Position Type: Student Support Services Date Posted: 9/2/2025 Location: Independence Middle Closing Date: 09/09/2025 County: Raleigh County Schools GameChanger Coach Job Description Position Title: GameChanger Coach: Peer Leader Program Reports To: School Principal (with support from the assigned GameChanger Specialist) WHAT IS GAMECHANGER? GameChanger is an evidence-informed, multi-level, universal substance use prevention program designed for grades 6-12. Anchored in behavior change theory, it empowers young West Virginians to live healthy, thriving lives while preparing them to be leaders of tomorrow. Through the Peer Leader program, middle school (grades 6-8) and high school (grades 9-12) students are selected to serve as Peer Leaders for their schools. These students learn to make healthy, drug-free choices and model those choices for others. Peer Leaders also help make their school a healthier, more supportive environment by leading activities that encourage their classmates to stay free from drugs and alcohol. GameChanger is currently seeking full-time educators or school staff from speci?c schools to join as a GameChanger Coach(es). Position Summary: The GameChanger Coach is responsible for bridging the gap between their school community and the GameChanger organization. Coaches will serve as the main point of contact between their school administration, faculty, students, and their assigned GameChanger Specialist. They will collaborate with their GameChanger Specialists to create, execute, and maintain the program in their respective schools. Aside from facilitating communication between their school and the GameChanger Specialist assigned to their school, the GameChanger Coach will also: Responsibilities:
- Program Implementation:
- Serve as an implementation, communication, and subject matter expert for their school community in all matters concerning GameChanger programming with support of the GameChanger Specialist.
- Build relationships with school staff to foster program buy-in and collaboration.
- Serve as the GameChanger coordinator, overseeing overall program logistics and implementation to ensure all components are implemented as designed. Examples activities include:
- Completing the Peer Leader selection process
- Co-leading the GameChanger Peer Leader Orientation Training with the GameChanger Specialist
- Facilitating six Peer Leader team meetings
- Providing guidance and support to Peer Leaders as they carry out their program activities (e.g., school announcements, bulletin boards/posters)
- Model positive behaviors and encourage Peer Leaders to apply key foundational skills taught through the lessons. Collaborate with school staff and external resources to refer students to additional support services as needed.
- Demonstrate a clear understanding of the signi?cance of implementing substance use prevention strategies in young people.
- Data Collection and Reporting:
- Collect and submit required program data.
- Attend and actively support all data collection efforts made by GameChanger.
- Sustainability and Professional Development:
- Attend all required trainings and meetings, including the initial orientation, technical assistance sessions, and end-of-year close-out meeting.
- Suggested participation in at least two quarterly Professional Learning Community Sessions with other GameChanger schools, complete any recommended Stigma Awareness Training, and engage in any other trainings provided by GameChanger to support program implementation.
- Work with the GameChanger Specialist to develop sustainability of the GameChanger program in the school.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in education, counseling, or a related field.
- Minimum of 3 years of experience working in a school community.
- Demonstrated experience as a student or youth group leader in schools, clubs, or community settings.
- Endorsement from school leadership (principal).
Preferred Qualifications:
- School counselor preferred. Alternatively, current state-specific prevention specialist licensure or other professional licensure (e.g., social work, psychology, alcohol and drug counseling, Community in Schools site coordinators).
- Experience in substance use prevention and knowledge of the dynamics of substance use disorders and its effect on individuals, families, and communities.
- Experience supporting substance use prevention efforts in school settings.
Equal Opportunity Employer: Diverse individuals are encouraged to apply. Minorities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.