Operation UNITE : Unlawful Narcotics Investigation Treatment and Education
Substance Abuse Counselors
Providing early intervention has been shown to reduce the number of youth who experiment with drugs as they grow older. For those who are already experiencing substance abuse problems it is important to get them treatment as soon as possible. Often teachers and staff are not prepared to deal with these issues along with their other responsibilities. Substance abuse counselors are dedicated to providing intervention services.
Operation UNITE provides funding for 35 substance abuse counselors through contracts with school districts within its 29-county service area. Counselors are hired by individual school districts and are supervised by the district superintendent. Some counselors are shared between school districts while larger counties have more than one counselor.
Through December 2007 UNITE’s substance abuse counselors have conducted:
School year
Individual counseling sessions
Group counseling sessions
Parental contacts
2004-2005
2,150
167
453
2005-2006
17,360
2,312
4,205
2006-2007
21,881
2,521
5,306
2007-2008
9,571
1,654
3,548
Totals
50,962
6,654
13,512
Intervention services are provided primarily to middle and high school students who are beginning to experience substance abuse and/or are already experiencing substance abuse-related problems. They may counsel individuals, families or groups and may also engage in prevention programs.
Counselors must have a degree from an accredited four-year institution of higher education; possess or be working toward a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor certification; and have a bachelors degree in psychology, social work or sociology with five years of experience in treatment of substance abuse clients. Prior to offering any candidate employment as a counselor, and prior to completing the employment process, the local superintendent must first receive written verification from UNITE that the candidate meets all qualifications.
Job duties of a school drug counselor include:
Counsel students, individually or in group settings to assist in overcoming dependencies or deal with substance abuse or related problems.
Counsel with students that are exhibiting behaviors associated with beginning substance abuse.
Counsel with students or employees who have tested positive in school drug testing programs, as well as students that have violated the district’s drug and alcohol policies.
Formulate or coordinate program plans for treatment, care and rehabilitation of students.
Conduct or assist in school-wide substance abuse prevention/education activities.
Refer students or families to community resources when necessary to assist in substance abuse treatment or co-occurring disorders.
Monitor, evaluate and record student progress according to measurable goals outlined in treatment plans.
Submits reports of their activities to Operation UNITE.
