Student Assistance Coordinator

Title: Student Assistance Coordinator 

Qualifications: 

1. Valid New Jersey Student Assistance Coordinator Endorsement. 

2. Minimum experience as determined by the Board of Education. 

3. Demonstrated knowledge of substance abuse curriculum development, counseling, and staff development. 

4. Ability to work effectively with students, staff, parents, outside agencies, and community groups. 

5. Required criminal history check and proof of U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status. 

Primary Function: To provide leadership in the development of intervention services in the areas of substance abuse prevention, mental health/wellness and HIB prevention in the school community. 

Report Level: Director of School Counseling, Principal 

Major Duties and Responsibilities: 

1. Provides leadership in the development, implementation, and coordination of a comprehensive education curriculum in the areas of substance abuse prevention, mental health/wellness, social emotional learning and HIB prevention to achieve state core curriculum content standards and district educational goals and objectives. 

2. Assists in the coordination of supplemental programs and guest speakers. 

3. Assists in the research and review of instructional materials for possible purchase and use. 

4. Works in cooperation with the I&RS Committee to provide early identification of students who are at-risk for substance abuse or demonstrating symptoms of substance use/abuse and/or mental health issues. Coordinates a referral system with local, state, and other services, providers, or agencies. 

5. Works in cooperation with resources available within the school district (i.e. child study team, school counselors, nurses, administration, ESS, etc.) 

6. Assesses students’ drug/alcohol involvement and makes appropriate referrals to treatment facilities when necessary. 

7. Assesses students’ risk of suicide/homicide and make appropriate referrals to treatment facilities when necessary

8. Works in cooperation with treatment facilities, counselors, parents, school personnel, and students in developing and following through with the students’ after-care plan. 

9. Provides short-term counseling or group counseling for students with substance abuse, mental health or HIB related problems or concerns. 

10. Assesses the district’s prevention/intervention program on an annual basis and makes recommendations. 

11. Facilitates conferences with parents or child’s guardians to review, discuss and/or implement appropriate steps and stages of intervention and options. 

12. Assists in the design, implementation, and coordination of staff development related to substance awareness, mental health/wellness, social emotional learning and HIB. 

13. Serves as a resource to district personnel on substance awareness/abuse, mental health/wellness, social emotional learning and HIB issues as well as on the availability of training programs. In collaboration with school administration and Director of Counseling, provides training for school staff in intervention and referral procedures. 

14. Maintains professional competence and continuous improvement through inservice education activities and other professional growth activities. 

15. Maintains a continuing review of statutes and codes related to substance abuse, mental health and HIB. 

16. Assists with the development and annual review of policies and procedures regarding substance abuse/ use, mental health/wellness and HIB prevention and recommends changes to administration. 

17. Implements and coordinates parent education programs related to substance use/abuse awareness, mental health issues and HIB prevention. 

18. Participates in the community-based organizations such as Municipal Alliance, to facilitate the liaison between school and community. 

19. Provides coordination of school-based prevention programs with community-based prevention programs. 

20. Develops community awareness through active participation as a school liaison to appropriate community groups and organizations. 

21. Performs other duties which may be within the scope of his/her employment and certification as may be assigned.