Elementary Prevention Counselor 1.0 FTE
Sioux Falls, SD - USA
Job Summary
We want YOUhere!
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 childs 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: | Bachelors Degree in counseling social work psychology public health or a related field. Masters 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 Lawrequires 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 will be required to provide your most recent certificate of completion prior to starting employment with the Sioux Falls School District.
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 $53981 to $60793 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
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About Company
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