Position: Student Assistance Program Counselor (SAP)

Status: Salaried, Exempt

Reports to: Clinical Program Manager

Salary: $45,000 - $55,000

Location: Nashua Elementary Schools (in-person)

The Youth Council seeks two (2) dynamic, collaborative professionals to serve as full-time Student Assistance Program (SAP) Counselors in Nashua elementary schools. SAP counselors work collaboratively with school faculty to promote student well-being and substance use prevention.

Employed by The Youth Council with grant funding from the Nashua School District, these school-based counselors embed in Title I elementary schools to offer students behavioral health screenings, supportive counseling, small group education and, when appropriate, referral to treatment. Counselors also consult with school faculty, promote universal behavioral health and substance use prevention initiatives, and guide families through the referral process for students identified as needing more intensive support, such as mental health therapy.

Organization Description

TYC has been empowering youth and families in Greater Nashua since 1974, providing youth behavioral health and juvenile court diversion services that allow young people to feel seen, heard and supported in reaching their goals and potential. We partner with local schools and youth-serving organizations to reach youth where they are, reducing barriers to behavioral health access.

Essential Responsibilities

Counseling and Family Support (85%)

• Conduct behavioral health assessments and early intervention for students referred by school staff, faculty and/or parents/guardians.
• Offer individual, time-limited supportive counseling to students.
• Facilitate small-group sessions focused on behavioral health education and peer support (i.e. executive functioning, anger management, coping skills, grief, etc.).
• Guide families through the referral process for students needing higher-level interventions, such as mental health therapy.
• Promote school-wide prevention education in partnership with school faculty and the Nashua Prevention Coalition.
• Implement evidence-based programming and tools.

Administrative (10%)

• Participate in collaborative meetings with school staff and attend trainings and meetings required for TYC staff.
• Ensure documentation is completed thoroughly and on time.
• Track and report program data for grant funding.

Organizational Responsibility (5%)

• Support operations of The Youth Council as needed, including occasional help with agency fundraisers and collaboration with other TYC programs.
• Partner with colleagues and represent TYC through local collaborations.
• Collaborate as a staff to foster a positive and healthy work environment.

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in psychology or human services; Clinical Mental Health or Social Work Master’s degree a plus.
• 1-2 years experience in behavioral health, particularly with youth in diverse communities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Flexibility to work independently and collaboratively with all levels of staff.
• Passion for working with young people.
• Commitment to recognizing, understanding, celebrating, and utilizing differences in a multicultural community.

Work Environment

SAPs work full-time (37.5 hours/week) during the Nashua school year, with a schedule matching the District’s calendar and a 25 percent schedule during the District’s summer vacation. We believe in work-life balance and are committed to keeping the workload in alignment with the true hours worked. The Youth Council offers competitive wages, employee benefits including health and dental insurance covered 90% by TYC, disability and life insurance fully-covered by TYC, and paid time off.

Background Check

A criminal history background check will be conducted on the final candidate prior to beginning employment. Fingerprinting will be conducted by the school district when the successful candidate begins.

Equal Opportunity Employer

TYC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or any other class protected by law.

Hiring Process

To apply, please email cover letter and resume to Director of Finance, Administration & Development Faith Ayala at fayala@tycnh.org. Interviews will be scheduled on a rolling basis, as these positions are immediate openings.