Position Summary:
Next Wave Jr. High / Full Circle and Somerville High School are a therapeutic alternative schools committed to serving students with complex social, emotional, and behavioral needs. We are seeking a full-time Youth Substance Abuse Counselor to provide trauma-informed, culturally responsive counseling and support for students experiencing substance use challenges.

Somerville High School is a traditional comprehensive high school that includes a robust Career & Technical Education program.

This position will be split between both schools. The substance abuse counselor's role is an integral part of both school's wraparound support systems and works collaboratively with clinical staff, educators, and families to address barriers to learning and promote student well-being and recovery.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in counseling or psychology, preferred Master's degree in Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, or a related field
• Licensure or certification as LCSW, LICSW, LMHC, or LADC I/II (or equivalent)
• At least 2 years of experience working with adolescents impacted by trauma, substance use, or behavioral health challenges
• Deep understanding of trauma-informed care, restorative practices, and culturally responsive counseling
• Demonstrated ability to connect authentically with high-needs youth and navigate complex systems

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in a therapeutic or alternative school setting
• Bilingual/bicultural candidates strongly encouraged to apply
• Certification or training in evidence-based models such as iDecide, SBIRT, Teen Intervene, or Motivational Interviewing

Key Responsibilities:

• Individualized Counseling & Support
• Provide confidential individual and group counseling to students dealing with substance use or related challenges
• Assess student needs through interviews, screenings, and collaboration with caregivers and staff
• Develop individualized support plans, including referrals for treatment and recovery services when appropriate
• Offer crisis intervention as needed
• Prevention, Education & Empowerment
• Design and implement proactive prevention programming tailored to the needs of youth in alternative education
• Lead group sessions focused on substance use awareness, coping strategies, and healthy decision-making
• Educate staff and caregivers on adolescent substance use trends, signs of relapse, and trauma-informed responses
• Engage students as partners in wellness initiatives and recovery planning
• Multidisciplinary Collaboration
• Participate as a core member of the student support team alongside clinical counselors, guidance staff, and teacher-counselors
• Collaborate closely with families, DCF, mental health providers, and community-based treatment and recovery organizations
• Attend IEP, 504, and family team meetings as appropriate to advocate for integrated supports and services
• Documentation & Compliance
• Maintain timely and confidential documentation of all services, interventions, and contacts.
• Track student participation and outcomes to inform program development
• Adhere to all mandatory reporting requirements and professional ethical standards.

Work Environment:
Full-time Position

Schedule: 189 work days

Non-Union position

Time Commitment:
May involve occasional evening or home visits for family outreach, and supporting an afterschool volunteer group once a week

Non-union position

Reports to: The School Building Principal(s)

The Somerville Public Schools does not discriminate in its programs, facilities, or employment or educational opportunities on the basis of race, color, age, religion, disability, pregnancy, home status, marital/civil union status, sex/gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, citizenship status, place of birth, national origin, ancestry, cultural identity, genetics or military status, and does not tolerate any form of retaliation, or bias-based intimidation, threat or harassment that demeans individuals' dignity or interferes with their ability to learn or work.