Youth Prevention Program Specialist- Northern VA/MD (Part time)

Caron Treatment Centers; Bethesda (MD); On-site; USD 26,000 - 39,000; Part time

Job summary

In a crucial role as a Student Assistance Program Specialist, you will provide essential behavioral health support to young people in local schools and agencies. This part-time position allows for flexible hours while making a meaningful impact from August to June. Join a dedicated team at a leading organization focused on youth development and health.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Minimum of 1 year working with adolescents, preferably in school or public health.
• Knowledge of adolescent development and chemical dependency.

Responsibilities

• Deliver Project CONNECT curricula to schools and agencies.
• Provide consultation and assessment for students in need.
• Facilitate entrance to treatment programs when necessary.

Skills

Effective communication

Public speaking

Active listening

Education

Bachelor’s degree in human services, education, or a related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Want to make a difference in the life of a young person? As a Student Assistance Program Specialist at Caron, you’ll join a diverse team of over 75 behavioral health professionals and educators. Our Specialists provide services to kids K-12, as well as college students and even athletes.

This position is rooted at the very heart of our communities. You’ll work on-site at local schools and child serving agencies to provide the behavioral health support young people need, from prevention of high-risk behaviors to intervention services related to substance use and mental health concerns. Working in collaboration with school professionals and parents is a primary aspect of the position, and our goal is to build resilience for the young people we work with.

We offer flexible work hours within a traditional school-year schedule, meaning your summers are free. This position will work part-time seasonal schedule, working approximately 25 hours per week from August to June. Applicants should possess at least one year of experience working with youth in an educational or public health setting, with a solid understanding of the effects of substance use, including nicotine, on development.

This position is being hired for the start of the August 2025-2026 school year.

Target staffing in Bethesda, Arlington, Alexandria, Darnestown areas—covering Northern VA counties, Montgomery County, MD, and parts of the District of Columbia area.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Deliver Project CONNECT and approved student assistance curricula to schools and other agencies as requested, including group, individual, classroom, and assembly facilitation.
2. Market and promote programs to all schools as requested by supervisor.
3. Participate in staff meetings, report progress, and discuss areas of concern.
4. Provide consultation, assessment, and referral for students identified by student assistance teams in each school when needed.
5. Complete all documentation (e.g., KIT entries, reporting) and submit to supervisor.
6. Provide technical assistance (e.g., Team Maintenance sessions) to all school SAP teams requesting such.
7. Facilitate entrance to treatment programs for students and school districts when needed.
8. Provide in-services on alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs to faculty or agency staff upon request.
9. Provide parent education on alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs when requested.

This job description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions; it does not restrict or prescribe tasks that may be assigned.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those needed to perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.
2. Must be able to present to audiences in large and small group settings, which may require long periods of time and multiple presentations.
3. Must be able to work extended hours and travel as needed.
4. Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Bachelor’s degree in human services, education, or a related field required.
2. A minimum of 1 year working with adolescents, preferably in a school-based or public health setting.
3. Education related to adolescent development and chemical dependency.
4. Completion of the Project CONNECT Facilitator Training and Caron’s Commonwealth Approved Student Assistance Program training, upon hire if deemed appropriate.
5. Additional trainings such as Life Skills and PATHS may be assigned.
6. If in recovery, 2 years of uninterrupted sobriety preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

1. Effective communication skills, including public speaking and active listening.
2. Computer literacy, especially with Microsoft Office and network components.
3. Strong communication skills that promote teamwork and morale, and the ability to promote services through media channels.
4. Familiarity with principles of various 12-step fellowships.
5. Knowledge of adolescent development and chemical dependency, including tobacco cessation and its impact on school-based services.
6. Strong presentation and group facilitation skills.

Education: Bachelor’s degree required.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.