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 Student 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
- Minimum 3.0 GPA from your most recent degree
- Complete Academic Record
- Must hold one of the following:
- Valid NJ or out-of-state standard certificate as school psychologist, school social worker, school counselor, director of school counseling services, or school nurse; OR
- Valid Licensed Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC) credential issued in NJ; OR
- Valid Certified Prevention Specialist credential issued in NJ; OR
- Standard NJ or out-of-state instructional certificate; OR
- A master’s or higher degree from a regionally accredited institution.
| 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 | Student Assistance Coord. Internship | 3.0 |
| EDC6307 | Substance Abuse Counseling I | 3.0 |
| EDC6308 | Substance Abuse Counseling II | 3.0 |
| Total Credits | 21.0 | |