Student Assistance Program Counselor - Hunt Middle School

Student Assistance Program Counselor

Hunt Middle School

The Burlington School District believes a diverse and culturally proficient faculty and staff are pivotal to the creation of a strong learning and working environment that supports student achievement and success. BSD administrators lead inclusive school communities with our vision: "Cultivating caring, creative, and courageous people. - Join the journey.”

The Mission of the Burlington School District is to graduate students who:

• Value different cultures;
• Engage with the community;
• Communicate effectively;
• Think creatively;
• Skillfully solve problems; and
• Achieve at their highest academic, intellectual and personal potential.

Burlington School District is seeking a dynamic and student-centered Student Assistance Program (SAP) Counselor to support middle and high school students across Burlington High School, Edmunds Middle School, and Hunt Middle School. This position focuses on engaging youth in prevention programming, leadership development, and community-based initiatives aimed at reducing substance use and promoting healthy decision-making. The ideal candidate is passionate about working with adolescents, skilled in group facilitation, and committed to empowering students as leaders within their school communities.

Essential Functions

Student Engagement & Program Facilitation

• Recruit, engage, and support student participation in prevention-focused groups and initiatives
• Facilitate youth leadership development using the One Voice Youth Empowerment Model (OVYE)
• Guide students in planning and leading school and community-based prevention projects
• Coordinate cross-school collaboration opportunities for middle and high school students
• Support youth-led outreach efforts, including peer education with younger students

Community Outreach & Education

• Partner with local organizations to promote substance use prevention and healthy decision-making
• Plan and implement school-based events and awareness campaigns
• Foster partnerships with community organizations to expand prevention efforts
• Stay current on best practices and trends in substance abuse prevention

Program Coordination & Administration

• Support implementation of grant-funded initiatives and program objectives
• Maintain accurate records for program tracking, reporting, and evaluation
• Assist with grant writing and program development efforts
• Ensure compliance with participation requirements (e.g., permissions, documentation)

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in counseling, psychology, social work, or a related field
• Eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship
• Current Apprentice Substance Abuse Counselor (ASAC) certification, or willingness to obtain within 90 days of hire
• Experience working with adolescents in group and/or individual settings
• Knowledge of substance abuse prevention, counseling techniques, and youth development

Preferred:

• Master's Degree
• Two or more years of experience working with adolescents
• Experience facilitating groups and leading youth programming
• Strong collaboration and partnership-building skills
• Experience organizing events or community-based initiatives
• Familiarity with data tracking, reporting, or grant-funded programs
• Experience working in a school setting

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong facilitation and public speaking skills
• Ability to engage, motivate, and build relationships with youth
• Excellent organizational and communication skills
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• High level of professionalism and confidentiality
• Valid Vermont driver’s license

Working Conditions

This role involves regular interaction with students, staff, and community partners across multiple school sites. Work includes both office and school-based environments, with occasional travel between locations and participation in events.

Salary & Benefits

As per the Master Agreement between the Burlington Board of School Commissioners and the Education Support Professionals of the Burlington School District.

Health and life insurance benefits are available for this position after a period of 45 working days. Dental benefits are available after 1 full working year. BSD Employee Benefits!

Equal Opportunity: The Burlington School District provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

The Burlington School District will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.