Community Planner - Drug Free Communities

Job Summary

Under the general direction of the Public Health Director, the this position is responsible for the day-to-day management of the goals, objectives, and activities of a federally funded drug, alcohol, and substance abuse prevention program. The Community Planner works collaboratively with partners to maximize community involvement in and to assess needs and impacts of various drug, alcohol, and substance intervention and prevention strategies. The incumbent recruits, retains, and coordinates training for coalition members; works with the police department on the development and implementation of substance abuse and violence prevention programs in the school/community; and coordinates with school-based activities and substance abuse counselors. The incumbent may be required to work flexible and evening hours.

Job Description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Plans, implements, and evaluates all grant responsibilities related to the Drug Free Community grant in Scott County. Utilizes evidence-based practices where applicable. Provides technical assistance and consultation for community health planning for alcohol, tobacco, and other drug (ATOD) related activities in Scott County.
• Organizes and conducts DFC Coalition meetings; develops work plan with guidance from internal/external partners; provides work direction to team members. Problem solves for staff individual and/or in groups concerning partners, programs, and grant direction. Pursues recognition opportunities for DFC program and staff.   
• Leads internal DFC project team consisting of other assigned DFC staff, representatives from public health department, contractors, and grant-required community representatives.
• Consults and collaborates with a wide array of organizations, committees, internal and external groups. and individuals to develop linkages, identify needs, problem solve, plan solutions, develop recommendations, and enhance leadership to address alcohol, tobacco, and drug (ATOD)-related community health concerns and enhance community capacity for response. 
• Provides leadership in the collaboration process to promote and coordinate services with community partners that promote safe and healthy communities. Supports staff in recruitment, facilitation, and development of internal and external collaborations.  
• Oversees the design and implementation of evaluation plans to monitor and assess the effects of the DFC grant and related activities. Gathers and analyzes data, identifies trends; assesses, monitors, and evaluates the status of the DFC work; compiles and prepares statistics and narratives or annual reports. Prepares reports on program activities and results. 
• Assures education and awareness activities within the geographic area of Scott County regarding ATOD/DFC grant activities; conveys findings to the community and advocate for community action. Develops newsletters, informational brochures, and prevention activities. Builds relationships with educational institutions to develop culturally and age-appropriate ATOD prevention messages.
• Creates plans and pursues funding opportunities for sustainability. Seeks out and assists with grant writing to support ATOD-related efforts.
• Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of human behavior, cultural diversities, and language barriers to ensure equitable service delivery.
• Works the hours and/or shifts assigned and begins and ends work on time. 
• Performs other related duties as required or assigned. Includes but is not limited to emergency preparedness and response, including fulfilling roles in an incident command structure as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Requires:

High school diploma or GED and 10 years of experience OR
High school diploma or GED and 1 or more years of college or technical school and 8 years of experience OR
Associates Degree in Community Planning, Public Policy, Public Health or related field and 6 years of experience OR
Bachelor's degree in Community Planning, Public Policy, Public Health or related field and 3 years experience OR
Master's degree in Community Planning, Public Policy, Public Health or related field.
*** Experience must be in public health, health promotion, substance abuse prevention, or community-based planning and organizing.

Experience with public speaking and population-based planning and health interventions preferred. One must possess a valid driver's license and a reliable means of transportation for the performance of work responsibilities.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

With latitude for independent judgment, the employee works under the auspices of the Drug Free Communities Grant program guidelines and under general supervision of the Public Health Director. Work is performed according to established procedures and verbal or written instructions. Work is reviewed by the supervisor for accuracy and adherence to established procedures.

CORE COMPETENCIES AND ABILITIES

• Customer Service - Delivers government services in a respectful, responsive, and solution-oriented manner.
• Communication - Is always clear about what we're doing and why we're doing it.
• Collaboration - Works with partners – communities, schools, faith groups, private business, and non-profit agencies – to see that services are not duplicated but rather are complimentary, aligned, and provided by the partners who can deliver the service most effectively.
• Stewardship - Works proactively to make investments, guided by resident input, which will transform lives, communities, and government.
• Empowerment - Works with individuals and families to affirm strengths, develop skills, restore hope, and promote self-reliance.
• Resiliency - Fosters public preparedness and responds when families and communities face health and safety emergencies.
• Innovation - Takes informed risks to deliver services more effectively and learns from successes and failures.
• Knowledge – Knowledge of software applications including databases and spreadsheets.
• Knowledge and demonstration of culturally responsive practices to support diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Abilities - Ability to prepare multi-faceted reports and maintain records.
• Ability to convene and facilitate groups.
• Ability to organize and coordinate the training of community groups.
• Ability to develop, implement, and monitor grant activities and contracts.
• Ability to develop relationships that enhance the community capacity for response.
• Ability to establish a framework for projects and set/manage priorities.
• Ability to work independently accomplishing objectives with limited supervision, within established budgets, amid occasional politically/emotionally charged environments.
• Ability to speak, present, and interact in public arenas with composure, professionalism, and discretion.
• Ability to use MS Office software for the performance of essential duties.
• Ability to use appropriate discretion in dealing with matters of a confidential nature.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Typical characteristics of the regular, ongoing work environment of this position requires inside work, occurring both in an office and in the field in community-based settings. The position is multi-task oriented and includes periods of stress when balancing the needs/demands of multiple stakeholders. Incumbent may need to respond to Public Health emergencies including unknown or emerging infectious diseases and health threats. Evening and weekend hours may be required for accomplishing this work.

Physical activities include sedentary to light work: reaching, sitting, standing, walking, pushing, lifting, pulling, fingering, grasping, feeling, stooping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Lifts and/or navigates up to 35 pounds on a routine basis in handling files and equipment necessary for performing the essential duties of the job. In the event of an emergency, physical requirements will increase and be more demanding in all areas listed.

SELECTION PROCESS

Selection for this position will be based on a minimum qualifications screening and rating of training and experience. Top candidates will be forwarded to hiring manager or supervisor for consideration for interview and/or additional assessments. Final selection will include a background check and approval by the County Board.