School-Based Substance Prevention and Intervention Specialist

Auburn School District Job Title: School-Based Substance Prevention and Intervention Specialist Reports To: Director for Prevention and Intervention Services Unit Classification: Prof Tech Duties and Responsibilities: Provides early alcohol and other drug prevention, education, and intervention services to students, including substance use screening and referral information. Provides individual services within the Prevention-Intervention Framework in partnership with students and families. Assists with referrals to treatment and provides support to students transitioning back to school from chemical dependency treatment programs and/or disciplinary actions directly related to alcohol and other drug use. Facilitates school-based groups, including Insight, Children of Alcohol/Drug Abuse, recovery support, and substance abuse education groups, and provides individual support to students as needed. Facilitates the Life Skills curriculum. Develops mentoring relationships and supportive learning opportunities for youth. Fosters positive and collaborative relationships with school administrators, teachers, and other school staff. Builds relationships with students and school staff by being present, available, and actively engaged in the school community. Participates as a member of student assistance teams at assigned schools and assists in developing, maintaining, and enhancing internal identification, intervention, and referral processes for school staff. Provides staff development and training related to alcohol and other drug prevention and intervention. Maintains program records and files, compiles data, and prepares reports as needed. Coordinates school and community outreach efforts. Serves on the District's Safe and Drug-Free Schools Committee and the Auburn Prevention Coalition. Communicates and interacts professionally and effectively with students, families, staff, administrators, community partners, and the public. Performs related duties as assigned. Training and Knowledge Desired: Ability to work successfully with school staff, including teachers, administrators, and non-classified staff. Ability to work successfully with students, parents, and community. Case management/record keeping skills. Knowledge of alcohol/drug abuse federal confidentiality laws. Knowledge and understanding of substance abuse assessment, intervention, treatment, and recovery process for adolescents and families. Ability to travel; reliable transportation. Strong written and verbal communication skills Experience working with diverse communities Ability to work independently Requirements: A.A. degree or equivalent in health, human services, or related field. Bachelor's degree preferred; High school diploma or equivalent (documentation required at time of application); Two to three years' experience with youth and families and experience in substance abuse prevention or related field; Responsibilities may require irregular hours as deemed necessary and flexible. This may include early or late hours to meet scheduling demands for meetings or special events. Experience and/or training with cultural, ethnic, and language diversity preferred. Certificates and Licenses: Certified by Washington State Department of Health as a Chemical Dependency Counselor, or State Qualified Chemical Dependency professional (CDP) designated by the Division of Alcohol and Substance Abuse. Must have or obtain credential within 18 months of employment; or DSHS qualified Mental Health counselor, or ability to obtain Certified Prevention Professional (CPP) credentials. Must have or obtain credential within 18 months of employment. Valid State of Washington Driver's License and evidence of mobility. Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge and understanding of adolescent alcohol and other drug use prevention, early intervention, treatment, recovery, and referral processes. Knowledge of school-based prevention and intervention practices and student assistance processes. Knowledge of adolescent development, risk and protective factors, and strategies that promote positive youth development and resiliency. Experience providing prevention, intervention, education, counseling support, case management, or related services to youth and families. Ability to establish and maintain trusting, professional relationships with students, families, school staff, administrators, community partners, treatment providers, and other agencies. Ability to engage students in individual and group settings and facilitate prevention, recovery support, substance abuse education, and life skills groups. Ability to provide information and support related to community resources, treatment services, and other appropriate interventions. Ability to collaborate effectively with student assistance teams, school staff, families, and community agencies to identify concerns and develop appropriate support and referral strategies. Strong case management, documentation, recordkeeping, and information- management skills. Ability to maintain accurate and confidential student records and handle sensitive information in accordance with applicable confidentiality requirements. Strong written and verbal communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills. Ability to provide staff development, presentations, and educational activities related to alcohol and other drug prevention and intervention. Ability to collect, organize, monitor, and report program data and outcomes. Ability to coordinate school and community outreach activities and participate effectively in community coalitions and collaborative initiatives. Ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, student needs, and program responsibilities while working independently and exercising sound judgment. Proficiency with word processing, spreadsheets, electronic recordkeeping systems, email, and other technology necessary to perform assigned responsibilities. Experience and/or training working with culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse students, families, and communities. Ability to recognize and demonstrate awareness of one's own cultural identity while accepting and respecting the cultural identities and experiences of others. Commitment to creating and supporting environments that promote cultural competence, inclusion, belonging, and equitable treatment of students, families, staff, and community members. Ability to support and promote Auburn School District's commitment to "Engage. Educate. Empower. With Equity and Excellence." Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Related to Cultural Competence and Equity: Ability to recognize and demonstrate awareness of one's own cultural identity while respecting and valuing the cultural identities of others. Commitment to establishing and supporting an environment that promotes cultural competence and equitable treatment of all staff, students, families, and community members. Ability to support and promote the Auburn School District's commitment to "Engage. Educate. Empower With Equity and Excellence." Ability to apply culturally responsive practices in communication, leadership, conflict resolution, and decision-making. Demonstrated commitment to fostering inclusive environments that support belonging, access, and positive outcomes for diverse student and staff populations. Working Conditions Physical Requirements: The employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, and move throughout school, district, and community settings while providing individual and group services to students. The position requires the use of hands and fingers to operate computers, telephones, and other office equipment and the ability to communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and through electronic means. The employee may occasionally be required to lift, carry, push, or move materials and equipment used for presentations, educational activities, meetings, and student groups. Regular travel between assigned schools and community locations is required. The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. Work Environment: Work is performed primarily in school settings and may also occur in district offices and community locations. The employee works directly with students, families, school staff, administrators, and community partners and may encounter situations involving substance use, recovery, behavioral concerns, and other sensitive student needs. The position requires the ability to maintain professional boundaries, exercise sound judgment, and respond appropriately to confidential and sensitive information. Work may involve frequent interruptions and changing priorities and requires the ability to work both independently and collaboratively. The position requires flexibility in scheduling and may include occasional early morning, evening, or other irregular hours to accommodate student needs, family meetings, staff trainings, community outreach, coalition meetings, and special events. The statements above are intended to describe the general nature of the work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and qualifications of personnel so classified.