Program Specialist I- Luna County

The Center for Health Innovation (CHI) is seeking a Program Specialist I to lead the planning and implementation of youth substance use prevention in Luna County, NM.  Program Specialist I need not reside in Luna County. The Program Specialist works with a multi-sector community coalition and is responsible for assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating appropriate strategies, community engagement, meeting coordination, data collection, and detailed activity reporting.  This position requires a Bachelor’s Degree (relevant experience may substitute for education) and two years of relevant experience in prevention or human services related field. Required skills include: facilitation, project management, reporting, detail oriented, partnership building, organized, team player, and the ability to coordinate multiple project activities and players.

Review the full position description below.  Send resume and letter of interest to ltecca@chi-phi.org.  Please share with your networks, friends, and colleagues!

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed.  They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

1. Position Function Summary

Under the direction of the Manager of Prevention and Community Collaborations, the Program Specialist I will assist in the implementation of prevention programing and/or harm reduction in Luna County.  The Program Specialist I works independently and collaboratively to develop and implement prevention activities, coalition capacity and does not have to be located in Luna County. Prevention activities may include the following areas: planning, needs assessments, youth and adult training, strategic communications, monitoring enforcement, and policy analysis and implementation. Coalition capacity building includes: community engagement, meeting coordination, developing Coalition governance and structure, assessment, planning. training and implementation. The position also requires data collection, analysis and reporting. The Program Specialist I requires excellent interpersonal, analytical, organizational, facilitation and program management skills as well as professional discretion, independent judgement, and diplomacy.

The delivery of quality service and positive interaction with our customers is critical to the completion of all tasks within this job description, thus the employee is responsible for establishing and maintaining interpersonal relationships with visitors, partners, Coalition members and partners, and CHI employees in a courteous, respectful, and professional manner.  Guidelines include all CHI policies and procedures. 

Position Accountabilities

Program Specialist I duties:

• Under the direction of the Manager of Prevention and Community Collaborations, the Program Specialist I performs the implementation of CHI programs, goals, objectives, and service contracts, specifically related to Luna County youth substance use prevention efforts.
• Ability to develop relationships to ensure successful implementation of prevention/harm reduction strategies and activities for targeted audiences.
• Understands basic principles of prevention assessment, capacity, planning, implementation, evaluation, sustainability, and cultural competence.
• Coordinates, schedules and performs daily operations of the program(s).
• Composes and delivers trainings and/or other prevention strategies with law enforcement, business, school personnel, youth, and community residents in an organized and appropriate manner.
• Composes, files, updates and distributes appropriate reports, minutes of meetings, general correspondence, evaluations, newsletters, information, and social media.
• Assists with or conducts program-related evaluation, prepares reports and participates in formal quality improvement projects as required.
• Facilitate, attend, and coordinate Coalition meetings and other program-related community events and meetings.
• Represents CHI and Luna County Coalition programs at public forums and community meetings and collaborates with others to ensure program success.
• Obtains supporting documents or information for funding proposals and reporting requirements. Submits monthly invoicing on time and accurately with all back-up documentation.
• Researches and obtains supporting documents and data for articles, publications and/or reports.
• Secures, manages, and coordinates outreach opportunities and community events including but not limited to securing venues, equipment, and materials and promotion of the event.
• Plans, implements and evaluates program progress within a team environment. Provides constructive feedback to Coalition and community teams.
• Attends required trainings to obtain and maintain Prevention Specialist certification.
• Attends monthly staff meetings, Coalition meetings, other meetings as essential to program.
• Will adhere to CHI policies and procedures and established safety practices.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree (Experience may substitute for education).
• Two years of experience in health and human services, prevention, harm reduction and/or community development.
• Works well in a directed/supervised environment, self-motivated, and punctual.
• Skills: facilitation, project development and implementation, project assessment and reporting, detail oriented, organized, team player, and the ability to coordinate multiple project activities and players.
• Ability to use internet for research, competent in social media applications, Microsoft Suite software, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Current driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Desirable Qualities

• Bilingual: English/Spanish.
• Knowledge of Luna County communities, culture, and geography.
• Analytical and the social ability to connect with individuals and groups.
• Able/willing to accept constructive feedback.
• Able to work in a fast-paced environment.

Physical Demands

• Occasional prolonged standing/walking.
• Occasional lifting of supplies and/or equipment up to 50 lbs.
• Occasional driving short and /or long distances.
• Frequent use of computers and keyboard.
• Frequent moving of materials between program locations.

Working Conditions

• Considerable reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling, crouching.
• Intermittent pressure due to deadlines and working with the public.
• Must be able to travel locally, within New Mexico and by air nationally.
• Willing to work a flexible schedule: attending and facilitating some evening and/or weekend meetings and activities.

Special Requirements

• Must be willing to use personal vehicle during employment. 
• Must be able to meet deadlines.
• Must be able to pass a thorough background check.

The above statements reflect the general details considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the job as identified and should not be considered as a detailed description of all work requirements that may be inherent in the job.