Student Assistance Coordinator (SAC) Program
The 21 credit Student Assistance Coordinator Program (SAC) prepares individuals for the broad range of responsibilities in PK-12 school districts across the State of New Jersey. The 21 credit certification program leads to eligibility for a New Jersey educational services endorsement as a SAC. The SAC works with students, families, and community resources regarding substance abuse related issues, social and emotional issues, behavioral issues, and crisis intervention and response. The SAC additional responsibilities include examining curriculum development, staff training, policy review, counseling and related services, community relationships and consultation, and implementation of other interventions needed to support students.
*Student Assistance Coordinator (SAC) courses (6 courses - 18 credits) are embedded in the M.Ed. School Counseling program. Students wishing to pursue the SAC NJDOE certification will graduate with their M.Ed. School Counseling and apply to the SAC program in order to take the final course, EDC6096 Substance Assistance Coord. Internship.
Upon successful completion of the program of studies for the 21-credit substance assistance coordinator (SAC) program, the student will earn a New Jersey educational services endorsement as a SAC, and will have given evidence of the following program outcomes:
- Assesses students' drug/alcohol involvement and makes appropriate referral to treatment facilities when necessary.
- Works in cooperation with treatment facility, counselors, parents, school personnel and students in developing and following through with the students' aftercare plan.
- Facilitates conferences with parents or child's guardian to review, discuss and/or implement appropriate steps and stages of intervention and options.
- Provides short-term counseling or group counseling for students with substance abuse problems or concerns.
- Implements and coordinates parent education programs related to substance awareness.
Requirements for Admission
- Completed application;
- Official transcript showing the award of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university. Transcripts from all institutions attended must be sent in a sealed and signed envelopes directly to the GCU Office of Admissions;
- Evidence of a cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0; and
- Evidence of one of the following:
- A valid New Jersey or out-of-State standard certificate as school psychologist, school social worker, school counselor, director of school counseling services or school nurse; or
- A valid Licensed Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor credential issued by the New Jersey Alcohol and Drug Counselor Committee of the Marriage and Family Board; or
- A valid Certified Prevention Specialist credential issued by the Addiction Professionals Certification Board of New Jersey.
- A standard New Jersey or out-of-State instructional certificate.
- A master’s or higher degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Student Assistance Coordinator (SAC) Program | ||
| EDC5010 | Curr Leadership for the Incl Sch | 3.0 |
| EDC5032 | Comm Serv for Stdts at-Risk & w/ Except | 3.0 |
| EDC5040 | Counseling Diverse Populations | 3.0 |
| EDC5101 | School Law | 3.0 |
| EDC6096 | Substance Assistance Coord. Internship | 3.0 |
| EDC6307 | Substance Abuse Counseling I | 3.0 |
| EDC6308 | Substance Abuse Counseling II | 3.0 |
| Total Credits | 21.0 | |