Prevention Education Specialist

Role and Responsibilities:

The role of the Prevention Education Specialist is to address the root causes of sexual violence in the community, to be this agency’s primary voice in the community when working toward the elimination of sexual violence, and to assist community members in finding ways they can end sexual violence.

This position reports to the Community Education Programs Supervisor and is primarily responsible for assisting with the coordination and implementation of the agency’s sexual violence prevention programs for adolescents and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Duties include but are not limited to, the facilitation of education activities, preparing presentations, assisting with curriculum development, and assisting with evaluating education activities delivered to schools and community groups that serve people with IDD. Additionally, this position will include direct contact with victims of crime through the agency’s hotline shifts and on-call shift rotation, which includes, but is not limited to, occasional in-person hospital, police, and court accompaniments for victims of crime. The position requires flexible availability during assigned hotline shifts.

This position requires the candidate to have the capacity to work a hybrid schedule, both in-person and remotely.

Victim Services Center of Montgomery County, Inc. (VSC) is the only private, non-profit, comprehensive crime-victim agency serving Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. VSC was originally organized in 1974 in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, as Women Against Rape by several young women concerned about the lack of a sensitive response to victims of rape. The agency’s vision is to empower the community and to aid in the creation of a society free from violence. The mission is to provide advocacy and counseling for all who have been affected by sexual violence and other crimes against the person, and to promote prevention education in the community.

The agency offers confidential services that are free of charge to survivors of crime and their loved ones.

Duties include:

Present presentations and trainings or facilitate education activities of prevention programs primarily to people with IDD and their communities within organizations such as, but not limited to, community agencies, elementary, middle, high schools and colleges, alternative school settings, local businesses, and other agencies in the service area

Prepare and deliver curriculum and presentations remotely or in person

Collaborate with schools and community groups who work with people with IDD to prevent sexual violence

Stay up-to-date on research-based sexual violence prevention strategies and programs and the issue of sexual violence against the IDD community

Prepare efficient project reports and statistics

Assist with other prevention program curriculum development and presentation

Research effective prevention practices best suited to community readiness and needs and incorporate them into the curriculum as needed.

Assist in identifying service area needs regarding sexual violence prevention and the IDD community

Assist in developing, organizing and analyzing evaluation for prevention programs

Assist in coordinating community-wide events with other organizations in the service area to build or strengthen community partnerships, and engage local leaders and stakeholders

Attend training and professional development opportunities regarding the prevention of sexual violence

Preferred Skills:

The following skills will assist in the success of the applicant in the position:

Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to effectively convey complex information to diverse audiences, including individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities

Facilitation and Presentation skills including ability to engage and interact with diverse, including adolescents, adults with IDD, school communities, professionals and parents/caregivers

Collaboration and Relationship Building

Curriculum Development

Cultural Competence and empathetic with the ability to demonstrate a person-centered approach

Commitment to social change

Crisis counseling experience, a plus

Qualifications and Education Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in Education, Psychology, Social Work, or a related field.

Previous experience in a special education setting preferred.

Knowledge of classroom management techniques and ability to work with individuals with IDD.

Completing VSC 65+ hour Sexual Assault Counselor/ Victim Advocate Training (provided).

Criminal Record, Child Abuse History, and FBI clearance background check required.

A valid driver's license, vehicle, and valid automobile insurance are required.

Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.

All employees are At-Will employees.

EOE