Community Development Specialist

Position Summary: In 2009, Children's Aid (CA) received funding from the Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) to establish a Regional Prevention Resource Center (NYC PRC). In 2020, during the pandemic, the NYC PRC worked with local coalitions and prevention partners to establish New York City Partners of Prevention (NYC POP), to collaborate on social media posts to continue to inform NYC residents about substance misuse prevention during the lockdown. NYC POP evolved into a multidisciplinary coalition that addresses substance misuse in creative and innovative ways. NYC POP coordinates, strengthens, and supports prevention efforts across New York City through collaborative policy work, education, and evidence-based interventions.

Under the supervision of the NYC PRC Director, the Community Development Specialist (CDS) is responsible for facilitating all meetings and activities of NYC POP, as guided by the approved Work Plan.

Essential Duties

• Serve as Community Development Specialist for New York City POP and organize and facilitate monthly NYC POP meetings, weekly subcommittees, development of social media posts, and Environmental Change strategies.
• Represent NYC POP at community events, health fairs, community board meetings, and other citywide venues.
• Facilitate a partnership with the coalitions, prevention providers, and NYC POP (citywide coalition) to help create marketing and public information campaigns to educate, promote and foster local and regional prevention strategies.
• Outreach to, and work with, existing community coalitions throughout the region, as well as helping in the development of new community partners.
• Work in collaboration with NYC PRC staff to plan and execute community networking events and other meetings with the aim of increasing prevention capacity throughout New York City.
• Interact with prevention providers, and coalition members on a regular basis.
• Complete the SPF Application for Prevention Success Training (SAPST).
• Have knowledge of and comfort level using current social media marketing strategies and platforms, as well as CANVA and Constant Contact, and experience building and engaging followers on those platforms.
• Additional duties as requested by NYC PRC Director

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate's Degree with relevant substance misuse prevention and/or community organizing experience required
• Must possess a positive and engaging demeanor that enjoys meeting new people and forming new relationships.

Key Competencies

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and its various programs and applications
• Ability to independently problem solve
• Proven community organizing skills in an urban setting preferred.
• 1-3 years of experience working in the Substance Misuse Prevention field desired.
• Knowledge of and experience with environmental strategies and the Strategic Prevention Framework.
• Background working with community-based coalitions or organizations, community readiness issues, needs assessments, strategic planning and project implementation.
• Strong facilitation/presentation skills and experience.
• Able to periodically travel to upstate/out-of-state conferences and meetings

Children's Aid will conduct a prompt and thorough investigation of all allegations of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or any violation of the Equal Employment Opportunity Policy in a confidential manner and will take appropriate corrective action, if and where warranted. Children's Aid prohibits retaliation against employees who provide information about, complain about, or assist in the investigation of any complaint of discrimination or violation of the Equal Employment Opportunity Policy.

The incumbent is expected to work a schedule, whether in-person or hybrid, as determined by the department's needs to facilitate effective collaboration with the team. This flexibility is essential for maintaining seamless communication, fostering teamwork, and ensuring the smooth operation of the department's processes. The position's requirements are subject to periodic review and adjustment based on organizational needs and changes in work dynamics.