Substance Use Prevention Counselor

South Burlington School District•South Burlington, VT

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Provides school-based substance abuse prevention, education, screening, intervention, and referral services to students. Coordinates efforts and interfaces with administrators, staff, parents, representatives of state and local agencies, service providers, and community members. Provides prevention strategies for staff and students; supports and provides positive influences and resources for students in recovery and/or in treatment programs. This position is part-time and may work up to 17 hours per week and is not eligible for benefits. This position is grant funded and is contingent upon continued grant funding.

Requirements

Master’s degree preferred, Bachelor’s degree required in a human services (i.e., counseling, social work, psychology, or an allied mental health field with a supervised clinical practicum).
One or more years of experience in planning and coordinating substance abuse prevention program or direct prevention work required.
Valid Driver’s license
Experience with substance abuse prevention, intervention, treatment and recovery methods.
Working knowledge of the emotional, behavioral, and mental health issues of students served.
Demonstrated skills in computer use, decision making, negotiations, organization, and planning are required.
Ability to perform duties with awareness of all District requirements and Board policies.
Working cooperatively and effectively with people of all ages, diversity, and learning levels.
Cultural competency, a passion for identifying barriers and developing plans to assist student learning is required.
Demonstrated ongoing commitment to workplace diversity, sustainability, and delivering exceptional customer service.

Nice To Haves

Certification as an Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (ADC), Clinical Supervisor [CS, or Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC)] preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Develops and actively participates in the District’s organized substance prevention effort in collaboration with students, staff, administration, and community-based agencies.
Provides intervention and screening to students who have been identified as, or who may be, abusing substances.
Identifies internal and external resources for support and makes referrals, as needed, for a variety of services such as: state agencies, local physicians, Department of Children and Families (DCF), courts, and mental health counselors.
Assists students with adopting appropriate coping mechanisms and techniques for managing issues such as: stress, trauma, family/personal and school-related adjustments, peer pressure, and other challenges impacting learning.
Plans, coordinates, and provides educational and training services to students, staff, and greater school community (including PK-8 and sending towns) in areas of substance abuse, interpersonal skills, and stress management.
Counsels students in groups or individually.
Establishes and maintains student, parental, and community resource connections through communication and collaboration to meet student needs and to educate students and parents/guardians about resources available in the District and in the community.
Arranges and facilitates afterschool and evening events for students and/or parents/guardians.
Provides aftercare services to students in transition to and from treatment.
Works with parents/guardians, health educators, and school nurses to support students in tobacco/vape/nicotine cessation activities.
Works with families to address substance-related issues.
As needed, participates in school-based support teams (i.e., MTTS, Act 264) and collaborates with others in school-related activities to increase awareness of prevention programming.
Promotes student self-referrals to prevention programs through the establishment of safe and supportive relationships.
Provides Leadership Team with monthly reports regarding prevention activities and follow up with respect to school/district policy compliance procedures.
Maintains a visible presence during the school day, especially during unstructured times.
Adheres to preferred practice and ethical standards.
Maintains appropriate, accurate, and complete records as required for data reports and analysis.
Maintains confidentiality of client as required by state and federal rules and regulations.
Participates in and/or coordinates work related meetings, committees, and special projects.
Remains current in best practice and participates in professional development opportunities.
Attends after school events on and off school property where there is an increased risk of student substance use, such as school dances and evening events on and off school property.
May perform other responsibilities as assigned.