Student Assistance Liaison (SAP) - Part Time - Drug & Alcohol Commission

Job Summary

The Student Assistance Program (SAP) Liaison provides school-based substance use prevention, early intervention, and referral services to youth and their families. The SAP Liaison collaborates closely with school personnel, families, community partners, juvenile justice, and child welfare systems to identify student needs, reduce risk factors, and support positive educational and behavioral outcomes.

Essential Functions

• Provide consultation and technical assistance to school-based Student Assistance Teams by attending core meetings, supporting problem-solving around student concerns, and offering guidance on ATOD and gambling issues using a trauma-informed, culturally humble, developmentally responsive, strengths-based approach.
• Conduct school-based substance use and gambling screenings and comprehensive assessments for students referred through SAP, juvenile probation, and child welfare systems.
• Gather collateral information from school staff, caregivers, and involved agencies in accordance with confidentiality requirements.
• Engage students and families using trauma-informed screening tools, motivational interviewing, and brief intervention strategies; determine levels of substance or gambling involvement, assess risk and protective factors, evaluate readiness for change, and develop individualized action plans.
• Facilitate referrals to appropriate school based and community-based supports, including treatment when indicated.
• Advocate for students and families by reducing barriers to services and coordinating with treatment providers, managed care entities, and other systems.
• Collaborate with community partners, including Children and Youth Services, Juvenile Probation, mental health agencies, treatment providers, and prevention partners—to ensure coordinated and responsive care.
• Provide substance use and gambling related education, consultation, and Inservice presentations to school personnel, caregivers, and community stakeholders.
• Plan, coordinate, and facilitate school-based groups (including vaping cessation groups) using evidence based or evidence informed curricula, creating a safe, supportive, and nonpunitive environment that emphasizes skill building and self-efficacy.
• Maintain accurate, timely documentation using established assessment tools, data systems, and reporting formats, including weekly, quarterly, and annual reports.
• Utilize technology and web-based tools to deliver SAP services, facilitate groups, and complete documentation in both in-person and virtual formats.
• Conduct follow-up contacts with students and families to support engagement with recommended services.
• Participate in Student Assistance Unit meetings, Operations Team meetings, and interagency/provider meetings.
• Complete required professional development and trainings, including SAP New Member Training, trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, group intervention facilitation, ASAM, CRN, vaping/nicotine education as others as required.
• Create a safe, supportive, and non-punitive group environment that emphasizes skill-building, education, and self-efficacy.
• Conducts Court Reporting Network (CRN) screening for Driving under the Influence (DUI) offenders.
• Complies with all applicable State and Federal laws and regulations related to confidentiality, substance use disorder services, and school-based programming.
• May participate in court proceedings as required and appropriate.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Education

• Minimum Requirements to Perform the Work: Bachelor’s degree in social work, Psychology, Counseling, Education, Human Services, Public Health, or a related field required.
• Relevant computer proficiency required.
• Master’s degree Preferred Certification through the PA Certification Board or licensure preferred.

Work Experience

• One year of experience in substance use prevention, early intervention, behavioral health, or youth-serving systems preferred.
• An equivalent combination of education, training and experience may be accepted.
• Related education may be substituted for the required experience, and appropriate experience may be substituted for the required education.

Clearances

• Prior to employment, candidate must receive clearances from: PA State Police, FBI, PA Child Abuse Registry, and Office of the Inspector General.

Benefits

• Retirement Benefits: County Retirement Pension5% minimum pre-tax contribution required, with the option of increasing your contribution over 5% up to 15% post-tax
• Paid Time Off (PTO): VacationAccrual based on number of hours worked
• Additional Benefits: Opportunities for advancement