Substance Abuse Counselor (2025-2026 School Year)

DAYS PER YEAR: 203 DAYS

SALARY MIN: $64,260

(Based on 2024-2025 Pay Scale)

JOB TITLE: Substance Abuse Counselor – High School

REPORTS TO: Principal

WAGE/HOUR STATUS: Exempt

PAY GRADE: AI2       

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

The Substance Abuse Counselor is responsible for providing direct intervention and support services to students and for consulting with teachers, support personnel, parents at the high school and for serving as consultant liaison to elementary, middle school and community agencies on prevention activities.

The Professional School Counselor must act with integrity, support organizational goals, demonstrate the ability to inspire, grow and motivate others, utilize feedback, drive for results and commit to championing the needs of the students, employees and overall District.

All employees of SISD are expected to act with integrity, support organizational goals, communicate in a clear and respectful manner, championing the needs of our students and drive continuous improvement.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required:

• Master’s degree in Counseling from an accredited college or university
• Texas Teacher certificate as required by the State Board of Education Certification
• Texas School Counselor certificate as required by the State Board of Education Certification
• Two years teaching experience

Preferred:

• Two years counseling experience in a drug intervention program

SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS:

• Knowledge of child development, with emphasis on adolescent needs
• Ability to provide substance abuse treatment and education
• Ability to work effectively with students and manage their behavior
• Ability to present to large groups of students and adults
• Ability to coordinate activities of volunteers
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

MAJOR REPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

• Provides direct services to students who are referred for substance abuse problems.

• Assesses referred students to determine the extent of substance abuse problems.
• Contacts and assists parents in referral to treatment with outside agencies.
• Provides group and individual counseling for students currently involved in substance abuse, recovering from substance abuse or dealing with other addictions.
• Serves as a liaison to coordinate school services with outpatient and inpatient substance abuse agency services.
• Provides group and individual counseling for students returning from treatment for substance abuse.
• Provides group and individual counseling for students whose parents are substance abusers.
• Coordinates assessment, referral and counseling services with appropriate staff and agencies including Youth Service Workers, Children’s Protective Services, etc.

• Acts as a resource for substance abuse prevention for high school and feeder school principals upon request.

• Provides consultation and/or in-service to principals, counselors, teachers and parents.
• Assists in identification and educational planning for students with substance abuse problems.
• Teaches methods of intervention and group counseling to counselors who provide services to students with substance abuse problems.

• Consults and assists in activities which will improve services in the areas of identification, assessment, prevention and/or intervention methods related to substance abuse.

• Performs other appropriate duties as assigned by the principal.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The usual and customary methods of performing the job’s functions require the following physical demands:  physical mobility, standing, prolonged sitting, some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling.  This position will also require both traveling within the district and state wide. Mental demands: Ability to solve problems and deal with a variety of situations; ability to interpret a variety of data; ability to interpret TEC and policy; ability to apply knowledge of current research and theory, ability to be effective in both oral and written communication; ability to maintain emotional control under stress.

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.

Salary : $64,260