Student Assistance Program Coordinator

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree or above, in mental health, psychology or related fields. (Vermont Drug/Alcohol License or other counseling certification desired but not required)
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality in adherence to the Code of Ethics and adhere to 42CFR Part 2, and 45 CFR, Part 96, Subpart-Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant (http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov)
• Familiarity with adolescent substance abuse prevention, intervention, and treatment, and recovery methods. Ability to screen and assess adolescents needing a variety of services and make effective internal and external referrals. Working knowledge of screening tools such as the CRAFFT and GAIN Short Screener.
• Ability to provide support to students going to and returning from treatment.
• Working knowledge of the fundamentals of emotional, behavioral, and mental health issues of the students and families served. Knowledge of short term counseling techniques, and various techniques concerning treatment, education and prevention of alcohol and drug abuse.
• Experience in facilitating adolescent psycho-educational groups.
• Ability to facilitate the American Lung Association Not-on Tobacco youth cessation program. (Training will be available to applicant.)
• Understanding family systems and family case management including families from diverse populations.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain relationships with appropriate outside agencies. Knowledge of available community substance abuse/mental health community services and experience referring to community agencies.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, parents, faculty, administrators, outside agencies, and the general public.
• Ability to speak effectively in public and express ideas clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Valid Vermont drivers license.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Collaborate with treatment providers to provide on site clinical services and a memorandum of understanding.
• Provide counselors space, schedules, referrals, and ongoing support to successfully provide treatment services in the school setting.
• Assist in the organization and implementation of wellness and drug awareness activities to highlight community resources, positive student role models, and positive choices students can make to be healthy and substance-free.
• Consult with health teachers and provide resources to augment effective health curriculum, teach classes on substance use specific topics when requested.
• Provide training and/or coordinate experts to deliver training to faculty and staff about the role of an SAP, how to make referrals, signs and symptoms, drug updates, etc.
• Complete written SAP paperwork. Assist with the collection and reportingof required SAP district and state paperwork and program data.
• Meet regularly with students identified as needing support through the school alcohol/drug/tobacco policy.

• Perform other tasks and duties in the support of safe and drug-free schools as appropriate.
• Coordinate data collection for the Youth Risk Behavior and CORE Survey every two years.
• Provide support within the Succeed Program (school within a school)

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Ability to assist in the development and implementation of the school district’s policies on drug, tobacco and alcohol use.
• Assist advisor of student prevention groups, and support work of VKAT requirements. Help maintain and support these students through yearlong activities and participation in regional and statewide events and trainings.
• Assist with wellness and drug education to school staff and families.
  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Possess visual acuity and stamina to work at a computer monitor for at least part of each day.
• Possess strength and stamina to be able to remain in a seated position for up to 90 minutes at a time throughout the workday.
• Possess strength and stamina to be able to remain standing for a period of up to 90 minutes at a time throughout the workday.
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to carry up to 25 pounds.
• Frequent walking, light lifting, pulling, pushing, reaching or other limited physical activities.

EVALUATION:

Performance will be evaluated annually on the ability and effectiveness in carrying out the above responsibilities by the school principal.

ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work environment is a regular office, classroom or other school setting.
• Air-conditioned and non air-conditioned buildings.Occasional exposure to weather extremes.
• Ability to tolerate extremes in noise levels.
• Ability to tolerate stressful situations and maintain proper decorum.