What are the responsibilities and job description for the Student Assistance Professional position at Educational Service District 123?
Position Title: Student Assistance Professional
Department: Student Support/Student Services
Reports To: Behavioral Health Coordinator
Location: Leona Libby Middle School - Richland, WA
Classification: Classified Non-Exempt (195-days)
Hourly Rate:: $32.23 (step 1/year 1) - $36.29 (step 5/year 5)
SUMMARY: Responsible for implementing comprehensive student assistance programming at Leona Libby Middle School that address problems associated with substance use and mental health concerns for the 2026-27 school year.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (to Include But Not Limited To)
Other Job Functions
Performs related duties as assigned.*
Requires Knowledge Of
"Yes, that is possible. Let me handle it, I'll figure it out."
"I am not sure, but I will find out for you."
"I have not done that before, but I can do it."
"I take a see-it, own-it, solve-it, do-it approach."
About Our Team And Agency
Helping students realize their dreams and aspirations is at the heart of everything we do at ESD 123. We accomplish this by embracing our employees as One Team, and operating with loyalty and commitment through compassion, dedication, and collaboration. At ESD 123, we strive to offer the highest quality customer experience by committing to our Culture Playbook, and always looking for ways to say, "Yes, and " Each member of our ESD team must be humble, hungry, and smart, with a focus on making his or her teammates look good while working toward achieving our mission.
We want this position to be one that you are or can be passionate about and look forward to embracing. We want you to grow, be challenged, and have fun while doing things that you are skilled at and enjoy. We are looking for someone who is proud to join our ESD One Team!
Working Conditions/Physical Requirements
The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 60% sitting, 20% walking, and 20% standing. The job is performed under a generally hazard free environment.
Hazards: Those present in a normal office environment; no known significant hazards.
Department: Student Support/Student Services
Reports To: Behavioral Health Coordinator
Location: Leona Libby Middle School - Richland, WA
Classification: Classified Non-Exempt (195-days)
Hourly Rate:: $32.23 (step 1/year 1) - $36.29 (step 5/year 5)
SUMMARY: Responsible for implementing comprehensive student assistance programming at Leona Libby Middle School that address problems associated with substance use and mental health concerns for the 2026-27 school year.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (to Include But Not Limited To)
- Provides tier 1 & tier 2 Behavioral Health supports to students including substance use/mental health screenings and referral information.
- Provides training to teachers, counselors, community youth workers, parents, students, school administrators as part of the ESD 123.
- Participates as a member of the Student Assistance Team at the school(s) assigned and assists in developing, maintaining, and/or enhancing an internal "identification, intervention & referral process" for school staff.
- Implement selected evidence based programming with fidelity.
- Facilitates school-based support/education groups to students along with individual support for students in need.
- Provides staff development training in behavioral health including prevention, intervention, recovery, and student assistance programming.
- Provides alcohol and other drug awareness and prevention programs for staff, students, parents, and community.
- Develops youth prevention/empowerment clubs that focus on substance abuse and violence prevention.
- Implements and maintains methods of program evaluation and review including primary prevention, secondary prevention and intervention, and student recovery and reintegration programs.
- Assists in referrals to treatment and provides support to students transitioning back to school from chemical dependency treatment programs, expulsions and suspensions that are directly related to alcohol/drug and violence issues.
- Maintains program records and files, compiles data and prepares reports as needed to comply with funding requirements. Is responsible for entering data on RMC Research website, submitting pre-post test program surveys to supervisor for use in evaluation.
- Assists in supporting the development and/or enhancement of alcohol and other drug related policies and procedures in school districts when requested.
- Other duties as assigned.
Other Job Functions
Performs related duties as assigned.*
- Related duties as required are duties that may not be specifically listed in the Position Description but are within the general occupational series and responsibility level typically associated with the employee's classification of work.
- Meet one of the following:
- Bachelors in criminal justice, Behavioral Health, Social Work, Psychology, Education or other social services degree and the ability to obtain Certified Prevention Specialist credentials within one year of hire based on approved professional development plan by supervisor.
