Director of Counseling

Chicopee Public Schools•Chicopee, MA

3h•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Counseling will be responsible for providing leadership and guidance to a team of school counselors and support staff throughout the district. The primary objective is to create a supportive and inclusive counseling program that fosters the academic and social, emotional growth of all students throughout Chicopee Public Schools. The Director of Counseling will collaborate with various stakeholders, including, but not limited to, students, parents, teachers, administrators and community partners, to ensure a comprehensive and effective school counseling program that addresses the unique needs of students at all grade levels.

Requirements

A master's degree in counseling or a related field.
Valid DESE licensure as a School Adjustment Counselor/School Social Worker.
Independently licensed clinician (LICSW or LMHC)
Valid DESE licensure as a Supervisor/Director (School Counselor Director) or as a school administrator required.
Several years of experience as a school counselor, with a demonstrated record of increasing responsibility.
Strong leadership and management skills.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Knowledge of current counseling practices, educational standards, and mental health support services.
Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including students, parents, teachers, and administrators.
Ability to create and/or manage timelines

Responsibilities

Develop, implement, and oversee a comprehensive PK-12 counseling program that aligns with state and national standards, as well as the district goals.
Ensure that counseling services promote the academic achievement, personal development, and career readiness of students.
Support school-based 504 coordinators with the training, writing, and implementation of 504 Accommodation Plans.
Attend meetings as requested.
Evaluate and implement programs aligned with the district's social emotional goals and objectives.
Assist school principals and other school and district administration with interviewing and recommending qualified candidates for school counseling and support staff positions.
Contribute to evaluations of building based counselors with onsite administration as requested.
Evaluate district adjustment counselors, behavior interventionists and substance abuse prevention support staff.
Provide ongoing professional development and guidance to counselors to enhance their skills and knowledge.
Ensures that the evaluation process is aligned with Massachusetts school counselor standards.
Collaborate with counselors to provide individual and group counseling to students as needed, addressing academic, career, and personal issues.
Ensure a proactive and responsive approach to addressing the mental health and social-emotional needs of students.
Visits schools and observes on a regular basis to ensure consistency of implementation of the school counseling program.
Consult with counselors and administration on 504 implementation for specific students.
Work closely with teachers, administrators, and parents to create a supportive and collaborative environment that maximizes student success.
Facilitate communication between students, parents, and staff to address student needs and concerns.
Collaborate with Family engagement facilitator and other district departments to improve and maintain the physical and mental well being of students, staff and the larger community.
Collect and analyze data to assess the effectiveness of counseling services and make data-driven decisions to improve programs.
Prepare regular reports on counseling program outcomes and student success.
Ensure that the counseling program complies with relevant laws, regulations, and ethical standards.
Collaborate with community organizations, mental health providers, and other external resources to enhance support services for students and families.