Drug & Alcohol Prevention Specialist (Local Government) - Lackawanna-Susquehanna County D&A

The Drug and Alcohol Prevention Specialist at the Lackawanna-Susquehanna County Drug and Alcohol Agency plays a key role in supporting healthy schools and communities. This position helps students, families, and teachers learn skills that reduce substance misuse and promote safe choices. It is a chance to make a real difference by leading prevention programs that reach people of all ages. Join our team that is committed to building stronger and safer communities!

This position supports schools and community organizations by designing and leading prevention programs focused on reducing substance misuse. It helps students, families, and educators by providing guidance, education, and hands-on support. As a Drug and Alcohol Prevention Specialist, you will perform the following duties:

• Program Planning: Develop prevention activities for schools and community groups
• Targeted Outreach: Create programs that match the needs of specific groups such as students or parents
• School Support: Assist districts with policies, procedures, SAP services, and curriculum guidance
• Group Facilitation: Lead support groups and prevention sessions for students of different grade levels
• Community Education: Provide training about substance misuse and gambling disorders at outreach events
• Technical Assistance: Offer help to teachers and community partners who need support with prevention materials

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• One year as a Drug and Alcohol Prevention Specialist Trainee; or
• A Bachelor's Degree in Health Education, Education, the Social or Behavioral Sciences or related fields and one year experience in drug and alcohol prevention work; or
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training.

Other Requirements:

• You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency Guidelines.
• Hiring preference for this vacancy may be given to candidates who live within Lackawanna and Susquehanna County. If no eligible candidates who live within Lackawanna or Susquehanna County apply for this position, candidates who reside in other counties may be considered.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements:

• You must pass a background investigation.
• A conditional offer of employment will require a drug screening.
• This position falls under the provisions of the Child Protective Services Law.
  • Under the Law, a conditional offer of employment will require submission and approval of satisfactory criminal history reports including, but not limited to, PA State Police clearance, PA Child Abuse history clearance, and FBI Fingerprint clearance.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
• All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant's own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. *7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or:
  • your score may be lower than deserved.
  • you may be disqualified.
• You may only apply/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.