AmeriCorps Prevention Corps: Western CT Coalition
Title: AmeriCorps Prevention Corps Member
Host Organization: Western Connecticut Coalition
Location: Watertown, CT
Duration: 10 months, from October 1st, 2024 - August 1st, 2025
About Us: The mission of the Western Connecticut Coalition (WCTC) is to promote the behavioral health continuum of care, and to enhance quality of life at every stage. We are a coalition of volunteers,citizens, and prevention professionals dedicated to developing and coordinating services that improve mental health, reduce substance misuse and raise awareness.
Prevention Corps is an AmeriCorps program through Catalyst CT that is educating and empowering communities across Connecticut to end the opioid crisis. The Prevention Corps AmeriCorps program is funded by AmeriCorps through the CT Commission on Community Service.
We are seeking a motivated and passionate individual to join our team as an AmeriCorps Prevention Corps member. The Prevention Corps member will work closely with our organization's staff to implement prevention programs and initiatives aimed at addressing key community needs and promoting positive change.
The targeted issues of (RBHAO)’s prevention program include:
- Opioid and other substance misuse
- Vaping / nicotine
- Cannabis
- Alcohol
- Suicide
- Gambling
This work includes leading Narcan Trainings and community health events, assisting in data collection, collaborating with community partners such as policy makers and legislators, EMTs and the fire department, local colleges and high schools, among many others, and implementing outreach campaigns in their region.
Key Responsibilities:
- Program Development: Collaborate with team members to design, implement, and evaluate prevention programs targeting specific community issues such as substance abuse, violence, mental health, or other social determinants of health.
- Community Outreach: Engage with community members, stakeholders, and partner organizations to raise awareness about prevention efforts and promote community involvement and support.
- Education and Training: Deliver workshops, presentations, and educational materials to diverse audiences, including youth, parents, educators, and community leaders, to increase knowledge and understanding of prevention strategies.
- Data Collection and Analysis: Collect, manage, and analyze data related to program outcomes and participant demographics to assess program effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.
- Resource Mobilization: Assist in identifying and securing resources, such as grants, donations, or in-kind contributions, to support prevention initiatives and sustain program activities.
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Capacity Building: Build the capacity of community members and organizations to address prevention needs independently through training, technical assistance, and resource sharing.
Qualifications:
- Passion for serving communities and addressing social issues through prevention efforts.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
- Experience working or volunteering in community-based organizations or social service agencies preferred.
- Bachelor’s degree in social work, public health, psychology, education, public policy or a related field preferred, but not required (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
- Must have a High School Diploma or GED; be a US resident, National or Lawful Permanent Resident.
- Have reliable transportation. (While we are able to reimburse some transportation costs, they are strictly mileage; we are unable to reimburse Ubers, Lyfts, etc.)
Benefits:
- A stipend of $18,000 during AmeriCorps service term.
- An Education Award for tuition or student loans of $5,176.50 upon completion of AmeriCorps service term.
- Professional development and training opportunities.
- Networking opportunities with professionals in the field.
- Fulfillment of making a positive impact on communities in need.