Drug & Alcohol Student Assistant (SAP) Liaison

US Lawns; Carlisle (Cumberland County); Hybrid; USD 77,146,000 - 81,278,000; Full time

Job summary

Cumberland County is seeking a Caseworker I – Drug & Alcohol Case Manager (SAP Liaison) to provide school-based substance use prevention, early intervention, and referral services. You will collaborate with school personnel, families, and community partners to identify needs and support positive outcomes using trauma-informed care.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree in a related field, at least some experience in youth services, and required state/federal clearances.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, Psychology, Counseling, Education, Human Services, Public Health, or related field required. Relevant computer proficiency required.
• One year of experience in substance use prevention, early intervention, behavioral health, or youth-serving systems preferred.
• Clearances from PA State Police, FBI, PA Child Abuse Registry, and Office of the Inspector General must be obtained and maintained.

Responsibilities

• Provides ongoing consultation to school-based Student Assistance Teams and attends core team meetings.
• Conducts on-site substance use screenings and comprehensive assessments for students referred through SAP and other systems.
• Uses trauma-informed screening, motivational interviewing, and brief interventions for students and families.
• Develops individualized action plans and facilitates referrals to school-based and community supports.
• Collaborates with community partners to ensure coordinated care and reduce barriers to services.
• Maintains accurate documentation and reports as required.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in social work, Psychology, Counseling, Education, Human Services, Public Health, or a related field

Relevant computer proficiency

Trauma-informed care principles

Job description

Job Description

Department: Cumberland Perry Drug & Alcohol Commission

Address: Dennis Marion Public Services Building, 16 W. High Street, Suite 302, Carlisle, PA17013

Work Hours:Full-Time 8:00am-4:30pm, will vary at times based on school schedules

Type Position: Permanent, Full-Time, Non-Exempt, Merit Hire

External or Internal: External

Position Code: DU2006

Title:Caseworker I – Drug & Alcohol Case Manager

Salary:$27.03

Five Factor Grade: 110

Posting Period: October 8, 2026 - open until filled

Recruitment Methods:

• KeldairHR Merit Hire Posting
• Transfer
• Reassignment
• Voluntary Demotion
• Promotion

Job Summary

The Student Assistance Program (SAP) Liaison provides school-based substance use prevention, early intervention, and referral services to youth and their families using a trauma-informed, developmentally responsive, and strengths-based approach.

The SAP Liaison collaborates closely with school personnel, families, community partners, juvenile justice, and child welfare systems to identify student needs, reduce risk factors, and support positive educational and behavioral outcomes. All services are delivered in alignment with trauma-informed care principles, cultural humility, and applicable confidentiality laws.

Essential Functions

• Provides ongoing consultation and technical assistance to school-based Student Assistance Teams by attending regularly scheduled core team meetings, supporting problem-solving around student concerns, and offering guidance related to alcohol, tobacco, vaping, and other drug (ATOD) issues within a trauma-informed framework.
• Conducts on-site, school-based substance use screenings and comprehensive assessments for students referred through SAP, juvenile probation, and/or child welfare systems. Gathers collateral information from school teams, caregivers, and involved systems, in accordance with confidentiality and consent requirements.
• Utilizes trauma-informed screening, motivational interviewing, and brief intervention strategies to engage students and families, including brief interventions related to nicotine and vaping use.
• Determines level of substance involvement, associated risk and protective factors, and readiness for change; develops individualized action plans and facilitates referrals to appropriate school-based and community-based supports, including treatment services when indicated.
• Advocates for students and families to reduce barriers to services, including coordination with treatment providers, managed care entities, and other systems as appropriate.
• Collaborate with community partners including Children and Youth Services, Juvenile Probation, treatment providers, mental health agencies, and prevention partners to ensure coordinated and responsive care.
• Provides ATOD-related education, consultation, and in-service presentations to school personnel, parents/caregivers, and community stakeholders upon request.
• Maintains accurate, timely, and compliant documentation using established assessment tools, data systems, and reporting formats, including required weekly, quarterly, and annual reports.
• Travels throughout Cumberland County to schools and other service locations to fulfill SAP-related responsibilities.
• Plans, coordinates, and facilitates school-based vaping cessation groups using evidence-based or evidence-informed curricula that are developmentally appropriate and trauma-informed.
• Collaborates with prevention staff, SAP team members, and community partners to align group services with broader prevention and intervention initiatives.

