School Outreach Coordinator & Education Specialist

Position Primary Purpose and General Responsibilities:

The Innovation in Child and Family Wellness Research Group (Innovative Wellness) of Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) is pleased to announce a School Outreach Coordinator & Education Specialist position. Innovative Wellness at VCU (https://innovativewellness.vcu.edu/) guides school- and community-based efforts to promote social-emotional learning and prevent substance abuse among adolescents. The ideal candidate for this position will have demonstrated experience in working with school systems and community organizations, have strong initiative and communication skills, and are familiar with social-emotional learning and prevention programs for youth populations. Applicants must have a demonstrated record of working with diverse child and youth populations.

This position shall:

• Collaborates with schools, districts, and regional and state organizations, focusing on the introduction, implementation, and sustainability of Rise Above, a trauma-informed, social-emotional learning and substance abuse prevention program. Our program is tailored for youth ages 11-18, and employs a curriculum that is evidence-based, student-centered, and interactive. The program uses trauma-informed, social-emotional learning, in efforts to help youth cultivate life skills to help them overcome and thrive.
• Network with schools, prevention coalitions, and social service agencies to disseminate the social-emotional learning program
• Facilitating the Rise Above program, either virtually or in-person, at local school and community agencies. Curriculum training will be provided within 2 months of employment
• Assist in ongoing evaluation activities, efforts to disseminate program impact, and the development of grant proposals
• The position is for a 12-month period, with the option to renew for an additional year contingent on performance.

Minimum Hiring Standards:

• Master's degree in Education, Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, Public Health, or a related discipline
• Experience in collaborating with schools, parent-teacher groups, social services agencies, church groups, and other youth and community organizations to provide a social-emotional learning or other prevention program
• Experience in teaching and working with youth in school or community settings
• Experience in multicultural environments is required. Must display sensitivity and responsiveness to cultural differences present in the students and their families
• Demonstrate an understanding of the developmental needs of youth by providing relevant teaching experiences
• Ability to understand and effectively use technology (e.g., Zoom, Google Classroom) and other learning applications.
• Must be proficient in MS word, Excel, Power Point and the Internet.

Preferred Hiring Standards:

• A doctoral degree in education social work, psychology, public health, or a related discipline preferred.
• Previous experience in intervention research areas including drug prevention, social-emotional learning, trauma-informed schools, and evaluation research. Strong interpersonal, organizational, and time management skills.
• Preference will be given to individuals who have prior experience in teaching social-emotional learning programs or substance abuse prevention curriculum in school settings.