Elementary Prevention Counselor - 1.0 FTE

Sioux Falls School District•Sioux Falls, SD

23h•Onsite

About The Position

This is a new position created through a grant for the 2026-27 school year, serving multiple elementary schools within the Sioux Falls School District. The Elementary Prevention Counselor will help students build essential social, emotional, and behavioral skills for success in and out of the classroom. This role involves providing prevention, intervention, and support services, partnering with students, families, staff, and community resources to foster safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environments. The position focuses on empowering children to grow, navigate challenges, strengthen coping skills, build positive relationships, and develop confidence during their foundational school years.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in counseling, social work, psychology, public health, or a related field.
A Valid State Counseling or Social Work licensure or certification (e.g., LAC, CAC, LPC, LSW).
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to create positive relationships.
Strong organizational skills.
Ability to plan, organize, and work collaboratively with other teams.
Knowledge of child development, prevention education, and social-emotional learning.
Understanding of substance abuse risk factors and protective factors in children and families.
Ability to build positive relationships with students, families, and staff.
Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and demonstrate professional ethics.
Ability to work effectively with diverse populations and cultures.
Skill in crisis intervention and de-escalation strategies.
Completion of at least one hour of approved youth suicide awareness and prevention training every five years (compliance verified through district accreditation reviews).

Nice To Haves

Master's Degree preferred.
Experience working with children in a school or youth-serving setting preferred.
Training or experience in prevention education, counseling, or mental health support preferred.

Responsibilities

Deliver age-appropriate prevention education lessons related to drug and alcohol awareness, decision-making skills, peer pressure resistance, emotional regulation, healthy coping strategies, bullying prevention, and personal safety.
Provide individual and small-group counseling services for students identified as at-risk due to social, emotional, behavioral, or family concerns.
Support students in developing positive relationships, self-esteem, resilience, and problem-solving skills.
Collaborate with teachers, administrators, school counselors, social workers, and support staff to identify student needs and provide interventions.
Coordinate the development and implementation of school-wide prevention initiatives and wellness programs.
Serve as a resource for staff regarding substance abuse prevention, trauma-informed practices, and student mental health supports.
Communicate and collaborate with parents/guardians regarding student concerns, resources, and intervention strategies.
Provide school and community events to increase awareness regarding substance abuse prevention.
Maintain accurate and confidential student records in accordance with district policies and legal requirements.
Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings, student assistance teams, and crisis response efforts as needed.
Coordinate referrals to community agencies and outside support services when appropriate.
Promote positive school climate and student engagement through relationship-building and proactive support.
Stay current on prevention education practices, child development, and state/federal regulations through ongoing professional development.