Substance Abuse Specialist

Salem City Public Schools; Salem (VA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Part time

Job summary

Salem City Schools seeks a part-time Substance Abuse Specialist for the 2026-2027 school year, approximately 4 hours per day, 5 days per week. This position is non-benefits eligible and open until filled.

The specialist will collaborate with school administrators to implement evidence-based prevention programs, provide counseling support, maintain records, and liaise with parents and community agencies to promote student well-being.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of substance abuse counseling and prevention strategies.
• Ability to deliver presentations to students, staff, and parents.
• Ability to follow complex instructions and work with diverse groups.

Responsibilities

• Implements evidence-based substance abuse prevention programs in middle/high schools.
• Conducts small groups and individual sessions with students.
• Maintains accurate records of student interactions and progress.
• Collects data and evaluates program effectiveness.
• Liaises with parents/guardians and community agencies.
• Supports administrators and staff with prevention initiatives.

Skills

Substance abuse counseling

Program implementation

Effective presentation

Relationship building

Education

High school diploma

Bachelor’s degree in human services or related field

Job description

Applications will be accepted beginning
Wednesday, August 5, 2026 12:00 AM
(Eastern Standard Time)

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Substance Abuse Specialist

Job Description

Salem City is searching for qualified applicants for a part-time Substance Abuse Specialist for the 2026-2027 school year. This is approximately 4 hours per day, 5 days per week. This is a part-time position, thus ineligible for benefits. This position is open until filled.

SUBSTANCE ABUSE SPECIALIST

GENERAL DEFINITION AND CONDITIONS OF WORK:

This position will collaborate with school administrators to implement and monitor evidence-based substance abuse prevention programs, assessments, and intervention techniques in the classroom and school setting to promote healthy behaviors and student well-being. The specialist may provide support and counseling services to students; provide case management; monitor students’ progress and make referrals, as appropriate; does related work as required. Work is performed under the regular supervision of the School Principal and the Coordinator of Student Services. This is a non-exempt position as defined by the Fair Labor Standards Act.

This is light work requiring the exertion of up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects; work requires reaching, fingering, grasping, and repetitive motions; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities; the worker is not subject to adverse environmental conditions.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/TYPICAL TASKS:

Providing support and education to individuals and groups of students. The Substance Abuse Specialist also…..

• Implements evidence-based substance abuse prevention program(s) in the middle school and high school grade levels;
• Conducts small groups and individual sessions with students to promote prevention of substance use;
• Conducts assessments and screenings to identify students at risk of substance abuse and provides appropriate interventions, as needed;
• Maintains accurate and up-to-date records of student interactions and progress;
• Collects data and evaluates program effectiveness;
• Offers resources to parents/guardians and facilitates communication between home and school environments;
• Serves as a liaison between the school and community agencies
• Stays informed of trends, current research, and best practices in substance abuse and prevention;
• Acts as a resource to administrators and staff regarding substance abuse and prevention and assists with conducting staff development activities;
• Participates in professional development activities, conferences, and workshops to stay updated on current programs;
• Performs related tasks as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Thorough knowledge of substance abuse counseling; ability to implement a strategic program; ability to deliver presentations to students, staff, and parents that effectively communicates information; ability to understand and follow complex oral and written instructions; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, teachers, parents and the general public.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to high school diploma or Bachelor’s degree in human services or related field with experience in substance abuse prevention/treatment for school aged children. Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC) or Certified Substance Abuse Counselor Assistant (CSAC-A) or certificate eligible is preferred, but not required.

March 2024

SALEM CITY SCHOOLS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Salem City Schools
510 South College Avenue
Salem, VA 24153
540-389-0130
540-389-4135