01/06/2026
JOB ANNOUNCEMENT:
Come Join Our Team!
Prevention Specialist with Sumter Behavioral Health Services
FUNCTION: The Prevention Specialist is responsible for providing substance abuse prevention education programs, outreach, and engagement efforts in the Sumter County community.
The Prevention Specialist is also responsible for assisting with community referrals, community coalition building and advocacy services in schools as well as with community-based organizations, key stakeholders, government offices and community leaders.
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Coordinates and implements evidence-based prevention programs with older adults, parents, families, youth of all ages, and in schools in Sumter County
• Documents delivery of programs, inputs data into computerized collection systems, identifies outcomes, and generates written reports as required.
• Maintains existing partnerships and develops additional relationships with community partners through participation in local and county meetings or other events.
• Investigates new materials for agency for youth and adults; makes proposals of new programs and designs “special presentations” as the need arises, such as programs for high school youth.
• Assists with the maintenance of agency’s prevention resources; maintains inventory of materials and expands current resources; monitors, records, and responds to requests for information and materials.
• Willingness to partner with and maintain relationships with local law enforcement for AET/Alcohol Enforcement Team, including those offices within the circuit SBHS serves.
• Ability to enter data following community activities to track weekly tasks. Well Organized.
• Able to set up and coordinate events where prevention materials must be present, including set up, transporting of agency swag, and conducting speaking engagements to share knowledge and educational materials.
• Familiar with Sumter County, willingness to travel between a couple counties when required to disseminate information, schedule and attend Prom Promise Events and other organized activities per the SBHS County Plan.
ADDITIONAL STANDARDS AND DUTIES:
• Demonstrates a willingness to contribute professional skills and time for unusual circumstances that require additional work time and assignments outside of customary work hours and assignments.
• Demonstrates proficiency in use of computerized data systems utilized as required by prevention staff.
· MMINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
• (Required)Bachelor’s degree in human services, public health or related field and 1 year experience in prevention program (or related field); experience with development of programs and building collaborations. Or master’s degree in a related field.
• Strong interpersonal and facilitation skills. Willingness to speak to groups ranging from 2 to 500.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work some nights and occasional weekends.
• Use of a vehicle for self-transportation; mileage reimbursement. Travel to meetings required, conferences or trainings, or community activities.
• Ability to work well independently and with others as part of a team.
• Excellent communication skills – oral and written.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Applications, specifically Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, Zoom and other virtual communication and social media platforms.
• Training and certification expenses covered by agency.
Salary range: $35,000-40,000 Based on experience and credentials. Full time, with benefits.
Must be certified within three years of hire date as a Certified Prevention Specialist and maintain certification.
Letters of Interest and resumes can be submitted to: Human Resources, Alicia Nelson anelson@sumterbhs.org
Questions, please contact Alicia Nelson @ 803.905.5155
