Substance Use Prevention Program Coordinator

The San Luis Obispo County Department of Public Health is seeking a Limited Term Program Coordinator to support public health strategies addressing opioid use, overdose, and emerging substances. This position will initially focus on emerging addictive products, including highly concentrated kratom derivatives such as 7-OH, while building the County’s capacity to identify and respond to emerging substance-use threats.

The position works at the intersection of public health, behavioral health, healthcare, community engagement, communications, and policy. Responsibilities include translating emerging data and evidence into prevention strategies, strengthening community and healthcare partnerships, supporting education and outreach, and informing policies that protect community health.

This is a full-time, limited-term position currently funded through June 30, 2027, with potential for annual extension contingent upon County approval for continued funding. Employees in limited term positions receive benefits equivalent to permanent full-time employees, therefore they will be eligible to earn vacation, sick leave, health, and pension benefits. 

TYPICAL TASKS AND REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

• Monitors and synthesizes local data and research related to opioids, kratom, and other substances to identify trends and inform prevention strategies and community response.
• Develops and coordinates public education and community engagement strategies addressing emerging substance risks, overdose prevention, and available resources.
• Builds relationships with community organizations, healthcare providers, behavioral health professionals, and other partners serving populations affected by substance-related harms.
• Develops and delivers educational material, data briefs, presentations, trainings and other resources translating complex information into clear, practical information for community and healthcare partners.
• Supports healthcare provider education related to emerging substance use, overdose prevention, naloxone, screening, treatment, and referral pathways.
• Supports development and communication of evidence-based policies addressing emerging substances and opioid-related harms.
• Organize and map projects and activities across County departments, local jurisdictions, healthcare organizations, community partners, and other stakeholders to enhance collective impact.
• Evaluates program activities and uses data and partner feedback to strengthen prevention strategies.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Click here to view the detailed job description.

This recruitment may be used to fill future permanent, substitute, limited term, and temporary positions, both full-time and part-time throughout the County.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Principles and practices of substance use and overdose prevention; health education, including healthcare provider education; and community engagement and communication.
• Research methods, data interpretation and visualization, and evaluation principles.
• Community capacity building and collaborative partnership building strategies.

ABILITY TO:

• Research and quickly develop working knowledge of emerging addictive substances that threaten community public health.
• Translate scientific, medical, policy, and data-driven information into clear and accessible materials.
• Establish and maintain effective, cooperative working relationships with healthcare providers, community organizations, government agencies, and diverse community partners. Facilitate collaboration across programs, departments, and organizations.
• Communicate clearly and effectively with diverse audiences, including community members, healthcare providers, community organizations, stakeholders and partners.
• Coordinate multiple projects and priorities simultaneously and move work forward independently.
• Develop, schedule and deliver effective presentations, trainings and educational materials. Analyze information, identify trends and issues, and recommend practical approaches and programmatic recommendations.
• Adapt to changing data, policies, and community needs.
• Work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team and organize own work for successful fulfillment of objectives
• Utilize computer systems and software to manipulate, clean, organize, and analyze data; create data visualizations, tables, reports, presentations, and educational materials; and track program activities, reach, and outcomes.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

A combination of education, training, and experience resulting in the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. An example of qualifying education and experience includes:

A: Possession of an associate’s degree from an accredited college or university. In addition, one year of experience assisting in financial, budgetary, coordination, communication, service delivery, or program operations; or
B: One year of experience performing work equivalent to a Supervising Administrative Assistant; or
C: Three years of experience performing clerical work equivalent to an Administrative Assistant III.

Applications, including answers to supplemental questions, must be submitted online by the final filing date.  Apply for this position at governmentjobs.com/careers/slocountyca.  Most County recruitments require you to respond to supplemental questions as part of the application process.  We recommend that you review these questions prior to beginning your application.

Your attached resume will not substitute for the completion of the application. Please complete all required fields and supplemental questions. Be advised that while use of AI is common practice, we want to see your individual style and critical thinking skills in your answers to the supplemental questions.

An initial application review will be conducted. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and are best qualified will be invited to participate in selection activities which may include online assessments, performance exams, written exams, and interviews.

Final candidates will be required to have an in-depth background review performed before proceeding in the process. Please note that references will not be contacted until the end of the process. 

If you have questions or would like to discuss the opportunity further, please contact Human Resources at hr@co.slo.ca.us. Confidential inquiries are welcome.

For further information regarding the County of San Luis Obispo, visit our website at www.slocounty.ca.gov.