What are the responsibilities and job description for the Substance Abuse Speacialist position at Amarillo ISD?
OPEN UNTIL FILLED
PRIMARY PURPOSE:
Provide specialized services to students at risk for alcohol and drug abuse through individual and group counseling as required. Works with other professional staff to facilitate the most effective groups and to identify and prioritize individual needs and problems that may arise during group sessions.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Minimum Education/Certification:
Associate’s degree required
Bachelor’s degree, preferred
Valid Texas chemical dependency counselor license (LCDC) granted by the Texas Department of State
Health Services (DSHS) OR appropriate License and degree
Special Knowledge/Skills
Work effectively and collaboratively with students and school personnel
Understand and follow written and/or oral directions and to exercise good judgment
Work under pressure and with flexibility
Work independently, without direct guidance and supervision, as well as in a team setting
Must have strong organizational, communication and interpersonal skills
Must have conflict resolution and problem solving skills
Basic knowledge of accounting procedures
Knowledge of school district organization, operations, and administrative policies
Working knowledge of the Twelve Step Program of Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous
Work Conditions:
Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including personal computer and peripherals
Posture: Prolonged sitting and standing; bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting
Motion: Repetitive hand motions including keyboarding; reaching
Lifting: Lifting and carrying (less than 50 pounds)
Environment: Must be able to work with frequent interruptions and maintain professional demeanor
under stress; must be able to work flexible hours including summer and evening work; must wear
professional attire
Travel: Frequent district-wide travel
Regular attendance is an essential function.
Minimum Experience
Three years’ direct experience working in the field of Addiction Counseling preferred
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
1. Provide relevant Substance Abuse information for class curriculum.
2. Facilitate and co-facilitate didactic educational presentations, group counseling, and individual counseling
sessions.
3. Consult with teachers and relevant staff concerning student referrals, drug abuse prevention, and identification of
students at risk.
4. Provide staff development training in assigned schools on early identification of student alcohol and drug
involvement and intervention issues and serve as a consultant on drug abuse prevention and substance abuse.
5. Identify alcohol and drug treatment resources for students and parents and work closely with community agencies
to increase awareness of access to resources.
6. Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents required, including confidential client
records.
7. Select and recommend new instructional materials and programs for use in the substance abuse program.
8. Maintain knowledge of new developments in the field of substance abuse.
9. Maintain a collegial relationship with other substance abuse professionals, programs, and associations.
10. Facilitate crisis de-escalation sessions with clients as needed.
11. Participate in related training for substance abuse.
12. Assist students with a variety of issues such as substance abuse, bullying, anger management, depression,
relationships, stress and suicide
13. Oversee the maintenance and periodic updates of the THC/Vaping curriculum to ensure relevance and alignment
with educational standarnds and student needs
14. Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.
15. Ensure compliance with all local policies and state and federal statutes including the Educator Code of Ethics.
16. Perform such other tasks and accepts such other responsibilities as may be assigned.
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