- Washington State Substance Use Disorder Professional (SUDP) or employee may be considered in the process of obtaining a credential (SUDPT); or
- ESA school counselor, certified school psychologist, or school social worker with a minimum of 20 credit hours in substance abuse education RCW 28A.170.090, or
- DSHS qualified mental health counselor; or
- AA/AAS degree AND a minimum of 1 year direct service working with at-risk youth; or
- Years of relevant work experience can be substituted for minimum education requirements. For example, 2 years of related experience to 1 year of completed course work.
- Must maintain current certification, registration, and/or licensure and training requirements as required to maintain employment.
- Minimum 1 year of experience working with children.
- Minimum 1 year of experience working in behavioral health related field.
- Demonstrated case management / record keeping skills.
- Demonstrated knowledge of alcohol / drug abuse and mental health federal confidentiality laws.
- Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of behavioral health assessment, intervention, treatment, and recovery process for children and families.
- Demonstrated knowledge of violence as it relates to bullying and harassment.
- Demonstrated verbal and written skills.
- Willingness to take direction from supervisors and understand ESD policies and procedures related to employee responsibilities.
- Ability to work successfully as an ESD team member by contributing to the ESD Strategic Plan, including supporting agency initiatives and sponsored events.
Requires Knowledge Of
- Demonstrated knowledge and experience in a school setting.
- Demonstrated ability to work successfully with students and parents and community.
- Demonstrated ability to work successfully with school staff, including teachers, administrators and non-classified staff.
- Successful experience in working with and collaborating with community agencies.
- Opportunities to receive on the job training
- Access to full benefits (Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance. Retirement Account. Medical Reimbursement Account, Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance etc.)
- SEBB Insurance Benefits
- Access to the agency's wellness program
- 10 paid sick days per year
- 2 paid personal days per year
- Receive customary school breaks with summer off
- Paid once a month on the last working day of the month.
- Receives an average monthly gross paycheck based on the number of days and hours assigned to the work calendar (Sept 01-Aug 31) and placement on the salary schedule.
- A full work calendar for this position is 195 days and 8 hours per day. Below is an example of a gross monthly paycheck for a full work year:
- $4,189.90 (step 1/year 1) - $4,4717.70 (step 5/year 5)
- This amount may increase or decrease slightly based on hiring date and months remaining in the work calendar (Sept 01-Aug 31).
- Proactive self-starter. A strong sense of taking initiative moving forward without waiting to be told what to do and how to do it.
- Flexible and can thrive in a fast paced environment where you may have to wear several hats.
- Possess confidence while being humble lack excessive ego or concern about status. Willing to share credit, emphasize team over self and define success collectively rather than individually.
- Hungry always looking for more. More things to do, learn, and take responsibility for. Constantly thinking about the next step or opportunity.
- Smart have common sense about people. Good judgment and intuition around the subtleties of group dynamics and the impact of your words and actions.
"Yes, that is possible. Let me handle it, I'll figure it out."
"I am not sure, but I will find out for you."
"I have not done that before, but I can do it."
"I take a see-it, own-it, solve-it, do-it approach."
About Our Team And Agency
Helping students realize their dreams and aspirations is at the heart of everything we do at ESD 123. We accomplish this by embracing our employees as One Team, and operating with loyalty and commitment through compassion, dedication, and collaboration. At ESD 123, we strive to offer the highest quality customer experience by committing to our Culture Playbook, and always looking for ways to say, "Yes, and " Each member of our ESD team must be humble, hungry, and smart, with a focus on making his or her teammates look good while working toward achieving our mission.
We want this position to be one that you are or can be passionate about and look forward to embracing. We want you to grow, be challenged, and have fun while doing things that you are skilled at and enjoy. We are looking for someone who is proud to join our ESD One Team!
Working Conditions/Physical Requirements
The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 60% sitting, 20% walking, and 20% standing. The job is performed under a generally hazard free environment.
Hazards: Those present in a normal office environment; no known significant hazards.
Salary : $4,190