POSITION: Substance Use Prevention Behavior Support Specialist

SALARY GRADE: State Salary Schedule commensurate with degree, certification, and experience

NATURE OF WORK: : Under direction of district administration and within the scope of the practice, provides supportive and direct substance abuse prevention, screening, case management, and intervention services to students and families. May provide educational consultation services to school staff, community agencies, family members, and other stakeholders. Supports the district implementation of the Mental Health and SEL Improvement Plan and related policy. Works collaboratively with Specialized Instructional Support Personnel to provide a full continuum of behavioral/mental health support.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plan, organize, and implement substance abuse awareness and prevention services
• Provide student screening and implement individual student plans
• Develop and implement group counseling
• Provide crisis assessment and assist in development of safety plans
• Identify the needs of students and link them to necessary resources; and work with community  agencies to obtain information and coordinate services
• Collaborate with community providers and case managers, probation officers, school support services, and other referral agencies 
• Provide individual supportive counseling related to individual student goals
• Contribute to multidisciplinary, SEL, behavior support, and IEP teams
• Implement protocols for students re-entering school following acute/residential substance abuse treatment
• Maintain accurate and concise documentation for all services and submits data for program monitoring
• Participate in a variety of meetings, workshops, and committees for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information required to perform functions and remaining knowledgeable with program guidelines.
• Assist the site administrator and teachers in making environmental adjustments for identified students in the school
• Monitor and evaluate student progress while maintaining student confidentiality
• Perform any other duties as requested by the supervisor.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Language Skills - Ability to read, analyze and interpret periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers and the general public.

Mathematical Skills - Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios and proportions to practical situations.

Reasoning Ability - Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form.

Computer Skills - Familiarity with basic computer operation and software. Ability to learn various computer operations required for management of student information and integration of technology in classroom instruction.

Other - Ability to apply knowledge of current research and theory to instructional programs; ability to plan and implement lessons based on the division and school objectives and the needs and abilities of students to whom assigned. Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with students, peers and parents; skill in oral and written communication. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to walk and use fingers, tools, or controls. The employee is occasionally required to stand and reach with hands and arms. Specific visual abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Occasionally the employee will lift up to 50 lbs. such as to lift files, paper, school supplies, books, etc.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud. The employee continuously interacts with the public and staff.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Master’s degree from an accredited University or College - degree in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, or Human Services field preferred or Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or related human services discipline and a minimum of two years prior experience working in the behavioral health field.

EVALUATION:

Performance in this position will be evaluated regularly by the supervisor in accordance with Board Policy.

This specification has been designated to represent the general nature and level of work found in positions in this class. As such, it is not intended to contain all of the duties and qualifications required of an employee in a single position (job). Consequently, it is not to be perceived as a position (job) description or as identification of essential functions as required by ADA.