Masters Level​/Social Worker - Student Assistance Counselor

Description

Rhode Island Student Assistance Services (RISAS) provides evidence-based programs in schools and communities to prevent substance use and promote mental health.

Student Assistance Counselors provide prevention, early identification, assessment, intervention and referral of substance misuse and mental health problems in school setting; provide group services to children and teens who use substances, children of parents with substance use disorder and other vulnerable youth; provide school-wide awareness and outreach activities to students and families.

To implement the SAMSHA evidence informed student assistance program, a school-based framework designed to support students facing challenges that may hinder their academic success and wellbeing.

• Regularly conduct school wide awareness activities to increase the perceptions of the harm of substance use, positively change social norms about substance use, promote mental health awareness, and increase the enforcement of and compliance with school policies and community laws
• Deliver classroom-based prevention education, using an evidence-based curriculum
• Conduct screenings for substance use and other behavioral health concerns
• Complete comprehensive holistic psychosocial assessments
• Provide brief evidence-based individual and group interventions to students referred to the Student Assistance Program
• Facilitate parent programming including informational meetings, parent education and the dissemination of resources related to substance use and mental health
• Refer students and families in need of more intensive counseling, treatment, or related services to appropriate agencies or practitioners in the community and follow up with students, parents/caregivers and providers

• Learn and appropriately apply the priorities, policies, and procedures of the Student Assistance Program, the organization, and the school.
• Introduce and implement the Student Assistance Program in the assigned school setting.
• Generate referrals for target groups through screenings, classroom presentations, school events, student activities, and faculty or parent presentations.
• Provide training and consultation to school staff on substance use topics, including how to identify students who may be under the influence or impacted by substance use and how to refer them to the Student Assistance Program.

The Student Assistance Counselor is employed by RI Student Assistance Services and receives direct supervision from a RISAS supervisor. While embedded within a school setting, the SAC collaborates closely with building administrators and student support staff but remains accountable to RISAS for program implementation, clinical guidance, and performance evaluation.

Join our awesome team! Rhode Island Student Assistance Services (RISAS), a division of Coastline EAP, brings a 30+year history of providing school‑based mental health promotion, substance use prevention, education and early intervention, case management and referral services to middle and high school youth in Rhode Island. We are currently serving 73 schools in 32 districts. Our employees love their jobs—just ask them!

RISAS is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Bi‑lingual +$2,500 Stipend (if hired at a qualifying school*).

Rhode Island State Licensure (LICSW, LMHC, LMFT, LCDP) +$2,500 Stipend

CSAC Certification- +$2,500 Stipend

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package. Work schedule is the school calendar year. Summer and school vacations off!

• Master’s degree in behavioral health specialty:
  Social Work, Counseling or Psychology
• RI Student Assistance Certification (CSAC) after two years of full-time employment or the equivalent
• Computer competence using electronic data systems, email, and Microsoft Office.
• Professional verbal, written, presentation and training skills
• Ability to exercise sound professional judgment, manage crises, and maintain highest ethical standards/boundaries
• Knowledge of best practices in substance use prevention, treatment and education, school policies and procedures, and relevant educational law and practices
• On‑going compliance with professional continuing education requirements