Summary:

Lifeways, Inc. is seeking a Substance Use Prevention Counselor for the 2026-2027 school year to begin in August.

Summary: Provide evidence-based substance use prevention services for youth as well as supporting and educating their families and community members. Provided services will primarily be delivered in the school setting or as requested in the Lifeways main office and communities associated with Lifeways, Inc. Addiction counseling services may also be provided if the counselor has the appropriate credentials.
Lifeways Counselors plan and implement evidence-based prevention curriculum in classrooms, small groups or to individuals; school wide substance use prevention awareness campaigns; substance use prevention education for school communities to include staff, parents or caregivers; screening, brief intervention and referral to identify and address substance use risks before they escalate. Credentialed Addiction Counselors may additionally administer integrated assessments and provide addiction counseling as needed.
Hours and Schedule: 40 hours per week, Monday- Friday, following a typical school day schedule with occasional nights and Saturday mornings as a part of a rotation of group facilitation. Follow the Lifeways annual calendar that coordinates with the school calendar year with much of the summer months off.
Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree: consideration for waiver of bachelor’s degree based on relevant work experience and education.
• While not required, experience teaching or engaging with youth—whether in classrooms, camps, community programs, or mentorship roles—will be considered a strong asset.
• For Addiction Counseling, must obtain and maintain compliance with South Dakota Board of Addiction and Prevention Professionals for ACT, CAC, or LAC credentialing.

Starting Salary: $28,000 - $39,500. Salary upon hire is determined through a differential model that recognizes experience, education, credentialing,
Annual salary is elongated over 24 equal payments - employees receive a regular paycheck even during non-working months.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Follow all policies and procedures of Lifeways, Inc. set forth in the Lifeways Employee Manual and the Policies and Procedures Manual.
• Follow requirements of Administrative Rules South Dakota Article 67:61 Substance Use Disorders and 20:80 Addiction and Prevention Professionals.
• Follow requirements of CFR 42 Part 2, confidentiality of substance use disorder patient records regulations.
• Follow all requirements of school administration while in the school setting that have been agreed upon between the school admin and Lifeways Directors.
• Stand and walk for long periods of time or distances within a school to deliver presentations in classrooms or other school settings.
• Demonstrate knowledge of substance use prevention and disorders to provide evidence-based prevention services.
• Implement evidence based and/or promising practices curriculum, following principles of effectiveness, and assures completion of evaluation material for outcome measurement.
• Conduct brief screenings to determine appropriate referral plan. This may include staffing with supervisor and collecting collateral information prior to making determination or recommendations.
• Communicates effectively and professionally with guardians, school staff, and referral agency or organizational partners.
• Conduct prevention education services with individuals, groups, and families.
• Deliver evidence-based curriculum in classroom settings which may include long periods of standing.
• Maintain prompt, professional clinical documentation for all direct and indirect prevention services.
• Participate in staff meetings and professional development.
• Utilize motivational interviewing techniques with youth to deal with and understand their strengths, goals, needs, and how substance use impacts their lives.
• Provide education, support, and opportunities for guardians/family to participate in prevention services.
• Read, analyze, and interpret professional periodicals, journals, technical procedures, and governmental regulations.
• Track and maintain prevention and treatment service and time logs.
• Complete professional clinical reports and correspondence.
• Effectively present information and respond to questions from guardians, school staff, referral agency or organizational partners, and key stakeholders.
• Critically think, solve practical problems, and take initiative.
• Manage crisis and stress in a healthy and effective manner.
• Maintain healthy professional and personal boundaries.
• Represent Lifeways in a professional manner and effectively promote the Lifeways vision and mission with integrity.
• Exercise of discretion and independent judgment with respect to matters of significance.

Competencies:

• Knowledge of evidence-based prevention principles, programming, and related curriculum and the six Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP) strategies. (Lifeways will provide training)
• Knowledge of social, behavior, psychological, and physical effects of substance use.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and ability to effectively utilize and develop professional documents within them.
• Ability to understand and identify symptoms of substance use; to gather interpret, report, and use information concerning clients; and to establish and maintain effective interpersonal relationships with clients.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret professional periodicals, journals, technical procedures, and governmental regulations.
• Ability to write professional clinical reports and correspondence.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from guardians, school staff, referral agency or organizational partners, and key stakeholders.
• Ability to critically think, solve practical problems, and take initiative.
• Ability to manage crisis and stress in a healthy and effective manner.
• Ability to maintain healthy professional and personal boundaries.
• Ability to foster a cooperative work environment.
• Ability to develop, plan, and implement short and long-range goals.

About Us:

Lifeways is a South Dakota 501(c)3 state-accredited adolescent prevention and treatment agency based in Rapid City for 20 years. Through prevention, intervention and connection, Lifeways partners with schools and communities to inspire and equip students to be healthy and substance free. Our experienced prevention and addiction counselors provide a continuum of services: classroom and individual prevention education, early intervention groups, outpatient treatment, and in-school recovery support groups.

Apply:

To apply please submit Resume and Cover Letter via Indeed or office@lifeways.us

Work Remotely

• No

Job Types: Full-time, Contract

Pay: $28,000.00 - $39,500.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

License/Certification:

• Certification as an Addiction Counselor (Preferred)
• License to teach in the state of South Dakota (Preferred)
• Bachelors Degree or working towards one (Required)

Work Location: In person