Examining the link between provider roles and program development: Findings from a process evaluation of a...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Social Work
• Program Evaluation

Background:

• Substance abuse prevention programs for high-risk adolescents face challenges integrating diverse services for multicultural populations.
• Innovative provider roles are essential to address complex client and organizational needs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the role identity development of community case counselors within a community-based substance abuse prevention program.
• To document the evolution of the community case counselor role from case managers to generalists.

Main Methods:

• Process/formative evaluation of the Real Alternatives Project (RAP).
• Qualitative analysis of the evolving roles and responsibilities of community case counselors.

Main Results:

• Community case counselors evolved into generalists, serving as case managers, counselors, mentors, role models, and advocates.
• Counselors effectively met multiple client needs and contributed to organizational goals through service integration and decision-making.
• The evaluation validated the evolving roles and program development.

Conclusions:

• The community case counselor role is vital for comprehensive adolescent substance abuse prevention.
• Process evaluation is integral to successful program development, implementation, and adaptation.
• Flexibility in provider roles enhances program effectiveness in diverse community settings.