School and Community Builder

JOB PURPOSE: The School & Community Builder is an integral member of Cumberland District Maine Prevention Network (MPN), a grant funded program of the County's Public Health Department. This position is 40 hours per week, with a full benefits package. Pay is based on experience with a range of $35.70-$37.89/hr. Please note, applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time. This position will provide leadership across the county and implement strategies to prevent initiation and reduce the harm of commercial tobacco and substance use. This position actively collaborates with other MPN funded staff working to prevent tobacco use, substance use, and promote healthy eating, active living to create a strong prevention infrastructure within Cumberland District.

Using the Strategic Prevention Framework, the School & Community Builder collaborates with key community partners (students, families, school staff, community members and organizations) to develop needs assessments and drive the development of a community-driven action plan that centers youth well-being. This position helps facilitate trust and relationship-building among school staff, families and community and supports the creation and implementation of a robust family and community engagement plan with partner schools. This position also works with schools to improve the effectiveness of their student support practices, structures and systems which can include behavioral health assessments, restorative practices, and family learning partnership initiatives. This position actively recruits, coordinates, and convenes community and school partners to use a data-driven approach and continuous quality improvement to integrate and align efforts that support student success and well-being.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's degree in social work, community health, public health or related field or at least 5 years of experience doing related work.
• Experience with youth and families facing adversity, and the ability to incorporate a strengths-based approach.
• At least 3 years of experience in health promotion, public health, substance use prevention and/or recovery support services.
• Certified Prevention Specialist preferred.
• Ability to identify, convene and facilitate relationships with partners.
• An integrator who connects work streams that would otherwise remain siloed.
• Demonstrated experience of centering and working with youth and families to address their needs and elevate their experiences.
• Working knowledge of school systems, youth-serving systems, community resources and associated services.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse group of community representatives including community members, schools, business owners, state and local government workers, social services, and community-based organizations.
• Strong connections to and trusting relationships with community, students, families and/or school site teams.
• Knowledge and skills in primary and secondary prevention strategies in public health practice.
• Courtesy, dependability, good judgment and possesses a high ethical standard all of which are required.
• Must complete application for Provisional Prevention Specialist Certification within 90 days of employment and obtain certification within the established certification period; and then maintain and uphold certification status.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Collaborate with schools, particularly middle and high schools, to assess current challenges and opportunities with regards to tobacco and substance use prevention.
• Connect schools and community partners/resources to implement evidence-based or evidenced-informed prevention programs that address known root causes of tobacco and substance use, and integrate strategies to improve school policies, practices, and environments to prevent and reduce substance use.
• Educate and collaborate with youth serving programs to identify opportunities to work more closely with schools to support youth and families. Encourage collaboration among communities to support substance use prevention efforts and actively work to help maintain these community partnerships.
• Identify gaps and opportunities for CCPH, schools and communities to work better together to develop systems that effectively engage those most likely to be impacted by tobacco and SUD.
• Develop new and deepen existing relationships with schools so that they partner with CCPH and other community partners to identify prevention efforts that best work for their school and community.
• Pilot, integrate and sustain evidence based or evidence informed programs and strategies within schools and communities to prevent initiation of tobacco and substance use.
• Identify tobacco and substance use related health disparities and connect with partners to identify how best to be responsive to the unique needs of different groups.
• Collect and analyze tobacco and substance use data and create presentations or other documents to share the impacts of substance use and actions for improving outcomes.
• Assist schools and communities in using data to inform decisions and evaluations of programs.
• Performs similar or related work as required, directed or as situation dictates.

Cumberland County offers an excellent and comprehensive benefits package and is proud of its talented and dedicated workforce. Come join our team and culture of engaged employees. Our strong management team is dedicated to providing employees with inspiring leadership, a positive and friendly workplace, support, encouragement and the necessary tools for success. We offer tuition reimbursement, wellness program, and professional development and training opportunities.

This position is 40 hours per week, with a full benefits package. Pay is based on experience with a range of $35.70-$37.89/hr.

Position will remain open until filled.

Cumberland County is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected Veteran status.