Welcome new coalition coordinator!
On behalf of the Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery (DBHR), we are happy to welcome you to the extended family of coalition coordinators working across Washington State to prevent and reduce substance abuse and promote mental health. You are joining a great group of dedicated and talented professionals.
DBHR staff are here to support you and your coalition. The following information will help you to get started in your critical role as coalition coordinator for this project.
- CPWI expectations
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- Establish and/or maintain a diverse substance abuse prevention community coalition which includes a minimum of eight community sectors represented.
- Have a community coordinator for a minimum of 0.5 FTE in each community. Ensure Coordinators have a physical office space in the community.
- Have a full time (1.0 FTE) Student Assistance Professional (formally, Prevention/Intervention Specialist) in each community.
- Partner with Educational Service Districts (ESDs) and counties.
- Implement evidence-based environmental, public awareness, direct service and capacity building strategies, programs and policies through a prevention coalition.
- Evaluate chosen programs, policies and community-level change, and participate in statewide evaluation.
- Support state efforts to reduce youth access to tobacco and comply with federal Synar regulations.
- Coalition coordinator role
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The coalition coordinator has a very important role in the ongoing development of the coalition and implementation of the coalition’s strategic plan. It will be your job to help organize and maintain the coalition and guide them through development, implementation, and evaluation of strategic and action plans. You will become an expert resource in volunteer management, community organization, and prevention science. Specific tasks will include:
- Serving as staff for the coalition to plan, implement, and report;
- Coordinating regular meetings of the coalition and subcommittees/workgroups to ensure implementation of the strategic and action plans;
- Helping recruit and retain membership on coalition and support from local key leaders;
- Providing and/or coordinating training for coalition members on topics including the Strategic Prevention Framework, prevention science, cultural competency, reducing health disparities, environmental strategies;
- Coordinating the regular review of coalition budget by coalition members;
- Working with individual member organizations to help align and integrate their work with goals and strategies of the coalition;
- Serving as a liaison between coalition and DBHR; and
- Participating in Prevention Provider Learning Community meetings, monthly check-in meetings with DBHR manager, and trainings.
- DBHR manager's role
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- To serve as the primary point of contact for all contract monitoring.
- To serve as the first point of contact for technical assistance and training coordination related to all aspects of coalition development and program management.
- Recommended orientation steps for coordinators working with established coalitions
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- Meet with your DBHR manager in person or by phone.
- Review coalition strategic plan, action plan, budget, and any evaluation of activities.
- Review coalition budget and expenditures.
- Read the Community Coalition Guide.
- Read DBHR contract to fully understand requirements.
- Meet with coalition executive team.
- Start coalition coordinator training (see below).
- Meet with coalition members individually and/or at first meeting.
- Recommended orientation steps for coordinators working with new coalitions
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- Meet with your DBHR Manager in person or by phone.
- Read CPWI Community Coalition Guide.
- Read the DBHR contract to fully understand requirements.
- Meet with key community leaders and stakeholders individually to introduce CPWI and invite to first meeting.
- Set up first meeting of coalition.
- Start coalition coordinator training (see below).
- Hold first coalition meeting.
- Develop budget for period of contract.
- Coalition coordinator training
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Free online professional development training classes are available to increase knowledge and skills through OWL E-Learning. To access training, register to become an Athena Member and then request an OWL E-Learning account in the Training tab. Please allow for two days to receive each account. Find a full list of current online courses on the OWL E-Learning page.
- Resources for coalition coordinators
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Prevention Services Contract and Amendments (obtain from your supervisor) – Sample contract
CPWI Community Coalition Guide is the main source of written guidance for coalition coordinators
Minerva - DBHR Substance Use Disorder Prevention and Mental Health Promotion Online Reporting System
OWL E-Learning - Professional development information and resources
DBHR's I-502 Dedicated Marijuana Account (DMA) Prevention Plan Implementation Page
Behavioral Health & Recovery County Contract Expenditures Reports (17-19)
Communication strategies: Guidelines and tools
- Prevention resources
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Substance Abuse Professional Skills Training (SAPST): Required for all coalition coordinators within first six (6) months of employment.
CADCA offers many resources for education on coalition development.
CADCA primer series review the basics of Strategic Prevention Framework and coalition development.
Certified Prevention Professional (CPP) Information on how to obtain this certification.
Communication strategies: Guidelines and tools
Excellence in Prevention page list of evidence-based programs that have shown to affect risk and protective factors. Please note inclusion on this list does not mean they are appropriate for all community needs, risk factors, and target populations.
Healthy Youth Survey (HYS) is the bi-annual school survey administered throughout WA State to determine health related behaviors including those related to substance abuse is available online with many useful reports and comprehensive analysis.
Social indicator data (Also known as archival or administrative data) for community needs assessment. Important resource for needs assessment during strategic planning and updates.
Start Talking Now Website Washington Healthy Youth Coalition (WHY Coalition) Website
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)