Job Description:
Prevention Project Specialist
Company: Centerstone
Kirksville, MO
Full-Time | Monday-Friday
Help Communities Thrive. Create Lasting Change.
Centerstone is seeking a Prevention Project Specialist to help strengthen communities across Northeast Missouri through education, collaboration, and evidence-based prevention initiatives. In this role, you'll work alongside schools, community leaders, healthcare providers, coalitions, and local organizations to address substance misuse, improve wellness, and build healthier communities.
This position offers a unique opportunity to blend relationship-building, project leadership, data analysis, community outreach, grant-supported initiatives, and public health strategies into a career that creates measurable impact.
Whether your background is in public health, psychology, social work, community development, education, sociology, communications, or a related field, you'll have the opportunity to grow professionally while helping communities develop long-term solutions to local challenges.
Qualifications
Education & Experience
Applicants must meet one of the following:
- Master's degree from an accredited college or university in a related field; OR
- Bachelor's degree in a related field and at least one (1) year of professional experience in a social service, prevention, public health, or community-based setting.
Additional Requirements
- Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
Why Join Centerstone?
At Centerstone, we believe strong communities create healthier futures. As a Prevention Project Specialist, you'll have the opportunity to:
- Make a visible impact across schools, neighborhoods, and community organizations.
- Build valuable experience in prevention, public health, community development, strategic planning, and grant-funded initiatives.
- Collaborate with local, regional, and state leaders to address emerging community needs.
- Gain specialized prevention training and professional credentials.
- Attend statewide conferences, networking events, and leadership development opportunities.
- Work within a mission-driven organization committed to improving lives and strengthening communities.
- Enjoy a consistent Monday-Friday schedule that supports work-life balance.
What You'll Do
Lead Community Prevention Efforts
- Serve as a trusted partner and primary point of contact for community coalitions, task forces, schools, and prevention stakeholders.
- Support the development, growth, and sustainability of community coalitions.
- Facilitate collaboration among diverse groups working toward shared community health goals.
- Help communities identify priorities and implement strategies that reduce risk factors and promote wellness.
Develop and Support Prevention Initiatives
- Connect communities with evidence-based prevention programs, resources, and best practices.
- Provide coaching, consultation, and technical assistance to community partners.
- Assist with planning and implementation of prevention-focused projects and initiatives.
- Support community groups in identifying funding opportunities and strengthening grant applications.
Use Data to Drive Change
- Conduct community assessments and help identify emerging trends and needs.
- Collect, analyze, and interpret data to support informed decision-making.
- Evaluate program effectiveness and recommend improvements that increase impact.
- Contribute to strategic planning efforts and community action plans.
Educate, Present, and Engage
- Deliver presentations, trainings, and educational workshops to community groups and stakeholders.
- Develop outreach materials and prevention-focused resources.
- Create engaging content for social media and community awareness campaigns.
- Represent Centerstone in community meetings, events, conferences, and professional networks.
Ensure Program Success
- Assist with grant reporting, documentation, and contract compliance activities.
- Monitor program outcomes and performance measures.
- Support funding and mini-grant opportunities for community coalitions.
- Participate in ongoing professional development and prevention certification activities.
What Makes You Successful
We're looking for someone who:
- Enjoys building authentic relationships and bringing people together around a common goal.
- Is passionate about public health, prevention, and community wellness.
- Has strong communication, presentation, and facilitation skills.
- Can translate data and community feedback into meaningful action.
- Thrives both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
- Is organized, resourceful, and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Is comfortable working with diverse populations and community partners.
Make an Impact That Matters
Every community deserves access to resources that support healthy, safe, and thriving futures. If you're passionate about prevention, collaboration, community engagement, and creating meaningful change, we'd love to hear from you!



Position Perks & Benefits:
Paid time off: full-time employees receive an attractive time off package to balance your work and personal life
Employee benefits package: full-time employees receive health, dental, vision, retirement, life, & more
Top-notch training: initial, ongoing, comprehensive, and supportive
Career mobility: advancement opportunities/promoting from within
Welcoming, warm, supportive: a work culture & environment that promotes your well-being, values you as human being, and encourages your health and happiness.



Brightli is on a Mission:
A mission to improve client care, reduce the financial burden of community mental health centers by sharing resources, a mission to have a larger voice in advocacy to increase access to mental health and substance user care in our communities, and a mission to evolve the behavioral health industry to better meet the needs of our clients.
As a behavioral and community mental health provider, we prioritize fostering a culture of belonging and connection within our workforce. We encourage applications from individuals with varied backgrounds and experiences, as we believe that a rich tapestry of perspectives strengthens our mission. If you are passionate about empowering local communities and creating an environment where everyone feels valued and supported, we invite you to join our mission-driven organization dedicated to cultivating an authentic workplace.
We are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
Burrell Behavioral Health is a Smoke and Tobacco Free Workplace.
