Primary Prevention Services Coordinator

The State of Connecticut, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS), is a health care agency whose mission is to promote the overall health and wellness of persons with behavioral health needs through an integrated network of holistic, comprehensive, effective, and efficient services and supports that foster dignity, respect, and self-sufficiency in those we serve.  

The DMHAS, Office of the Commissioner (OOC) seeks a dynamic and experienced individual for the position of Primary Prevention Services Coordinator (PCN 23650).  This position is within our Statewide Services Division.  We are conveniently located in Middletown, CT on our Connecticut Valley Hospital campus. This is a full-time, 40 hour per week position with work schedule of Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 4:30pm.  This position is essential to maintaining up-to-date, evidence-based prevention strategies using SAMHSA’s strategic prevention framework. The role requires specialized knowledge using a public health model (providing awareness, education, training, capacity building and policy development to create an informed citizenry around gambling activities and behaviors and to minimize problem gambling throughout the state across all populations). 

Do you want to make a difference while participating in a dynamic and reciprocal health care environment in the public sector?  If so, we have an excellent opportunity for you to join our team!  

Discover the opportunity to:

• Provide oversight of the five Regional Behavioral Health Action Organizations contracted to provide problem gambling prevention services;
• Have oversight of the statewide youth education and multi-cultural focused initiatives; 
• Provide information, education, training and technical assistance to state, local and community based agencies, organizations and consumer groups to raise awareness and increase capacity across the life span and throughout the continuum of care; 
• Assure the quality of programs that address the issue of problem gambling throughout the state, provide consultation to providers to assure quality of services, and conduct review of agencies to assure timely, evidence based, and cost-effective service delivery.       

We participate in a generous, competitive benefits plan that includes healthcare coverage, a retirement plan as well as paid time off!

Please ensure that your application is complete and you have included your resume in the “Resume Tab” of your application as you will be unable to make revisions once you submit your application into the JobAps system. Individuals considered for interview will be required to submit additional documentation supporting their qualification(s) for this position.  These documents may include performance reviews, attendance, supervisory references, college transcripts, licensure, etc.  You do not have to attach these documents to your application.

Should you have questions pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Julie Barker, (860) 262-6745 or Julie.Barker@ct.gov.

In the Department of Children and Families and the Children's Trust Fund, this class is accountable for performing as a specialist in the area of planning and development of statewide prevention programs.

In the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, this class is accountable for performing as a specialist in the area of statewide primary prevention programs and activities.

In the Departments of Social Services and Public Health, this class is accountable for performing as a specialist in the area of planning, development, evaluation and providing programmatic oversight of statewide prevention programs and activities.

Performs specialized duties in area of planning, development, coordination and administration of primary prevention program operation; stimulates and assists community based prevention programs through educational efforts, community organization and mobilization, funding support and supervision, staff training, technical assistance and evaluation; formulates, recommends and implements policies and guidelines for administration of primary prevention programs; promotes coordination and networking of community or regional prevention efforts; stimulates funding to state or community organizations from federal and private sources; prepares Requests for Proposals and contract documents for vendors to provide program services; acts as liaison with private organizations and other state agencies; promotes school based, business and/or industry and other primary prevention programs; identifies and recommends necessary legislative initiatives; conducts special studies of prevention needs and program operations; responsible for professional development and performance of assigned staff; performs related duties as required.

Knowledge of principles and practices of community primary prevention programs and requirements for developing and administering such programs at local and state levels; knowledge of existing primary prevention programs and resources in areas of substance abuse, social services, criminal justice, health and mental health at local and state levels; knowledge of public information theory and practices; knowledge of basic planning principles; considerable interpersonal skills; considerable oral and written communication skills; ability to analyze administrative problems and implement changes; ability in education and/or training, workshop design, community consultation and provision of technical assistance; ability to utilize computer software.

Seven (7) years of professional employment in the health and/or human services field.

1. Two (2) years of the General Experience must have been in the development and/or administration of a primary prevention health or human services program or development and/or administration of a major component of such a program.
2. Development and/or administration is defined as positions having accountability for the carrying out or completion of a program. The duties of the position are expected to include the functions of planning and evaluation of program goals and community organization and/or networking activities.
3. Primary prevention is defined as any program whose main purpose is to reduce the probability that individuals at some future point will need remedial intervention or care.

1. College training may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.
2. A Master's degree in behavioral science, public administration, or closely related field may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.

Preference will be given to candidates who possess:

Certified Prevention Specialist and Gambling Awareness Certificate of Competency preferred.

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.