Program Specialist I – Sierra County

The Center for Health Innovation (CHI) is seeking a Program Specialist to lead the planning and implementation of substance use prevention programing in Sierra County.  The Program Specialist works with a diverse 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 or relevant experience in prevention, community development or human services related field (experience may substitute for education).  Required skills include: facilitation, project management, reporting, detail oriented, partnership building, 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. English/Spanish bilingual speaking and writing skills desired.

Review the full position description below.  Send resume and letter of interest to ltecca@chi-phi.org.  Deadline to apply is January 30, 2023. 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.

Position Function Summary

Under the direction of the Director of Prevention and Community Collaborations, the Program Specialist I performs work directly related to the management and business operations of the Center for Health Innovation (CHI) and the Sierra County prevention program and its local, state and national partners. Functions include:

The Program Specialist I will successfully implement the Office of Substance Abuse Prevention Grant and the Drug Free Communities Grant including the utilization of the five phases of the SAMHSA Strategic Planning Framework, implementation of evidence-based alcohol, tobacco, and other drug environmental strategies, and data collection planning and collection.  The Program Specialist I works independently, with guidance from the Program Director, and collaboratively with the local program evaluator, and other Prevention and Community Collaborations Department staff to develop and implement activities in the following areas: strategic planning, media relations, community engagement, meeting development and implementation, and detailed activity reporting. Other responsibilities include supporting local program implementation; serving as a liaison and representative at local, organizational, and other meetings; contributing to the development of activities to advance the Coalition’s mission; specifically, resource identification and relationship development. The Program Specialist I position requires excellent research, analytical, interpersonal, organizational and writing 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, 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 Director of Prevention and Community Collaborations, the Program Specialist I perform the implementation of CHI programs, goals, objectives, and service contracts.
• Ability to implement activities for environmental strategies appropriately for target audiences.
• Coordinates, schedules and performs daily operations of the program(s).
• Composes, files, updates and distributes appropriate reports, minutes of meetings, general correspondence, evaluations, newsletters, information, and social media.
• Conducts program-related research, prepares reports and participates in formal quality improvement projects as required.
• Support the collection of data in the community and within local school districts.
• Facilitates, attends, and coordinates internal and external professional and community events and program meetings.
• Represents CHI programs at public forums and community meetings and collaborates with others to ensure program success. 
• Obtains supporting documents for state and federal funding proposals.
• Researches and obtains supporting documents and data for articles, publications and reports.
• Secures, manages, and coordinates outreach opportunities, events, and community projects.
• Plans, implements and evaluates program progress within a team environment. Provides constructive feedback to staff and community teams.
• Attends monthly CHI staff meetings, Prevention and Community Collaboration staff meetings, and all necessary Sierra County partnership meetings.  
• Will adhere to established safety practices.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree (2 years relevant experience may substitute for each year of required education).
• Experience in health and human services 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.

Desirable Qualities

• Bilingual: English/Spanish.
• Knowledge of Sierra County communities, culture, and geography.
• Analytical and the social ability to connect with individuals and groups.
• Access to reliable transportation.
• 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 willing to do inter and intra state travel as needed.
• Must be willing to use personal cell phone for business purposes
• Must be able to meet deadlines.

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.