Job Opening: Drug & Alcohol Prevention Specialist

Drug & Alcohol Prevention Specialist

We are seeking a FT master’s/bachelor’s level Drug & Alcohol Prevention Specialist to implement prevention strategies and programs in Berks County schools and communities. Must have excellent presentation skills and experience working with youth. Hours may include evenings and weekends, and portion of work done remotely. All candidates must be tobacco/vape-free. Application deadline is September 1, 2026

TO APPLY: Please scroll down for application. EOE.

DEFINITION: A professional position in substance abuse prevention involves educational consultation, and community engagement activities.

A prevention specialist will implement a variety of activities involving schools and/or the community as part of an overall prevention approach to substance misuse. Work involves providing technical assistance and training related to substance use disorder and other addictions to students and school staff. Prevention includes curriculum, policy matters, awareness campaigns, and developing/disseminating electronic and written educational material. Summer programs include implementing highly interactive activities to community-based locations. Prevention responsibilities are characterized by involvement in one or more of the above areas in order to educate and serve as a resource on substance misuse issues. Prevention Specialist reports directly to the Prevention Program Manager.

EXAMPLES OF WORK

• Work with schools to help support the development of school-based programs such as, Substance Misuse Curriculum, Social Emotional Learning Curriculum and educational opportunities.
• Remain current on prevention and substance misuse topics impacting Berks County Schools and Communities.
• Work with the prevention team to design programs for schools and community groups including churches, camps, playground programs, senior citizen groups, fraternal organizations, youth groups and PTOs.
• Participate in Council on Chemical Abuse functions that may include Lunch & Learn sessions, conferences, recovery events and community events.
• Provide technical assistance and develop relationships with Student Assistance Program teams to assigned school districts.
• Outreach to community organizations during weekend and evening hours as requested promoting current prevention incentives.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of addiction prevention, treatment and recovery.
• Knowledge of current developments in the substance use disorder field.
• Comfortable with public speaking
• Strong writing and communication skills
• Positive and high energy to facilitate youth programs.
• Organized and task oriented.
• Able to conduct oneself appropriately in a professional office environment.
• Ability to work remotely.
• Reliable transportation.
• Knowledge of Microsoft platform including PowerPoint, teams, excel, outlook.

REQUIREMENTS

• PA State Police Check, FBI and Child Abuse Checks must be completed and in good standing before position can begin.
• Current PA Drivers License and car insurance.

HOURS

Full-time position includes a 37.5 hour work week. Most hours will be worked between normal business hours Monday-Friday 8:00 am-4:30pm. Night and weekend hours required based on current programs and community requests. Hybrid work schedule opportunity based on program needs and availability.

Questions please contact Alicia Kline at akline@cocaberks.org 610 376 8669 ext. 121