Student Assistance Counselor

Student Assistance Counselor Needed:

Location: Champlain Valley School District

The Champlain Valley School District is seeking a dedicated and qualified Student Assistance Counselor (SAP) to provide essential school-based services at Williston Central School. This vital role focuses on supporting the well-being and academic success of our adolescents by addressing issues related to substance use/abuse, stress, challenging family systems, peers, and personal/school adjustments. The primary objective is to implement comprehensive prevention, education, screening, intervention, and referral services, while fostering a supportive atmosphere for student recovery.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Intervention & Screening: Provide intervention and confidential screening for students struggling with their own or a family member's substance use/abuse, stress, and relational issues.

• Counseling: Offer individual and group counseling sessions on effective techniques for managing stress, peer and family relationships, and substance use issues.

• Education & Training: Deliver educational services and training to school staff and the community on alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs (ATOD) prevention, interpersonal skills, and stress management.

• Referral & Case Management: Screen and assess adolescents to make effective internal and external referrals to appropriate agencies (e.g., court system, DFC, substance abuse providers). Provide case management and re-integration support for students entering and returning from substance abuse treatment.

• Collaboration: Actively participate in student support teams, work with school staff to promote program awareness, and develop/maintain relationships with outside agencies.

• Compliance: Strictly maintain client confidentiality as required by federal law (42 CFR Part 2). Adhere to quality, ethical, and preferred practice standards.

Supervision Received: Reports to, evaluated by, and receives technical and administrative supervision from the Connecting Youth (CY) Director. The SAP counselor must attend weekly clinical supervision by a CY identified qualified clinical supervisor.

Supervisory Responsibilities: This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily, in addition to the following.

• Education and Experience:
• • Required: Familiarity with substance abuse prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery methods. Working knowledge of emotional, behavioral, and mental health issues in adolescents.
  • Preferred: Bachelor's degree in Education, Special Education, or an appropriate discipline, plus relevant experience (or a combination of comparable knowledge and skills).
• Certifications and Licenses: The SAP counselor must be:
• • An Apprentice Substance Abuse Counselor (ASAC), or obtain this credential within 3 months of hire (if the position is currently vacant).
  • Certified as an SAP Counselor (SAP)
  • Certification or licensure as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC or LADC) is also desired.
  • Preferred: Valid Vermont Professional Educator's License (Special Education endorsement preferred, other endorsements considered).
• Skills and Abilities:
• • Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to relate to and work effectively with children, adolescents, parents, staff, and community members.
  • Ability to resolve conflicts, manage stress, and work independently with sound judgment.
  • Proficiency in computer skills, including word processing, Internet, and email.
  • Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions

Environment & Additional Information:

Duties are primarily performed in a school setting. The job may require some travel within the state to meetings and training so a valid driver’s license and an insured vehicle may be required. Position involves interaction with students with high level emotional need, and/or individuals actively engaged in substance use. There is some level of risk associated with the interaction with high risk behavior in the program and at times, the job may elicit high levels of stress. Crisis situations may occur at any time. Weekend or evening work may be required. You must successfully complete a criminal background check.

CVSD is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to ensuring that all of our students achieve our mission - which means we are also committed to developing a faculty and staff that represents the inclusive, welcoming environment we seek to develop for students and families.

Job ID# 5406257