Youth Development Specialists

GLOUCESTER COUNTY VOCATIONAL-TECHNICAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

JOB DESCRIPTION MANUAL 720

SBYS Grant Funded Position

Board Approved - 10/21/26 This job description reflects the assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

TITLE: Youth Development Specialist

QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Valid New Jersey instructional Certificate and Substance Awareness Coordinator Endorsement, LCSW, CADC

2. Three years educational experience
3. Successful experience in substance abuse curriculum development, counseling, and staff development
4. Three years working in a clinical setting.
5. Ability to work effectively with students, staff, parents, outside agencies, and community groups
6. Required criminal history background check , proof of U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status, physical examination, and other required paperwork
7. Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board may find appropriate and acceptable

REPORTS TO: Director of SBYS

SUPERVISES: Not applicable

JOB GOAL: To provide leadership in the development of substance abuse prevention and intervention activities in the school.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Provides leadership in the development, implementation, and coordination of comprehensive chemical health education curriculum.

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

3. Develops and coordinates a referral system and intervention services for early identification of students who are at-risk for substance abuse or demonstrating symptoms of substance use and abuse. Coordinates a referral system with local, state and other services providers or agencies .

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

5. Assesses students' drug/alcohol involvement, makes appropriate referral to treatment facilities when necessary.

6. Works in cooperation with treatment facilities, counselors, parents, school personnel and students in developing and following through the students' aftercare plan. Youth Development Specialist Page 2

GLOUCESTER COUNTY VOCATIONAL-TECHNICAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

7. Provides short-term counseling or group counseling for students with substance abuse problems or concerns and mental health issues.

8. Facilitates conferences with parents or student's guardian to review, discuss and/or implement appropriate steps and stages of intervention and options .

9. Maintains professional standards through readings, attendance at conferences, and membership in professional organizations .

10. Assists in the development and annual review of the Districts drug and alcohol policy .

11. Maintains a continuing review of statutes and codes related to drug and alcohol programming.

12. Assists the administration in assessing school substance use.

13. Designs, implements and collaborates with parents, community, staff, and students, education programs related to substance awareness, prevention, and treatment.

14. Develop community awareness through active participation as in school liaison to appropriate community groups and organizations.

15. All other duties as assigned by the Director.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The duties of this job require the following physical activities: sitting, standing, reaching, walking, lifting, bending, kneeling, stooping, climbing, pushing, pulling, finger dexterity, carrying, feeling, repetitive motions, speaking, listening, and visual acuity. The employee must lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. In addition, the employee must be able to follow written and oral instructions and procedures.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work is performed in a school setting with exposure to health and/or safety hazards. The noise level in this environment is usually moderate.