Job Description

The Substance Abuse Counselor (SAC) is tasked with working with students across the school division who have been referred for issues related to substance use/misuse. The SAC will align prevention and early intervention programs to fit the needs of schools and programs at the secondary level, with support to the elementary level as needed. The SAC helps support regular attendance and academic achievement for students in support the strategic goals of the Alexandria City Public Schools. The SAC works collaboratively with counselors, social workers, psychologists and other division staff. This position is supervised by the Department of Student Services and Equity and works closely with school-based administration. Services are provided in accordance with the Substance Abuse Confidentiality Regulations 42 CFR, and Virginia Code 37.2–100.

This position reports to the Executive Director of Student Services.

This position works 11 months/216 days per school year. 

Qualifications:

• Education:  Master’s degree in counseling or related field such as social work or psychology.

• Certificates & Licenses:  Valid Virginia Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC) credential or current National Certified Addiction Counselor – I or II (NCAC) with eligibility for the Virginia CSAC credential or eligibility to obtain such certification.

Experience: 

• At least 3 years’ experience in a school setting or working with adolescents. Experience with adolescents in grades 9-12 preferred.

• At least two years of experience providing evidence-based substance abuse assessment, intervention and case management experience with youth in grades 9-12.

• At least one year of experience working with parents/caregivers of teens with substance abuse challenges.  At least one year of substance abuse prevention and intervention program development experience.

Essential Functions

• Development of substance abuse prevention and early intervention programming in coordination with school staff and other community agencies such as Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS).
• 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 with 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.
• Presentations on drugs, alcohol, decision-making and addiction to students, staff.
• 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 the Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition of Alexandria and public and private prevention and treatment providers.
• Maintenance of legally mandated documentation.
• Performs other related duties, as assigned, to ensure the efficient and effective functioning of the substance abuse program.

Clearances

• Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance.
• Tuberculosis Skin Test.

Public Health Compliance

• Must follow safety and health protocols.

WP