Student Assistance Professional

About the role

Responsible for implementing comprehensive student assistance programming at Columbia Middle and High School that address problems associated with substance use and mental health concerns for the 2026-27 school year.

Responsibilities

• Provides tier 1 & tier 2 Behavioral Health supports to students including substance use/mental health screenings and referral information.
• Provides training to teachers, counselors, community youth workers, parents, students, school administrators as part of the ESD 123.
• Participates as a member of the Student Assistance Team at the school(s) assigned and assists in developing, maintaining, and/or enhancing an internal "identification, intervention & referral process" for school staff.
• Implement selected evidence based programming with fidelity.
• Facilitates school-based support/education groups to students along with individual support for students in need.
• Provides staff development training in behavioral health including prevention, intervention, recovery, and student assistance programming.
• Provides alcohol and other drug awareness and prevention programs for staff, students, parents, and community.
• Develops youth prevention/empowerment clubs that focus on substance abuse and violence prevention.
• Implements and maintains methods of program evaluation and review including primary prevention, secondary prevention and intervention, and student recovery and reintegration programs.
• Assists in referrals to treatment and provides support to students transitioning back to school from chemical dependency treatment programs, expulsions and suspensions that are directly related to alcohol/drug and violence issues.
• Maintains program records and files, compiles data and prepares reports as needed to comply with funding requirements.

Requirements

• Meet one of the following:
  • Bachelors in criminal justice, Behavioral Health, Social Work, Psychology, Education or other social services degree and the ability to obtain Certified Prevention Specialist credentials within one year of hire based on approved professional development plan by supervisor.
  • Washington State Substance Use Disorder Professional (SUDP) or employee may be considered in the process of obtaining a credential (SUDPT);
  • ESA school counselor, certified school psychologist, or school social worker with a minimum of 20 credit hours in substance abuse education RCW 28A.170.090,
  • DSHS qualified mental health counselor;
  • AA/AAS degree AND a minimum of 1 year direct service working with at-risk youth;
  • Years of relevant work experience can be substituted for minimum education requirements.
• Minimum 1 year of experience working with children.
• Minimum 1 year of experience working in behavioral health related field.
• Demonstrated case management / record keeping skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge of alcohol / drug abuse and mental health federal confidentiality laws.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of behavioral health assessment, intervention, treatment, and recovery process for children and families.
• Demonstrated knowledge of violence as it relates to bullying and harassment.
• Demonstrated verbal and written skills.
• Willingness to take direction from supervisors and understand ESD policies and procedures related to employee responsibilities.
• Ability to work successfully as an ESD team member by contributing to the ESD Strategic Plan, including supporting agency initiatives and sponsored events.
• WSP/ FBI background clearance required.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in a school setting.
• Demonstrated ability to work successfully with students and parents and community.
• Demonstrated ability to work successfully with school staff, including teachers, administrators and non-classified staff.
• Successful experience in working with and collaborating with community agencies.

Benefits

• Opportunities to receive on the job training
• Access to full benefits (Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance. Retirement Account. Medical Reimbursement Account, Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance etc.)
• SEBB Insurance Benefits
• Access to the agency's wellness program
• 10 paid sick days per year
• 2 paid personal days per year
• Receive customary school breaks with summer off

Pay

Hourly Rate: $32.23 (step 1/year 1) - $36.29 (step 5/year 5). Paid once a month on the last working day of the month. Receives an average monthly gross paycheck based on the number of days and hours assigned to the work calendar (Sept 01-Aug 31) and placement on the salary schedule.

Schedule

A full work calendar for this position is 195 days and 8 hours per day.