Prevention Specialist

Prevention Specialist

Yonkers Community Action Program

Yonkers, NY business_center Full-time Salary: $45,000.00 - $50,000.00 Annually Application Deadline: Nov 30, 2026 Nonprofit

Job Posting: Prevention Specialist

Yonkers Community Action Program (YCAP)

Location: Yonkers, NY Job Type: Full-Time, Exempt

About Us

Yonkers Community Action Program (YCAP) is a nonprofit community action agency dedicated to helping individuals and families achieve self-sufficiency through education, prevention, leadership development, and community engagement. We are committed to building healthy, drug-free communities and improving outcomes for youth and families throughout Yonkers.

Position Summary

YCAP is seeking a passionate and experienced Prevention Specialist to support youth substance use prevention initiatives and positive youth development programs throughout the community. This position is responsible for planning, implementing, coordinating, and evaluating evidence-based prevention programs that reduce risk factors, strengthen protective factors, and promote healthy decision-making among youth. The Prevention Specialist will also lead YCAP's Summer Leadership Program, helping young people develop leadership, entrepreneurship, life skills, and civic engagement.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver evidence-based prevention programs in schools, community centers, and youth-serving organizations.
• Facilitate educational sessions on substance use prevention, opioid awareness, vaping prevention, alcohol prevention, mental wellness, decision-making, and healthy lifestyles.
• Ensure program quality and fidelity to approved prevention curricula.
• Monitor participant engagement and program outcomes.
• Coordinate and facilitate YCAP's Summer Leadership Program for youth ages 10-13.
• Teach leadership, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, public speaking, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
• Organize community service projects, enrichment activities and guest speakers.
• Mentor youth participants and promote positive peer leadership.
• Collaborate with schools, healthcare providers, law enforcement, community organizations, and prevention coalitions.
• Conduct outreach and recruitment activities.
• Represent YCAP at community events, health fairs, and prevention awareness initiatives.
• Support community-wide prevention campaigns and education efforts.
• Maintain participant records, attendance, surveys, and outcome data.
• Complete required reports and assist with grant compliance activities.
• Utilize data management systems (WITNYS) and support program evaluation efforts.
• Ensure compliance with agency, state, and federal requirements.

Qualifications

• Required
• Bachelor's Degree in Public Health, Human Services, Social Work, Psychology, Education, Community Health, Youth Development, Criminal Justice, or a related field.
• Certified Prevention Professional (CPP) or Certified Prevention Specialist (CPS).
• Knowledge of prevention science, youth development, and substance use prevention strategies.
• Strong public speaking, group facilitation, communication, and organizational skills.
• Valid New York State Driver's License.

• Preferred
• Master's Degree in a related field.
• CPR/First Aid Certification.
• Experience implementing evidence-based prevention programs.
• Experience working with youth, families, schools, and diverse communities.

Schedule & Work Environment

Full-time position. Combination of office, school, community, and recreational settings. Local travel required. Occasional evenings and weekends. Increased activity during summer programming.

Benefits

Benefits package available and will be discussed during the interview process.

Why Join YCAP?

At YCAP, you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of young people and families while helping build safer, healthier communities. Join a mission-driven organization committed to leadership development, prevention, and positive community change.

Interested candidates should submit their resume and cover letter for consideration.