T26/27 Substance Abuse Counselor

This is is a 1.0 FTE position located at the Syphax Education Center in the Department of Student Services. The Substance Abuse Counselor (SAC) works with students who have been referred for issues related to substance use.

Each SAC tailors prevention and early intervention programs to fit the needs of their assigned schools/programs. SAC’s

help support regular attendance and academic achievement for students, and support the strategic goals of the Arlington

Public Schools. Substance Abuse Counselors provide services in the following major areas:

Substance abuse assessment

Early intervention counseling support to outside services

Case coordination

Consultation with families, community agencies, and school staff

Services are provided in accordance with the Substance Abuse Confidentiality Regulations 42 CFR, and Virginia

Code 37.2–100

RESPONSIBILITIES:

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 of 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.

Classroom presentations on drugs, alcohol, decision-making and addiction.

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 community committees that relate to substance abuse.

Maintenance of legally mandated documentation.

EXPERIENCE:

Experience in a school setting.

Experience administering/interpreting SASSi and other assessments required

QUALIFICATIONS:

Must have or be eligible for Virginia licensure.

Masters degree in Social Work or LCSW preferred.

National Addiction Counselor certification required.

Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred.

Dual endorsement in English as a Second Language and/or Special Education, or in any other content area, is

preferred but not required.

Arlington Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer

It is the policy of the Arlington School Board, as stated in Policy G-2.30, Employee Relations – Equal Employment

Opportunity - that “Employment opportunities shall not be restricted, abridged or otherwise adversely affected on

the basis of race, national origin, creed, color, religion, gender, age, economic status, sexual orientation, national

origin, marital status, genetic information, gender identity or expression, and/or disability.”

Salary based on 26/27 Pay Plan