Position title: DBHR Prevention Fellow (1.0 FTE) (Paid: Full-Time)

Summary of duties

The Fellow will be hired and managed by Washington State University (WSU) in conjunction with the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery (DBHR) Prevention Section for a ten (10) month Fellowship. In Phase One, the Fellow will spend three (3) months in the DBHR office, gaining an understanding of the mission and approach of Washington State’s prevention system. In Phase Two, the Fellow will spend three (3) months in an existing Community Prevention and Wellness Initiative (CPWI) community coalition, receiving mentorship under the existing CPWI Coordinator and assisting the Coalition’s efforts towards substance use disorder (SUD) prevention and mental health (MH) promotion. In their third and final phase, the Fellow will be placed in an identified community without an existing CPWI Coalition for four (4) months, and assist the community in building capacity to support a new prevention coalition, gathering key leaders, and support the beginning stages of the CPWI model.

This position will provide support to prevention providers and DBHR staff on contracts and statewide projects. This includes providing technical assistance to communities that are working towards wellness through SUD prevention and MH promotion.

Job Functions:

  • Increase capacity of identified communities to implement effective prevention services.
  • Effectively collaborate and support prevention staff at DBHR and providers in the field.
  • Coordinate and actively participate in the SUD Prevention and MH Promotion team projects as assigned.

Job function duties: 

  • Increase community capacity to convene key stakeholders and community representatives with the goal of creating a new prevention community coalition.
  • Disseminate information and deliver presentations to various community partners on topics related to SUD prevention and MH promotion.
  • Take part in activities and trainings related to providing technical assistance calls, contract management, and other duties as assigned under the supervision of DBHR or WSU, or designee.
  • Develop and strengthen professional communication skills that can be used across agencies and with community partners.
  • Participate in SUD Prevention and MH Promotion internal meetings and conferences.
  • Participate in planning and implementing prevention strategies.
  • Attend prevention conferences and trainings.
  • Remain up to date on current prevention strategies by acquiring continuing education credits and working towards obtaining a Certified Prevention Professional (CPP) Certificate.

Required Qualifications

  • Obtained, or working towards, a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (human development, social work, public health, etc.).
  •  Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Valid driver’s license.
  • Ability to travel extensively statewide.
  • Ability to work flexible work hours.
  • Proficient in MS Office products including Word, Outlook, and Excel.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Skills and/or experience in providing training to culturally diverse audiences on prevention and health promotion topics.
  • Experience working with racial/ethnic and other minority communities.
  • Experience in contract management, communications, and social marketing practices.
  • Experience working or interning at a state, county or local level government agency.
  • Ability to design effective work processes to fulfill program goals and objectives.

Skills and Competencies

  • Strong sense of initiative and ability to take the lead in maximizing educational/ professional development opportunities.
  • Knowledge of current SUD prevention, treatment and recovery efforts, research, and effective strategies.
  • Strong multitasker.
  • Ability to organize, coordinate, and manage competing deadlines.
  • Ability to interpret policy and guidelines, and use independent judgment for critical decisions when faced with conflicting demands.
  • Ability to utilize electronic communication, word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
  • Ability to recall, analyze, and organize information to address complex problems and reach creative solutions.
  • Ability to write clear, concise and grammatically correct emails, reports and other forms of communications.
  • Experience working effectively, independently, and as a team member.
  • Strong interpersonal communication skills.

Frequently Asked Questions (For Applicants)

To schedule an informational interview or ask any additional questions please contact:

  • Q: Where can I find the application?

    A: Applications can be found here. (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe-3D5qe_jTA4V-HpVL8ObfRYQGSvcLAbis-TigW5CCGUyaDw/viewform?form=MY01SV&OCID=MY01SV)

  • Q: When is the application for Cohort 8 due?

    A: 11:59pm PST on July 26th, 2021. Q: Is this a paid fellowship?

    A: Yes! This is a full-time position with an hourly pay of $23.50 + benefits. Q: How long is the fellowship?

    A: 10 months.

    Q: What is the timeline for Cohort 8?

    1. A:

    • Phase 1 (September – November): Fellows will be based in Olympia, WA under the mentorship of staff at the WA State Health Care Authority’s Division of Behavioral Health & Recovery (DBHR) – Prevention. In phase 1, Fellows will learn about prevention and the ins and outs of state government, building skills in project management, administration, and providing technical assistance to prevention providers.

    • Phase 2 (December – February): Fellows will be placed in a CPWI Community Coalition under the mentorship of a Coalition Coordinator. In phase 2, Fellows will learn the ins and outs of a community-based coalition/organization: project implementation, local/county government administration, and community organization. Fellows will be expected to move to the location of their Phase 2 CPWI Community Coalition.

    • Phase 3 (March – June): Fellows will be placed in a community that has yet to establish a CPWI Community Coalition. In phase 3, Fellows are tasked with helping start a community coalition or school-based prevention services with the support of staff at DBHR and Washington State University. Fellows will be expected to move to the location of their Phase 3 placement site.

    Q: When are Information Sessions for the DBHR Prevention Fellowship?

    A: Information Sessions will be held on July 15th 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. and July 21st 10:00-11:00am. Please note; attendance is not required to apply for the DBHR Prevention Fellowship but is strongly recommended. If you are interested in attending an information session, please reach out to Kelley and Clara. Their emails can be found at the top of this email.

    Q: How will COVID-19 Impact the DBHR Prevention Fellowship?

    A: Should COVID-19 restrictions still be in place in your community, the Fellow may be mentored virtually, with the agreement of all parties. The Fellows are provided with laptop and a cell phone from DBHR to carry out daily job functions whether in person or remote. DBHR will provide COVID-19 guidance documents if restrictions are still in effect.

    Q: What are you looking for in a DBHR Prevention Fellow?

    A:

    • Individuals who have or are working towards a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (including but not limited to public health, public policy, social work, sociology, psychology, human development).

    • Individuals who are interested in an intensive, hands-on learning experience in substance abuse prevention and health promotion services.

    • Individuals who have experience providing training to culturally diverse audiences on prevention and health promotion topics.

    • Individuals who have effective communication skills.

    • Individuals who are willing to travel within and across Washington State.

    • Individuals who are willing and have the ability to work non-standard hours.

    Q: What will I be doing as a DBHR Prevention Fellow?

    A:

    • Gain and reinforce knowledge of prevention science, substance use prevention, and mental health promotion.

    • Participate in statewide prevention trainings which can help to qualify you for a Certified Prevention Professional Certificate.

    • Gain experience in strategic planning, program design, implementation, and contract and program management.

    • Assist with policy and programmatic development for Washington State.

    • Provide technical assistance to communities throughout Washington State.

    • Engage in community level work and increase capacity for community-based leadership.