Additional Primary Job Functions

• Conducts follow-up contacts with students and families to support engagement with recommended services and reinforce progress.
• Utilizes technology and web-based tools to deliver SAP services, facilitate groups, and complete required documentation in both in-person and virtual formats.
• Participate in Student Assistance Unit meetings, Operations Team meetings, and relevant interagency or provider meetings.
• Completes required professional development and trainings, including but not limited to SAP New Member Training, trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, group facilitation, ASAM criteria, vaping/nicotine education, and other evidence-based practices.
• Complies with all applicable State and Federal laws and regulations related to confidentiality, substance use disorder services, and school-based programming. May participate in court proceedings as required and appropriate.
• Conducts Court Reporting Network (CRN) screening for Driving under the Influence (DUI) offenders and records information in PennDOT

Other Duties

• Responds to requests for information and referral related to substance use and other youth-serving resources.
• Conducts Court Reporting Network (CRN) screenings for DUI offenders when assigned and maintains required documentation and databases.
• Performs other related duties as assigned. Some evening or weekend hours may be required.
• Creates a safe, supportive, and non-punitive group environment that emphasizes skill-building, education, and self-efficacy.

Minimum Requirements to Perform the Work

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, Psychology, Counseling, Education, Human Services, Public Health, or a related field required. Relevant computer proficiency required.

Work Experience

• One year of experience in substance use prevention, early intervention, behavioral health, or youth-serving systems preferred.
• An equivalent combination of education, training and experience may be accepted. Related education may be substituted for the required experience, and appropriate experience may be substituted for the required education.

Clearances

• Prior to employment, candidate must receive clearances from: PA State Police, FBI, PA Child Abuse Registry, and Office of the Inspector General. These clearances must be maintained throughout employment.

Selection Criteria

• Meet the minimum experience, education, and training for the job.
• Meritorious service: defined as the absence of any discipline above the level of written reprimand during the 12 months preceding the closing date of the posting.

Current County Employees will follow the County Promotion/Demotion Policy.

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations for the interview due to a disability, please advise the interviewer of the accommodations you require well in advance of the scheduled date.

CUMBERLAND COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY & AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER

Company Description

Mission Statement: To provide essential services that respond to community needs and promote well-being, while maintaining a financially sound foundation.

Benefits

Medical Benefits

• Capital Blue Cross Medical Insurance
  • Health Savings Account
  • Wellness program with wellness incentives
• Capital Blue Cross Vision Insurance
• United Concordia Dental Insurance

Retirement Benefits

• County Retirement Pension
  • 5% minimum pre-tax contribution required, with the option of increasing your contribution over 5% up to 15% post-tax
  • Fully vested after 5 years of credited service
  • Normal Retirement Options
    • Age 55 with 20 years of credited service
    • Age 60 with any amount of credited service
• Voluntary 457b Deferred Compensation Plan
• Military Time Buy Back Options

Paid Time Off

• Vacation
  • 10 days per year, accrued per pay period (Non-Exempt)
  • 15 days per year, accrued per pay period (Exempt)
  • Increase for both Non-Exempt and Exempt of 5 days per year after 2 years of service
• Personal
  • 3 Personal days per year, pro-rated based on starting date
• Sick
  • 5 Sick days per year, pro-rated based on starting date
• 12 Paid County Holidays
  • No waiting period to receive paid holidays

Additional Benefits

• Educational Assistance
  • 80% of cost of tuition and books up to the annual IRS limit per calendar year (after 6 months of Full-Time Employment)
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) – certain eligibility requirements must be met
• Employee Assistance Program
  • Resources for: Childcare, Eldercare, Legal, Financial, and Coaching
• Flexible Spending Account
• Dependent Care Account
• Short Term Disability
• Long Term Disability
• Life Insurance