Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist

This position provides education and prevention programming for students in substance abuse, smoking cessation, mediation, family dynamics, peer pressure, decision making, anger management, diversity, and related topics within Prince William County Public Schools. This key position requires a unique combination of substance education and treatment methods and strong communication skills to effectively support and guide students, families, and schools who may be using substances.

As a substance abuse specialist, you will play a crucial role in assessing students' needs, providing support to them and their families, partnering with outside agencies, and collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to ensure the highest quality of care. This position will be supervised by the Supervisor of Student Assistance and Prevention Programs.

• Provides substance abuse education and prevention programming for students in Prince William County Public Schools.
• Conducts comprehensive evaluations of substance use concerns and provides individual and group counseling; facilitates support groups.
• Designs and delivers substance abuse prevention programs for students, parents, and staff.
• Provides community education sessions and school-wide interventions.
• Interviews and supports students dealing with their own or others’ substance use; offers crisis intervention; coordinates referrals to external treatment services; prioritizes student needs within context.
• Works with school staff, parents, and multidisciplinary intervention teams to support at‑risk students, strengthen caring adult involvement, improve school engagement, and promote a positive learning environment.
• Maintains accurate, confidential records; prepares written and monthly reports; ensures compliance with federal, state, local, and district regulations, including PWCS confidentiality requirements.
• Stays current with best practices in substance abuse treatment.
• Conducts programs for students and parents in the evening, as needed, and provides follow‑up consultation to students where appropriate.
• Serves as a resource to school staff and parents regarding adolescent substance abuse, and violence prevention.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Knowledge of addiction models and evidence‑based treatment practices.
• Ability to implement a school and/or centrally based substance abuse prevention programs and violence‑prevention/conflict‑resolution programs, including both primary and secondary prevention.
• Ability to travel to school locations throughout Prince William County to meet with school personnel, parents, and students to assess student involvement in risk activities.

• Meet the basic educational qualification which is to be endorsed or hold a master’s degree in counseling, psychology, social work, or a related field.
• All staff will undergo a Virginia State Police and CPS background check and meet required professional credentials.
• Certification as a Substance Abuse Counselor (CASC) in the State of Virginia or another appropriate certification agency is required.