Prevention Training Specialist, Substance Abuse Programs

APLA Health’s mission is to achieve health care equity and promote well-being for the LGBT and other underserved communities and people living with and affected by HIV. We are a nonprofit, federally qualified health center serving more than 14,000 people annually. We provide 20 different services from 15 locations throughout Los Angeles County, including: medical, dental, and behavioral health care; PrEP counseling and management; health education and HIV prevention; and STD screening and treatment. For people living with HIV, we offer housing support; benefits counseling; home health care; and the Vance North Necessities of Life Program food pantries; among several other critically needed services. Additionally, we are leaders in advocating for policy and legislation that positively impacts the LGBT and HIV communities, provide capacity-building assistance to health departments across the country, and conduct community-based research on issues affecting the communities we serve. For more information, please visit us at aplahealth.org. We offer great benefits, competitive pay, and great working environment!
We offer:
• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance (no cost for employee)
• Vision Insurance (no cost for employee)
• Long Term Disability
• Group Term Life and AD&D Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• 10 Paid Holidays
• 5 Personal Days
• 10 Vacation Days
• 12 Sick Days
• Metro reimbursement or free parking
• Employer Matched 403b Retirement Plan
This is a great opportunity to make a difference!

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Program Manager of Substance Abuse Programs, the Prevention Training Specialist, Substance Abuse Programs, focuses on the recruitment of gay men or MSM who use crystal methamphetamine into the APLA Health & Wellness group-level intervention Getting Off. The Prevention Training Specialist also assist in the implementation and facilitation of harm reduction based groups to persons who use crystal methamphetamine.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• The Prevention Training Specialist ensures that the program is operates in alignment with APLA Health & Wellness harm reduction philosophy and larger health education goals.
• Under the guidance of the Certified Alcohol Drug Counselor (CADC) provide assistance during harm reduction groups and group-level intervention
• Assist in the development and promotion of the social marketing campaign for the substance use programs
• Ensure clients files are upheld and managed to contractual standards
• Maintain records of in collaboration with the Certified Alcohol Drug Counselor
• Assist in the implementation of quarterly community forums/town halls designed to raise community awareness about the impact of crystal methamphetamine on the community.
• Provide support and referrals to clients when appropriate
• Maintain client retention into program offerings
• Adhere to emergency protocols and notify appropriate staff and supervisors if challenges occur during group intervention
• Maintain open and accurate verbal and written communications with program manager and staff.
• Provide updates on substance use and program findings during monthly staff meetings.

• Assist the program manager and CADC in the development and implementation of in-person or virtual community forums and workshops.
• Ensure culturally and linguistically relevant services.
• Serve as speaker/facilitator for trainings as needed.
• Prepare quantitative and qualitative reports as assigned.
• Maintain and ensures documentation required by funders and agency.

OTHER DUTIES MAY BE ASSIGNED TO MEET BUSINESS NEEDS.

REQUIREMENTS:

Training and Experience:

Associates degree in a human services related field and one year experience working with gay men or MSM who use crystal methamphetamine. Successful completion of background screening. Preferred bilingual in English and Spanish. Experience in outreach, community organizing and in conducting educational trainings. Familiarity with crystal methamphetamine use/abuse challenges and harm-reduction strategies. Experience in a nonprofit environment preferred; specific training/experience on sexual health and wellness. Training and/or experience working in HIV prevention and health education/health promotion, substance abuse treatment and program development.

Knowledge of:

Health disparities; sexual health and wellness inclusive of HIV and STIs; harm reduction theory; behavior modification theory; human sexuality, substance use specifically as it relates to crystal methamphetamine use, motivational interviewing techniques; outreach strategies; data management; health and social concerns of diverse populations of gay and non-gay identified MSM; risk reduction theory; principles of social marketing; and venues where the target population congregates, including the Internet.

Ability to:

Work independently; work effectively with diverse clients, staff, volunteers and professionals; resolve client conflicts that may occur during group sessions; work effectively with diverse community stakeholders who may hold a wide range of opinions on gay and non-gay identified MSM who use or abuse substances; identify goals and objectives with respect to treatment and harm reduction; meet sometimes conflicting deadlines in a rapidly changing environment; respond with sensitivity to social inequities and diverse ethnic groups; maintain confidentiality.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

This is primarily an office position that requires only occasional bending, reaching, stooping, lifting and moving of office materials weighing 25 pounds or less. The position requires daily use of a personal computer and requires entering, viewing, and revising text and graphics on the computer terminal and on paper.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must possess a valid California drivers license; proof of auto liability insurance; and have the use of a personal vehicle for work related purposes. COVID-19  and Booster or Medical/ Religious Exemption required.

Equal Opportunity Employer: minority/female/disability/veteran.

To apply visit aplahealth.org or click on link below:

https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=52652&clientkey=A5559163F67395E0A2585D2135F98806