Substance Use Support Services

Starting in the 2019-2020 school year, the Kern High School District (KHSD) has employed Substance Abuse Specialists (SAS) to provide a comprehensive support system for students struggling with the use of alcohol and drugs. SAS staff are Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselors assigned to both comprehensive and continuation sites to collaborate with school teams and serve students in need.

Substance Abuse Specialists work within a Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS) framework and a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) to address substance use concerns, promote wellness, and help students succeed academically and personally. They focus on equipping students with social, communication, and emotional regulation skills to navigate risky situations and prevent substance misuse.

Questions: Please Contact Ben Amey, Lead Substance Abuse Specialist.

Tier 1 Support: Prevention and Awareness

At the universal, schoolwide level, SAS staff provide proactive education and resources:

Deliver substance use prevention presentations to classrooms and student groups.
Collaborate with site administrators, intervention teams, and school staff to establish a safe, supportive school climate.
Offer professional development and training for staff on recognizing signs of substance use and effective intervention strategies.
Engage parents and guardians through informational sessions to strengthen the home-school connection in supporting healthy choices.

Tier 2 Support: Early Intervention

For students showing early warning signs or at moderate risk, SAS staff provide targeted interventions:

Conduct screenings, assessments, and case conferencing to identify needs and create personalized plans.
Facilitate small group counseling to teach coping strategies and decision-making skills.
Provide individual counseling sessions related to substance use or abuse.
Collaborate with site social workers and interventionists to support students with co-occurring challenges and connect them with school-based and community resources.

Tier 3 Support: Intensive Intervention

For students at high risk or with significant substance use concerns, SAS staff deliver intensive, individualized support:

Develop and implement treatment plans in collaboration with mental health professionals, social workers, and community agencies.
Provide ongoing one-on-one counseling focused on harm reduction, recovery skills, and goal achievement.
Refer students to specialized programs, support groups, and external agencies when appropriate, ensuring continuity of care.
Participate in wraparound teams to ensure a whole-child approach, integrating academic, social-emotional, and behavioral supports.

Substance Abuse Specialists
	Ben Amey Team Lead District Office (661) 827-3100 ext. 53458
School Site Specialists If you are seeking support or wish to connect with a Substance Abuse Specialist, please click on your school’s name to be taken to the Student Request for Intervention and Supports form.
	Yvette Waterworth Arvin HS	Andrew Jones Bakersfield HS
	Georgianna Bracamonte Centennial HS Stockdale HS	Veronica Castro Central Valley HS Nueva
	Alice Mejia Del Oro HS	Lawanna Dixon East B. HS
	Ben Page Foothill HS	Rhyan Harris Golden Valley HS
	Alanna Serna Highland HS	Geoffrey Crain Independence HS
	Bill Chase Kern Valley HS	Adrieanna Jaime Liberty HS Frontier HS
	Juanita Gutierrez Mira Monte HS	Kelly Ballew North HS
	Ana Martinez Ridgeview HS	Kelly Borrego Shafter HS
	Renata Cruz South HS	Mayra Rivera West HS
	Sarah Tyler Tierra Del Sol HS	Rosalinda Cuellar Vista Cont. HS
	Joel Moreno Vista West Cont. HS