Summary:

The Student Assistance Professional will work collaboratively with the NWESD Behavioral Health and Prevention Services Director and local school district administration to implement comprehensive school prevention and intervention services in elementary, middle, and/or high schools. The Student Assistance Professional will implement evidence-based and best practices, in response to identified needs and/or specific grant requirements as applicable and support program development and implementation for at-risk students. The Student Assistance Professional will also provide coordinated service supports to children, families, and partner agencies to promote personal and social-emotional development for participating children/youth and to advance positive and productive learning environments.

Essential Functions:

• Conduct 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.
• Participate in a variety of committees and activities (e.g. Student Assistance, Multi-Disciplinary, Re-entry, and IEP meetings) for the purpose of providing information in the area of behavioral health prevention, intervention, and treatment.
• Provide support interventions to students for the purpose of addressing and resolving behavioral health issues and substance misuse as needed.
• Assist in providing Tier I and II interventions to elementary, middle, and/or high school students.
• Provide individual and family counseling services within the student assistance framework.
• Communicates and solicits assistance from county prevention officials, law enforcement personnel and related social service agencies that address substance abuse or violence prevention in youth.
• Provide consultation and assists parents in accessing resources in order to enhance the social/emotional development of participating children/youth, including access to professional mental health and substance disorder treatment services.
• Deliver Project Success curriculum, and other relevant classroom presentations to elementary, middle, and/or high school students.
• Provide onsite counseling for students and families in crisis, as needed.
• Maintain a visible presence on campus and educate school staff, students, and parents on mental health/substance misuse topics to increase student awareness, identification, referral, and service delivery.
• Support the implementation and culture of a Positive Behavioral Intervention System (PBIS).
• Coordinate with school staff, health, social and mental health agencies to identify clients, and develop a referral system to use within the school environment.
• Assist teachers with integration of classroom activities to promote social skill development.
• Assist in developing drug and alcohol related policies at schools when needed.
• Maintain accurate individual client records for the purpose of compiling and documenting activities in compliance with state and federal funding requirements.
• File reports and other required documents in an accurate and timely manner in accordance to state and federal funding requirements.
• Maintain confidentiality of student and agency records.
• Performs related duties as assigned. Related duties may not specifically be listed but are within the general occupational series and responsibility level typically associated with the employee’s classification of work.

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 problem-solve, intervene responsibly, 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 respond effectively to a changing work environment, using new approaches as appropriate.
• Knowledge of tiered interventions within 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.
• Demonstrated 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.