Elementary Prevention Counselor - 1.0 FTE

We want YOU here!
This posting is for the 2026-27 school year.
This is a new position created through a grant and will serve the locations of Hawthorne Elementary, Susan B. Anthony Elementary, Terry Redlin Elementary, Robert Frost Elementary.
In the Sioux Falls School District we believe early support and strong relationships can make a lasting difference in a child's future. Our Elementary Prevention Counselor will help students build the social, emotional, and behavioral skills they need to succeed both in and out of the classroom by providing prevention, intervention, and support services across multiple elementary schools.

In this unique role, you will partner with students, families, staff, and community resources to create safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environments where every child feels connected and empowered to grow. Elementary Prevention Counselors play an important role in helping students navigate challenges, strengthen coping skills, build positive relationships, and develop confidence during their foundational school years.

PURPOSE
The Elementary Prevention Counselor provides prevention education, early intervention, and student support services focused on promoting healthy choices, social-emotional wellness, and drug- and alcohol-free lifestyles among elementary students. This position collaborates with students, families, staff, and community agencies to create a safe, supportive, and prevention-focused school environment.

Requirements
EDUCATION LEVEL:
Bachelor's Degree in counseling, social work, psychology, public health, or a related field. Master's Degree preferred. A Valid State Counseling or Social Work licensure or certification (e.g., LAC, CAC, LPC, LSW).

Experience Desired
Experience working with children in a school or youth-serving setting preferred. Training or experience in prevention education, counseling, or mental health support preferred.

Physical Requirements
Constant hearing, hand-eye and mind-eye coordination; frequent repetitive motions with wrists, hands and fingers, scheduling, sitting, speaking, walking, talking and writing are required.

Other Requirements
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to create positive relationships. Strong organizational skills. Ability to plan, organize, and work collaboratively with other teams.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge of child development, prevention education, and social-emotional learning.


• Understanding of substance abuse risk factors and protective factors in children and families.


• Ability to build positive relationships with students, families, and staff.


• Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.


• Ability to maintain confidentiality and demonstrate professional ethics.


• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations and cultures.


• Skill in crisis intervention and de-escalation strategies.

YOUTH SUICIDE AWARENESS AND PREVENTION TRAINING
South Dakota Codified Law 13-42-71 requires certified educators to complete at least one hour of approved youth suicide awareness and prevention training every five years. Compliance is verified through district accreditation reviews. You will be required to provide your most recent certificate of completion prior to starting employment with the Sioux Falls School District.

Visit https://doe.sd.gov/suicideprevention/ to view the list of approved trainings and detailed instructions for completion. These trainings listed are the only accepted trainings per SDCL 13-42-71. Please carefully review the options before selecting a training as unapproved trainings will require you to retake an approved course.

Essential Functions & Duties

• Deliver age-appropriate prevention education lessons related to:

+ Drug and alcohol awareness
+ Decision-making skills
+ Peer pressure resistance
+ Emotional regulation
+ Healthy coping strategies
+ Bullying prevention and personal safety

• Provide individual and small-group counseling services for students identified as at-risk due to social, emotional, behavioral, or family concerns.


• Support students in developing positive relationships, self-esteem, resilience, and problem-solving skills.


• Collaborate with teachers, administrators, school counselors, social workers, and support staff to identify student needs and provide interventions.


• Coordinate the development and implementation of school-wide prevention initiatives and wellness programs.


• Serve as a resource for staff regarding substance abuse prevention, trauma-informed practices, and student mental health supports.


• Communicate and collaborate with parents/guardians regarding student concerns, resources, and intervention strategies.


• Provide school and community events to increase awareness regarding substance abuse prevention.


• Maintain accurate and confidential student records in accordance with district policies and legal requirements.


• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings, student assistance teams, and crisis response efforts as needed.


• Coordinate referrals to community agencies and outside support services when appropriate.


• Promote positive school climate and student engagement through relationship-building and proactive support.


• Stay current on prevention education practices, child development, and state/federal regulations through ongoing professional development.

View the complete job description here: Elementary Prevention Counselor

PAY INFORMATION
Starting at $53,981 to $60,793 per year, based on experience.

View the complete salary schedule here: 2026-2027 Teacher Salary Schedule

Pay Day: Last working day of each month.

HOURS & FTE
Monday through Friday

1.0 FTE, 40 hours per week, 9 months

CALENDAR
2026-2027 New SFEA Staff Calendar

BENEFIT INFORMATION
Benefits (only for positions 20 hours per week or more)

CURRENT DISTRICT EMPLOYEES
All current District employees interested in applying must complete an application.

Post-Offer Criminal Background Check Required

Relay Services for Deaf or Hard of Hearing: Dial 711, then the desired number

Share This Opportunity!
Use this link to share this opportunity: https://sf.schoolspring.com?jobid=5735260

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