Prevention Educator

Description

Community Prevention Educator (Part-Time)

Help prevent substance misuse before it starts. Build relationships that strengthen communities.

Do you enjoy educating others, building community partnerships, and making a meaningful impact? The Community Health Partnerships branch of the Penobscot Bay YMCA (PBCHP) is seeking a part-time Prevention Educator to support substance use prevention efforts throughout Knox and Waldo Counties.

In this role, you'll work directly with schools, community organizations, healthcare providers, and local leaders to deliver prevention education, strengthen partnerships, and help create healthier environments where youth and families can thrive. If you enjoy working independently while connecting with people every day, this could be an excellent fit.

Position Details

• Part-Time (approximately 20 hours per week) 
• Based in Rockport with frequent travel throughout Knox and Waldo Counties and occasional statewide travel 
• Start Date: As soon as possible 
• This position is supported through grant funding that advances community prevention initiatives. 
• Hourly Pay: $25-$26

What You'll Do

• Deliver engaging, age-appropriate substance use prevention education in schools and throughout the community. 
• Build and maintain strong relationships with educators, healthcare providers, recovery organizations, law enforcement, municipalities, and other community partners. 
• Promote prevention resources and encourage community engagement. 
• Support community initiatives, policy development, and environmental strategies that reduce substance misuse. 
• Participate in coalition meetings, outreach events, and collaborative initiatives. 
• Assist with marketing, social media, and public awareness campaigns. 
• Track activities, outcomes, and grant reporting requirements. 

Why You'll Love Working Here

• Make a visible difference in the lives of youth and families across Mid-Coast Maine. 
• Receive paid training and certification support. 
• Join a collaborative, mission-driven team that values innovation, education, and community partnerships. 
• Benefits include Earned Paid Leave, Day 1 eligibility for a 403(b) retirement plan, and a free individual YMCA membership. 

Requirements

Essential Functions

• Implement evidence-informed, culturally responsive substance use prevention strategies in accordance with the approved work plan, working collaboratively with the Director of Community Health Promotion, state public health partners, and local stakeholders.
• Develop and deliver engaging prevention education and presentations for schools, organizations, and community groups.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with schools, healthcare and behavioral health providers, recovery organizations, law enforcement, municipalities, businesses, and other community partners throughout Knox and Waldo Counties.
• Promote PBCHP prevention resources and encourage community participation through outreach, presentations, events, and educational initiatives.
• Assist with PBCHP marketing efforts, including social media and community outreach, under the direction of the Director of Community Health Promotion.
• Recruit and engage community stakeholders in Community Partnership Meetings and collaborative prevention initiatives.
• Maintain accurate records, complete grant reporting requirements, and ensure compliance with applicable state and federal guidelines.
• Stay current on prevention science, health communication, policy development, environmental prevention strategies, and social determinants of health.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Public Health, Community Health Education, Education, Behavioral Health, Social Work, or a related field preferred. Relevant experience may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis.
• Provisional Prevention Specialist (PPS) certification, or the ability to obtain it upon hire.
• Ability to obtain Maine Certified Prevention Specialist (CPS) certification within 18 months of employment. Certification costs are currently covered by PBCHP.
• Knowledge of community health promotion, prevention science, health communication, environmental prevention strategies, or social determinants of health.
• Strong written, verbal, and public presentation skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Zoom, or the ability to quickly learn new technology.
• Ability to work independently while contributing positively to a collaborative team environment.
• Sound judgment, professionalism, and problem-solving skills when navigating sensitive or unexpected situations.

Organizational Abilities

• Strong planning, organizational, and project management skills with the ability to coordinate multiple priorities and meet competing deadlines.
• Ability to facilitate meetings, presentations, and collaborative group discussions effectively.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently while remaining accountable to project goals and team objectives.
• Excellent time management skills with the ability to prioritize work and adapt to changing needs.

Relationship-Building Abilities

• Ability to establish, cultivate, and maintain productive relationships with diverse community partners and stakeholders.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and active listening skills.
• Sound judgment and problem-solving skills when addressing sensitive topics, safety concerns, or unexpected situations.
• Commitment to professionalism, collaboration, inclusion, and respectful engagement with individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to do this job. The above is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Equal Opportunity & Accessibility

The Penobscot Bay YMCA is committed to providing an accessible and inclusive recruitment process. If you require a reasonable accommodation at any stage of the application, interview, or selection process, please contact Human Resources at hr@penbayymca.org so we can work with you to meet your needs.