Student Assistance Coordinators (SACs) support the needs of all students and families through education, prevention, early intervention, and referral services. SACs promote healthy lifestyles, student well-being, and academic success.
As certified and specially trained intervention specialists, SACs help address challenges that may impact a student's ability to thrive in school. Often, academic struggles, attendance issues, or disengagement from activities can be signs of deeper concerns.
The SAC provides confidential support and counseling for students and families facing a range of issues, including:
Mental Health Concerns
Substance Use and Misuse
Adjustment and Transition
Family Dynamics
Friendship/Relationship Dynamics
Gender and Sexuality
Eating Disorders
Loss/Grief
School Refusal
Confidentiality Matters
Adolescents are often hesitant to share personal struggles with adults due to concerns about how it might affect their self-image, relationships, or academic standing. They may worry that opening up to teachers, coaches, administrators, peers, or even family members could lead to judgment, disciplinary consequences, or changes in how they’re perceived.
To protect students seeking help, federal confidentiality regulations (42 CFR Part 2) have been established by Congress. These laws ensure that students can access support from school-based counselors without fear that their personal information will be shared inappropriately.
As a trained counselor and intervention specialist, the Student Assistance Counselor (SAC) is skilled in:
-Building trusting relationships with students and families
-Communicating sensitively and effectively
-Developing appropriate, individualized treatment or support plans
-Connecting students to external community resources when needed
Confidential support is a critical part of what we offer—and it’s always here when students need it.
Why the Student Assistance Counselor (SAC) Role Matters
The implementation of the Student Assistance Counselor (SAC) position across many New Jersey school districts has proven to be one of the most effective strategies for identifying, managing, and supporting the individual needs of students. Beyond working directly with students, SACs play a central role in coordinating and overseeing district-wide efforts in prevention, early intervention, and wellness promotion.
This role is uniquely positioned to address these critical issues for several reasons:
Specialized Expertise: SACs are trained intervention specialists with the skills to recognize, assess, and respond to a wide range of behavioral, emotional, and mental health concerns.
Confidential, Targeted Support: SACs offer private, one-on-one services that foster trust and protect student confidentiality—without creating legal or ethical conflicts for teachers, coaches, or other faculty.=
Resource Optimization: By taking the lead in student intervention and support services, SACs allow other staff to focus on their core instructional and administrative responsibilities, helping districts allocate resources more efficiently.=
In short, the SAC role is essential to creating a safe, responsive, and supportive school environment—where every student has access to the care they need to succeed.