Student Assistance Professional (180 Days)

The NWESD aspires to be a racially and culturally inclusive staff that reflects the diversity of those we serve. We believe this strengthens our organization, stimulates creativity, promotes the exchange of ideas, and enriches staff engagement.

Summary:

The Student Assistance Professional delivers comprehensive prevention and intervention services in elementary, middle, and/or high schools. They will apply evidence-based practices and strategies to address identified needs or specific grant requirements, while also supporting the development and implementation of programs for at-risk students. Additionally, the Student Assistance Professional will provide coordinated support services to children, families, and partner agencies to promote personal and social-emotional growth in students and help create positive, productive learning environments.

Essential Functions:

Duties listed are intended to provide a summary of the major duties and responsibilities of this position. Employee(s) may not perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional duties not listed, but within the general scope of the position.

• Conducts screenings, assessments, interventions, and referrals within applicable laws and NWESD policies and performance standards for the purpose of identifying and addressing behavioral health and substance misuse issues within assigned student population.
• Participates in a variety of committees and activities (e.g. Student Assistance, Multi-Disciplinary, Re-entry, and Individualized Education Plan (IEP) meetings) to provide information about behavioral health prevention, intervention, and treatment.
• Provides support interventions to students to address and resolve behavioral health issues and substance misuse as needed.
• Assists in providing Tier I and II interventions to K-12 students.
• Provides onsite student and family counseling services within the student assistance framework.
• Communicates with and solicits assistance from county prevention officials, law enforcement personnel, and related social service agencies that address substance abuse or violence prevention in youth.
• Provides consultation and assists parents in accessing resources to enhance the social/emotional development of participating students, including access to professional mental health and substance disorder treatment services.
• Delivers Project Success curriculum and other relevant classroom presentations to K-12 students.
• Maintains a presence on campus and educates school staff, students, and parents on mental health/substance misuse topics to increase awareness, identification, referral, and service delivery.
• Supports the implementation and culture of a Positive Behavioral Intervention System (PBIS).
• Coordinates with school staff, health, social and mental health agencies to identify clients, and develop a referral system to use within the school environment.
• Assists teachers with integration of classroom activities to promote social skill development.
• Assists in developing drug and alcohol related policies at schools when needed.
• Ensures compliance with state & federal funding requirements by filing accurate, timely reports or other required documentation and maintaining accurate and confidential individual & agency records.

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Ability to work collaboratively and coordinate with service agencies, school district administrators/staff, and other support agencies that may have direct and/or indirect impact on individual student needs.
• Ability to develop and conduct prevention awareness activities.
• Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written format.
• Ability to work independently using effective time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to responsibly intervene in and constructively manage crisis and high-stress situations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, school district staff, parents, and community partners.
• Ability to demonstrate professionalism and appropriate appearance in all work-related venues and deal positively with obstacles and constraints.
• Ability to problem-solve and adapt effectively to a changing work environment.
• Knowledge of tiered interventions in school systems and coordinated community prevention strategies.
• Knowledge of risk and protective factors for mental health and substance misuse related problems.
• Knowledge of basic computer programs to complete assigned reports and record keeping.
• Knowledge of individual and group consultation practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of evidence-based programs and practices for high risk/emotionally and behaviorally challenged students.
• Knowledge of effective team processing, leadership, and decision-making techniques.
• Skill in screening, assessment, prevention and intervention techniques for substance abusing adolescents and their families.
• Skill in youth group facilitation, youth leadership and youth development.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree required, with focus on Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, Education, Human Services or Public Health preferred. WSP/FBI criminal history background clearance required. Valid Washington State driver’s license and proof of liability insurance required.

Other preferred qualifications include:

• One year of experience working with youth in a school or community services setting.
• One year of experience working in the substance prevention and/or treatment field.
• Successful experience working and collaborating with community agencies.
• WA State Chemical Dependency Professional Certificate with experience working as a school-based substance abuse intervention specialist.
• WA ESA school counseling certificate, WA State licensed psychologist, LICSW, LMHC, LMFT and/or children’s mental health specialist as defined by RCW.

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted which provides the skills, knowledge, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:

Work is performed approximately 90% in an office/school environment and approximately 10% traveling within assigned geographic areas of the NWESD region to complete essential functions and position requirements. Evenings and some weekends are required. Lifts and carries a maximum of 30 pounds. Adequate manual and finger dexterity, hearing, speech and vision are necessary to perform the essential functions of this position.

Hazards:  Those present in a normal office environment.  Routine travel may pose potential hazards including driving in inclement weather.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential functions of this position, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload. Changes to the position description may be made at the discretion of the employer.

It is the policy of the Northwest Educational Service District No. 189 to not discriminate against any person with regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, physical or mental disability, or citizenship or immigration status.