Student Assistance Coordinator

 QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Valid New Jersey Instructional Certificate and Substance Awareness Coordinator or Student Assistance Coordinator Endorsement. 
2. Adequate experience as determined by the board. 
3. Demonstrated knowledge of substance abuse curriculum development, counseling and staff development. 
4. Ability to work effectively with students, staff members, parents, outside agencies and community groups.
5. Required criminal history check and proof of U.S. citizenship of legal resident alien status. 

 
REPORTS TO:              Superintendent/Assistant Superintendent/Building Principal
 
JOB GOAL:
Provide leadership in the development, implementation and coordination of a comprehensive chemical health education curriculum to achieve state core curriculum content standards and district educational goals and objectives.
 
PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:
 
Direct Assistance to Students and Parents

1.  Assesses students’ drug/alcohol involvement and makes appropriate referral to treatment facilities when necessary.
2. Works in cooperation with treatment facility, counselors, parents, school personnel and students in developing and following through with the students’ aftercare plan. 
3. Facilitates conferences with parents or child’s guardian to review, discuss and/or implement appropriate steps and stages of intervention and options. 
4. Provides short-term counseling or group counseling for students with substance abuse problems or concerns. 
5. Implements and coordinates parent education programs related to substance awareness. 

Other Duties

1. Assists in the coordination of supplemental programs and guest speakers.
2. Assists in the research and review of instructional materials for possible purchase and use. 
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. Makes recommendations to the district prevention/intervention program on an annual basis. 
5. Maintains a continuing review of statutes and codes related to drug and alcohol programming. 

 
Interaction with Staff and Community Groups

1. Works in cooperation with resources available within the school district (i.e. child study team, guidance counselors, nurse and administrators).
2. Assists in the coordination of staff development related to substance awareness. 
3. Provides in-service education for all teachers and staff responsible for the delivery of chemical health education.
4. Serves as a resource to district personnel on substance awareness/abuse issues as well as on the availability of training programs.  Provides training for all school staff in intervention and referral procedures.
5. Participates in the community-based prevention programs with community –based prevention programs.
6. Develops community awareness through active participation as a school liaison to appropriate community groups and organizations,
7. Crisis Intervention with students and staff as necessary.
8. Performs other related duties as may be assigned by the superintendent or his/her designee.