns, and delivering comprehensive prevention programs targeting youth ages 11 to 18. Gambling prevention services will also support adult populations in the community per funder requirements. Specific program assignments may include substance use prevention, teen pregnancy prevention, gambling prevention, or other prevention initiatives as designated by the Program Manager or Director.

• Provide education and activities for youth and parents, consistent with CARE principles.
• Work with supervisory staff to identify and prepare for implementation of appropriate evidence‑based curricula and assessment tools.
• Coordinate curriculum implementation scheduling and training for each program site.
• Deliver selected prevention curricula as described by the program model; identify service delivery issues and make recommendations about strategies to resolve delivery problems.
• Conduct pre‑ and post‑program assessments and maintain written records of each program session as directed by supervisory staff.
• Engage in assessment activities to identify community needs, existing resources, and data related to youth substance use, sexual health, and other relevant prevention indicators.
• Identify and secure potential program sites as directed by supervisory staff.
• Maintain communication with front‑line staff at each program site to identify concerns or issues, communicate these to the site coordinator, and recommend resolution.
• Lead or participate in community coalitions, advisory committees, and youth leadership groups that address prevention‑related issues.
• Assist in developing and implementing communication campaigns to address risk behaviors and promote positive youth development.
• Deliver positive youth development activities in accordance with the program delivery plan and consistent with CARE principles.
• Participate in and support community events as a representative of the organization.
• Be certified in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) and capable of performing crisis prevention and de‑escalation techniques in accordance with TCI guidelines.
• Actively seek to prevent behavioral crises, de‑escalate situations as they occur, and respond appropriately in alignment with TCI standards.
• Input required data into the Prevention HUB and complete required documentation as identified by the Illinois Department of Human Services.
• Meet all goals and objectives stated in the grant or program plan.
• Attend all required training and workshops as outlined by the agency and funding source.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• Serve as a positive role model and community resource on prevention topics for youth, families, and stakeholders.
• Demonstrate professionalism, punctuality, and accountability in meeting program and grant requirements.
• Apply the CARE practice model and TCI techniques consistently and in accordance with agency standards.
• Complete required training and participate in meetings as directed by the agency or grant funder.
• Support prevention programming through collaboration, engagement, and effective communication.
• Have strong organizational and time‑management skills.
• Have excellent interpersonal and written communication skills.
• Be able to engage youth, parents, and community members on sensitive topics.
• Understand community needs and be able to analyze local data.
• Have the capacity to recruit program sites and mobilize community leaders around prevention efforts.
• Be able to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Meet DCFS/CANTS Clearance Requirements.
• Be at least 21 years of age.
• Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and proof of automobile insurance.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution preferred.
• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum of two years’ experience working directly with adolescents, schools, or community coalitions preferred.
• Knowledge and/or experience related to addiction,…