Substance Use Prevention Educator

Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Public Health Educator III Opening Date:
September 25, 2026 Closing Date:
October 8, 2026 Job Class Code: 4374 Grade: 23 (04) Salary: $51,500.80 - $72,259.20 per year Position Number:

Location:

This is a full-time position located in Augusta.

-Limited Period Position
- This position allows for partial telework with management approval. Currently, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions.

The Substance Use Prevention Educator will join the Substance Use Prevention (SUP) Team and will play a key role in supporting Maine communities in achieving health and resilience. As part of the Tobacco and Substance Use Prevention and Control Program, you will work alongside community partners, State/Department offices, and local leaders to strengthen prevention efforts that reduce substance-related health harms before they begin.

This will be accomplished by assessing state and local needs; promoting best practice programs and policies; providing technical assistance; and facilitating training to statewide and community partners. As a prevention subject matter expert, you will oversee initiatives to address opioid and stimulant misuse prevention, conduct research and develop health education resources and tools addressing existing and emerging substance use trends, and represent the Substance Use Prevention Program on the Opioid Coordinating Council and other related work groups.

You will be responsible for oversight of federal grant activities as assigned, including implementation and reporting. This position is supervised by the Substance Use Prevention Program Manager. Success in this role relies on knowledge of primary/secondary substance use prevention; public health; community and coalition management and mobilization; grant management; data-informed decision-making and evaluation. Occasional in-state travel will be required.

• Serve as the primary contact and substance matter expert for opioids, stimulants, and emerging substance use trends for the TSUPC program team.
• Collaborate with other offices and departments including the Office of Behavioral Health, the Department of Public Safety, and Department of Education on related projects.
• Increase collaboration and educational opportunities to improve Program efforts to address health disparities and serve priority populations.
• Support and provide technical assistance to state and community partners.
• Develop and manage the grant lifecycle, including research, proposal development, budgeting, submission, and post-award reporting.
• Lead relevant work groups.
• Maintain an inventory of research on emerging substance use trends and other topics as assigned.
• Develop health education resources and provide education to state and community-level partners.
• Support implementation of the Substance Use Prevention Strategic Plan.
• Promote and implement best practices in substance use prevention.

A Bachelors Degree in Public Health, Community Health Education, Health Education and two (2) years experience in community or health education program planning, development, implementation, and evaluation. Directly related work experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis. Preferred candidates will also have:

• Proficient knowledge of substance use prevention best practices and or public health; willingness to pursue prevention certification.
• Demonstrated understanding of shared risk and protective factors for prevention and related health outcomes.
• Knowledge of/experience with coalition development or facilitation.
• Grant/project, contract, and budget management experience.

The Department of Health and Human…