SAP Position Overview:

The student assistance professional (SAP) is responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating programs that promote healthy, substance-free lifestyles among students. This position focuses on education, early intervention, and prevention strategies aimed at reducing substance use and associated risk behaviors. The SAP collaborates with school staff, families, and community partners to create supportive environments and provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to make positive choices.

Key Responsibilities:

• Establish safe and supportive relationships with students and maintain a consistent presence in school.

• Design and deliver age-appropriate substance abuse prevention curriculum and presentations.

• Provide individual and group counseling related to substance use, decision-making, and peer pressure.

• Identify students who may be at risk and offer early intervention support or referrals.

• Partner with families, school personnel, and local organizations to strengthen prevention efforts.

• Organize and participate in school-wide awareness events, campaigns, and workshops.

• Maintain accurate documentation and prepare reports as needed.

• Stay current on research and best practices in substance use prevention and adolescent mental health including attending required trainings regarding substance misuse prevention and the use of CRAFFT and GAIN screening tools.

• Attend supervision on a bi-monthly basis with a licensed clinician.

• Meet regularly with area SAP counselors to consider collaboration of services.

• Collaborate with project partners.

• Coordinate activities with project partners including Peer Recovery Coaches from Turning Point Center of Central Vermont.

• Attend monthly meetings as a member of the local community coalition: Central Vermont Prevention Coalition.

• Become trained in the HOPE (Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences) model and infuse framework in daily work.
  
  Qualifications

  To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily, in addition to the following.

  
  Education and Experience. Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Counseling, or other appropriate discipline plus relevant experience preferred (or a combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and skills are acquired). Requires familiarity with substance misuse prevention, intervention, and treatment, and recovery methods. Working knowledge of the fundamentals of emotional, behavioral, and mental health issues of the students served.

  
  Communication & Interpersonal Skills. Ability to effectively communicate and work cooperatively with a diverse group of individuals, including students, peers, supervisors, parents, and representatives of outside organizations. Must be able to complete documentation accurately and in a timely manner. Must be able to work independently, use sound judgment and creative thinking. Must be able to handle multiple concurrent tasks and promote teamwork.
  
  Certifications and Licenses

  Position Overview:
  
  The student assistance professional (SAP) is responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating programs that promote healthy, substance-free lifestyles among students. This position focuses on education, early intervention, and prevention strategies aimed at reducing substance use and associated risk behaviors. The SAP collaborates with school staff, families, and community partners to create supportive environments and provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to make positive choices. The SAP will also work closely with collaborators at Central Vermont Medical Center.
  
  Key Responsibilities:

  • Establish safe and supportive relationships with students and maintain a consistent presence in school.

  • Design and deliver age-appropriate substance abuse prevention curriculum and presentations.

  • Provide individual and group counseling related to substance use, decision-making, and peer pressure.

  • Identify students who may be at risk and offer early intervention support or referrals.

  • Partner with families, school personnel, and local organizations to strengthen prevention efforts.

  • Organize and participate in school-wide awareness events, campaigns, and workshops.

  • Maintain accurate documentation and prepare reports as needed.

  • Stay current on research and best practices in substance use prevention and adolescent mental health including attending required trainings regarding substance misuse prevention and the use of CRAFFT and GAIN screening tools.

  • Attend supervision on a bi-monthly basis with a licensed clinician.

  • Meet regularly with area SAP counselors to consider collaboration of services.

  • Collaborate with project partners.

  • Coordinate activities with project partners including Peer Recovery Coaches from Turning Point Center of Central Vermont.

  • Attend monthly meetings as a member of the local community coalition: Central Vermont Prevention Coalition.

  • Become trained in the HOPE (Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences) model and infuse framework in daily work.
    
    Qualifications

    To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily, in addition to the following.

    
    Education and Experience. Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Counseling, or other appropriate discipline plus relevant experience preferred (or a combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and skills are acquired). Requires familiarity with substance misuse prevention, intervention, and treatment, and recovery methods. Working knowledge of the fundamentals of emotional, behavioral, and mental health issues of the students served.

    
    Communication & Interpersonal Skills. Ability to effectively communicate and work cooperatively with a diverse group of individuals, including students, peers, supervisors, parents, and representatives of outside organizations. Must be able to complete documentation accurately and in a timely manner. Must be able to work independently, use sound judgment and creative thinking. Must be able to handle multiple concurrent tasks and promote teamwork.
    
    Certifications and Licenses

    The Student Assistance Program professional (SAP) should be:
    Certified or licensed as an Alcohol and Drug Professional (CADC or LADC) or hold Prevention Certification
    Depending on the candidate they may hold other certifications pertinent to the work of the SAP.
    
    Skills and Abilities
    Skills
    Basic reading and computation skills, and appropriate oral and written expression; thorough knowledge of English grammar and usage.
    
    Abilities
    Work cooperatively in a team environment to meet goals
    Organize and perform work independently
    Work on multiple projects while meeting all deadlines
    Show sustained effort and enthusiasm in quality and quantity of work