Middle School Adjustment Counselor, Long-Term Substitute

Seekonk Public Schools•Seekonk, MA

58d

About The Position

The Adjustment Counselor will assist students to succeed academically, socially and emotionally. The Adjustment Counselor will collaborate with educators, parents and other professionals to create safe, healthy and supportive learning environments for all students in order to strengthen connections between home and school. The Adjustment Counselor is responsible for the majority of the therapeutic elements of the program. In addition to providing constant behavioral, social, and emotional support throughout the day to students as issues arise in the classroom, the Adjustment Counselor will provide support to students who are in crisis and may potentially be at risk for harming themselves and others. This includes conducting initial school-based risk assessments as well as sending referrals for outside evaluations. Additionally, the Adjustment Counselor will be responsible for leading therapeutic groups and conducting, analyzing and reporting upon psychological, cognitive, clinical, formative and standardized assessments.

Requirements

Licensed, or eligible for licensure in School Adjustment Counselor all levels by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Similar credentialing such as School Social Worker and/or School Psychologist may be considered.
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, with children and adults.
Commitment to remain current in content knowledge and best practice therapeutic and instructional strategies.
Ability to relate well with students, colleagues, parents, and staff.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with teachers, parents and administrators to find effective solutions to learning and behavior problems.
Help others understand child development and how it affects learning and behavior.
Assist with eligibility process for 504/special education.
Evaluate learning environments and identify necessary supports.
Assess mental health functioning and provide psychological counseling to help resolve interpersonal or family problems that interfere with school performance.
Work directly with children and their families to help resolve problems in adjustment and learning.
Provide training in social skills and anger management.
Respond to crisis and/or trauma issues.
Design programs for children at risk of failing at school.
Promote tolerance, understanding, and appreciation of diversity within the school community.
Develop programs to make schools safer and more effective learning environments.
Collaborate with school staff and community agencies to provide services directed at improving psychological and physical health.
Develop partnerships with parents and teachers to promote healthy school environments.
Evaluate the effectiveness of academic and behavior management programs.
Identify and implement programs and strategies to improve schools.
Use evidence-based research to develop and/or recommend effective interventions.
Maintain a professional relationship with all colleagues, students, parents and community members.
Provide direction for and monitor the activities of a Teaching Assistant (Paraprofessional), if one is assigned to the classroom.
Other duties that may be necessary for the successful functioning of the program , as assigned according to the SEA contract.