Job Opportunities at CAPE
School-Based Prevention Counselor
Supervisor: Agency Director
Job Status: Salaried/Exempt
Job Type: Full-Time
This position involves providing evidence-based education and counseling services to students, faculties, and families within contracted Dutchess County School Districts, as part of CAPE’s substance use prevention efforts in our local community. This is a full-time, grant-funded position with a competitive salary and benefits such as PTO, paid holidays, mileage reimbursement, insurance options, and 401K options. Professional training and certifications are available through the organization. This position is subject to background screening, fingerprinting, and random drug testing.
Education/Experience
- Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling or Social Work
- Currently an LMHC or licensure eligible in NYS is required
- CASAC or CASAC–T preferred
- A minimum of one year of job or internship experience in the field of substance use and/or mental health
- Previous experience with adolescents, groups, and family work
Job Duties & Requirements:
- Present current, evidence-based, objective information on alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs to students, parents, faculty, other school personnel, and communities
- Evaluate any students referred because of alcohol/drug use and other related risk behaviors, and when appropriate, refer to more intensive treatment services and/or self-help groups
- Provide short-term motivational intervention to students misusing/abusing substances
- When appropriate, involve family members in prevention counseling sessions
- Conduct prevention education/counseling groups for various student populations: alcohol/drug users, children of alcoholics, students returning from residential treatment, and students at risk
- Participate in school committees (including Child Study Team, Children at Risk Team, SADD, and PPS) when requested
- Assist the principal and other school personnel in relationships with the community (including Drug Task Force, PTA, and coalitions)
- Maintain high visibility by attending after-school activities
- Consult regularly with the principal (or his/her administrative designee) and other appropriate school personnel to help develop a uniform policy regarding student alcohol and drug use
- Attend/participate in individual and group supervision as designated by Counseling Supervisor
- Complete any training activities approved by the Director
- Establish a plan to achieve LHMC licensure (if necessary)
- Serve on agency committees and, where appropriate and directed, contribute to the overall work of CAPE
- Facilitate and participate in the Teen Driving program, at your school or the district’s high school
- Maintain student files in compliance with OASAS regulations and CAPE agency policies
- Manage all reporting on a monthly basis (Stats/WITNYS) and an annual basis (narrative to the school district) per OASAS regulations, our county’s requirements, and the school district’s request
- Participate in CAPE agency fund development and attend agency events
- Per the Project Success model, visit/review referral sources and attend self-help sessions annually, in order to guide future referrals
Other responsibilities/duties as assigned by management, in the best interest of the agency
Other Requirements:
Ability to network within schools and throughout school communities
Familiarity with strategic prevention framework as well as risk and protective factors
Working knowledge of adolescent substance use disorder and mental health issues
Knowledge of Dutchess County’s human services network
Skilled with technology (general computer competency and experience with social media platforms)
Comfortable with Microsoft Office programs, Windows computer systems, and Apple iPhones
Professionalism – maintaining a professional image, proper attire, punctuality, positive attitude
Skilled with time management, multitasking, and prioritization
Intrinsically motivated with a strong work ethic
Excellent organization skills and high attention to detail
Ability to work both independently and with a team
Able to work independently with minimal direction
Excellent interpersonal communication skills
Ability to maintain confidential information
Valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle
Ability to lift and carry items up to 25 pounds
Bilingual preferred (but not required)
If interested, send a cover letter, resume, and references to lcestero@capedc.org.