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REAL Journey Academies (RJA) is a non-profit charter school. Our vision is that RJA schools will transform our communities by raising expectations for achievement, offering a high level of opportunity, and educating the next generation of leaders. We aim to impact and revitalize communities through the development of education and other supportive partnerships
Job Description:
Under the supervision of the Director of Counseling Services, the Substance Use Counselor provides counseling and substance use intervention services to students in an alternative to suspension program – The incumbent works within the parameters of the designated grant
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Provide individual and group substance use counseling
Communicate effectively with youth; especially those experiencing stress, anxiety and depression
Make referrals to local and regional providers of social, health and other specialized services
Collaborate with team members and school administrators to implement the best counseling approach for referred students
Ability to positively interact and develop rapport with students and their families
Attend parent meetings as needed.
Communicate tactfully, diplomatically and professionally with those in the course of work
Maintain individual progress notes and group counseling notes
Prepare weekly and monthly documentations and reports.
Continuously monitor all caseload for ongoing treatment, consultation, intervention and referrals in support of a successful outcome
Cooperate as a team member by maintaining appropriate and professional relationships
Maintain confidentiality and only confer with persons with appropriate staff member(s).
Meet deadlines and adopt appropriate courses of action to meet the needs of the students, program goals and objectives
Operate standard office equipment including a computer and assigned software.
Desired Skills and Traits:
Best practices in substance use counseling methods and techniques of individual and group counseling with youth
Modern alcohol, tobacco and drug use prevention techniques and practices
Physiological, sociological and psychological aspects of substance use
Related health and social problems
Brief Intervention and Motivational Interviewing techniques
Research, data collection and evaluation methods and procedures.
Minimum Requirements:
A combination of training and experience, which would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities, may be qualifying. We reserve the right to determine if a candidate meets the qualifications. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Graduation from an accredited two-year college with major course work in Behavioral Science field, social work, or other closely related field.
Bachelor’s degree preferred
Specialized training and/or certification as a Substance Abuse Counselor (Required)
Employer may require candidate to attend additional training or obtain additional certification for position.
At least two (2) years intervention/counseling experience, preferably working with youth.
Required Skills/Abilities:
Experience with computers and software applications.
Proficiency with or the ability to learn current software and equipment.
Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
Physical Demands:
Working Conditions Environment:
Indoor school office environment
May encounter frequent interruptions
Driving a vehicle to conduct work
Physical Demands (with or without reasonable accommodations):
Mental acuity to perform these tasks, to make sound decisions and judgments in the sphere of assigned duties and to make determinations relative to the effective performance of the tasks
Facility and stamina to sit and stand for extended periods of time
Facility to see and read printed materials, with or without vision aids
Facility to hear and understand speech on the telephone, at normal room levels, and in workshop and training sessions
Facility to speak in audible tones so that others may understand clearly in normal conversation in person, on the telephone, and presenting at workshops and trainings
Manual dexterity to operate a telephone, computer, copier, calculator and other commonly used office equipment
Physical strength and agility to push, pull and lift any object weighing up to 25 pounds and carry any object weighing up to 15 pounds.
Compensation and Benefits:
This is an outstanding opportunity for a highly motivated Substance Use Counselor to assume a fundamental role in an innovative school environment. REAL Journey Academies offers its employees a competitive salary,
REAL Journey Academies offers its employees a competitive salary, commensurate with experience. We pride ourselves in offering a competitive benefits package that includes:
Benefits and Perks:
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Comprehensive HMO/PPO Medical, Dental and Vision Plans
- Virtual Medical Visits
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Health Savings Account
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Up to 12 Vacation Days
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10 Paid Holiday Schedule
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Company Paid Life & Disability Insurance
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Employer matched retirement plans (403b and CalSTRS)
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Employee Assistance Program
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Employee Discount Program
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Legal Insurance
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Additional voluntarily health benefits
- Opportunities for Growth & Development