T26/27 Substance Abuse Counselor

Arlington Public Schools•Arlington, VA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

This is a 1.0 FTE position located at the Syphax Education Center in the Department of Student Services. The Substance Abuse Counselor (SAC) works with students who have been referred for issues related to substance use. Each SAC tailors prevention and early intervention programs to fit the needs of their assigned schools/programs. SAC’s help support regular attendance and academic achievement for students, and support the strategic goals of the Arlington Public Schools. Substance Abuse Counselors provide services in the following major areas: Substance abuse assessment, Early intervention counseling support to outside services, Case coordination, Consultation with families, community agencies, and school staff. Services are provided in accordance with the Substance Abuse Confidentiality Regulations 42 CFR, and Virginia Code 37.2–100.

Requirements

Experience in a school setting.
Experience administering/interpreting SASSi and other assessments required.
Must have or be eligible for Virginia licensure.
National Addiction Counselor certification required.

Nice To Haves

Masters degree in Social Work or LCSW preferred.
Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred.
Dual endorsement in English as a Second Language and/or Special Education, or in any other content area, is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Assessment of students whose behaviors may indicate warning signs of substance use.
Assessment and coordination of services for students with dual diagnoses (mental health and substance abuse concerns).
Assessment, intervention and case coordination of students who have disciplinary infractions related to drugs and/or alcohol.
Individual and/or group counseling for students with family addiction issues and/or evidence of risk-taking behaviors.
Referral and coordination of services for students with substance abuse and dependence patterns.
Classroom presentations on drugs, alcohol, decision-making and addiction.
Presentations to staff on drugs, alcohol, and addiction.
Consultation with school staff, family members, and community providers (i.e., probation officers and treatment providers).
Partnering with school staff to provide early intervention services.
Formal risk assessment for violence and suicide.
Dissemination of educational materials to students, staff and families.
Outreach to the student population through various prevention activities such as bulletin boards, Red Ribbon Week and National Drug Facts Week.
Collaboration with community committees that relate to substance abuse.
Maintenance of legally mandated documentation.