Prevention Specialist

Make an Impact in Recovery

Join our new Hutchinson Place Program in Philadelphia, PA, and help build recovery while changing lives.

This Women's Residential Program will be opening this November 2026.

Whether you are beginning your human services career or bringing experience in behavioral health, recovery support, coaching, mentoring, residential programs, or community outreach, we would love to hear from you!

More Than a Job
This individual is responsible for the design, development, implementation, and facilitation of prevention programming and vocational training services for clients in the program. Services include, but are not limited to: behavioral health prevention education (encompassing both mental health and substance use), Life Skills, Aftercare, Vocation, Recreation, Parenting, Weekend Family Programming, and programming related to mother-child prevention strategies. This person may also assist clients in achieving adjustments to specific problems or situations of a difficult or complex nature.

Duties may include, but are not limited to: adhering to goals and objectives for prevention and vocational programming; educating clients on the effects of substance misuse, mental health symptom management, protective factors, and the impact on parenting; facilitating groups, workshops, and vocational classes; developing necessary reports and maintaining accurate records; supervising the activities of one or more groups of clients; planning therapeutic activity sessions; applying advanced treatment methods; and providing transportation to clients for job interviews and community engagement opportunities as scheduled.

Gaudenzia's Mission: Gaudenzia's Mission is to promote long-term recovery by providing comprehensive treatment and support to people with substance use disorder, co-occurring mental health disorders, and related conditions, regardless of individual circumstances.

Qualifications:

Education/Training: Bachelor's degree or full certification as a Certified Prevention Specialist, plus specialized training

Experience: At least 1 year of experience working in a behavioral health treatment program

Your responsibilities in this role may include:

• Treat all clients and staff with dignity and respect
• Design, develop, implement, and supervise prevention curriculum and vocational training activities for the target population, addressing both substance use and mental health risk and protective factors
• Coordinate and deliver educational groups, workshops, and seminars for clients, families, and the community on topics including substance use prevention, mental health awareness, coping skills, and wellness
• Provide and arrange referrals to ancillary services (psychiatric, therapeutic, vocational, medical) when indicated
• Support clients with job readiness skills including resume building, interview preparation, and workplace expectations
• Assist clients with transportation to job interviews and vocational appointments as needed
• Promote sustaining long-term recovery and mental wellness as core prevention strategies, integrating vocational engagement as a protective factor against relapse and symptom exacerbation
• Develop and conduct client/family/community therapeutic and educational sessions in conjunction with other clinical staff where applicable, incorporating psychoeducation on co-occurring mental health and substance use conditions
• Maintain documentation of client records, group notes, and individual notes according to established guidelines, ensuring accurate and timely completion
• Implement procedures for completion of clinical records and correspondence while maintaining compliance with confidentiality and all applicable state/federal regulations
• Develop and maintain contacts with outside agencies, employers, workforce development programs, mental health providers, and consulting/information resources for the continuing development and improvement of prevention and vocational programming
• Monitor progress of clients and, when appropriate, maintain contact with court system, employers, behavioral health providers, and other applicable resources to ensure continuity of care
• Participate in staff meetings, functions, and special activities as directed
• Maintain contact with clinical/prevention staff at facilities whose clients the program serves
• Assist in the coordination of prevention and vocational programs with other cooperating Gaudenzia facilities and programs
• Attend meetings/functions and represent Gaudenzia at appropriate community affairs
• Maintain valid driver's license
• All other duties as assigned by Supervisor or designee

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Knowledge of the basic principles, practices, and procedures involved in integrated behavioral health programming (substance use and mental health)
• Knowledge of the physical and emotional characteristics and manifestations of substance use disorders and common co-occurring mental health conditions (depression, anxiety, trauma, serious mental illness)
• Knowledge of individual and group behavior and effective ways of working with and engaging individuals with co-occurring conditions
• Knowledge of confidentiality and all applicable federal and state regulations, and ability to ensure program compliance
• Specialized training and experience in working with the target population in prevention and vocation, including individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders
• Ability to perform needs assessments and develop appropriate programming that addresses both mental health and substance use prevention
• Ability to design, implement, and train others pertaining to prevention and vocational specialty areas
• Ability to interact effectively with clients and aid them in adjusting to their specific needs
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, children, other members of staff, outside agencies, institutions, and the general public
• Ability to communicate effectively and clearly, both verbally and in writing
• Ability to present information clearly, effectively, and engagingly via seminars, workshops, and presentations to clients, staff, and the community
• Ability to successfully work with others from various cultures and backgrounds
• Ability to work independently and exercise independent judgment
• Basic computer skills, including ability to use Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel

What We Offer: Competitive Pay - Excellent Benefits - On The Job Training - Upward mobility - Educational assistance to help you grow with us in this life saving field!

For more details please visit out website: https://www.gaudenzia.org/careers/

Gaudenzia is proud to be an employer of choice - and a treatment provider of choice - in the substance use and co-occurring disorders treatment field. We work hard to foster an inclusive, supportive environment where our employees and clients always feel safe and welcome.

Come work with us!

Our Agency is committed to the principles of equal employment. We believe in fostering a positive work environment in which every employee is treated with respect. Our staff hiring and recruitment practices are grounded in fairness, transparency, and merit. All employment decisions are based on job-related qualifications, relevant skills, experience, and alignment with our mission and values. We actively recruit from a broad range of educational and professional backgrounds to attract the most qualified candidates, ensuring equal opportunity for all applicants without preference or discrimination. Our process uses consistent and clear evaluation criteria to support objective decision-making. By emphasizing accountability, efficiency, and integrity throughout every stage--from job posting to onboarding--we build a workforce defined by excellence, professionalism, and commitment to our shared purpose. Gaudenzia is dedicated to the fulfillment of this policy regarding all aspects of employment, including but not limited to recruiting, hiring, placement, transfer, training, promotion, rates of pay, and other compensation, termination, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment.

Compensation

$20.73