Student Assistance (SAP) Counselor
Grades 9-12 | Job ID: 1031 | Position Type: Teaching – High School / School Counselor | Location: Portsmouth High School | Date Posted: 5/18/2026
Position Purpose
To provide leadership in the development of prevention and intervention activities for at‑risk students regarding prevalent adolescent social and emotional issues. Coordinate these activities between the school and appropriate community organizations.
Responsibilities
* Screen and assess students for risk factors that relate to the likelihood that they might engage in risky behaviors, such as early substance misuse and for protective factors, which will help keep them safe.
* Implement universal strategies and counsel groups and individual students, helping students manage conflicts to help minimize time out of class using strategies such as cognitive behavioral interventions.
* Implement short‑term individual and group counseling.
* Consult with teachers, staff and parents regarding student restorative plans.
* Participate and collaborate with Southern NH SAP peer collaboration group and the local prevention coalition “Partners in Prevention.”
* Complete monthly data reporting and participate in monthly state‑run meetings.
* Consult with teachers to facilitate the infusion of counseling learning activities into the regular education curriculum.
* Respond to crisis situations when appropriate.
Requirements
* Licensed Clinician in the area of School Counseling, mental health or Social Work.
Additional Duties
Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Principal and other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent. The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.
Equipment
Uses standard office equipment such as personal computers, printer, copy and fax machines, and telephone.
Travel Requirements
Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
* Thorough knowledge of alcohol, drug, and tobacco prevention and rehabilitation.
* Thorough knowledge of student assistance counseling.
* Knowledge of interviewing and counseling techniques needed to obtain information and counsel students with behavioral problems and problems related to substance misuse.
* Knowledge of the effects of alcohol and other psychoactive substances and of the chemically dependent person, his/her language, and the degree of the disease to identify symptoms and plan appropriate action.
* Knowledge of community organizations and institutions dealing with youth in order to choose services that can best help students in a variety of situations.
* Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis and the formulation of action plans.
* Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education and students.
* Ability to relate sympathetically to a potentially difficult student population.
* Ability to establish satisfactory relationships with others.
* Ability to use computer network systems and software applications as needed.
* Ability to organize and coordinate work.
* Ability to engage in self‑evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.
* Ability to effectively and cooperatively work with teaching staff members, students, parents, other district and local assistance program representatives, and the administration.
* Ability to provide leadership in the areas of substance awareness/abuse issues as well as on the development and implementation of intervention programs and training.
* Physical and mental demands, work hazards.
Qualifications Profile
* Certification/License: Licensed Clinician in the area of School Counseling, mental health or Social Work.
* Motor Vehicle Operator’s License or ability to provide own transportation.
Education
* Bachelor’s from an accredited college or university in an education discipline applicable to assignment.
* Master’s Degree preferred.
Experience
Successful prior experience for the appropriate grade level preferred.
FLSA Status
Exempt
Pay Rate
Follow Negotiated Pay Rate (See Teacher’s Agreement)
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