APPLICANT POOL: MIDDLE SCHOOL CROSSROADS COUNSELOR (0.5 FTE)

Albuquerque Public Schools•Albuquerque, NM

65d

About The Position

This position is to develop and implement a comprehensive Crossroads Substance Prevention and Intervention Counseling program at cluster middle, K-8 and select magnet schools. The main components of this position are: 1) developing a Crossroads program that provides prevention and intervention counseling to middle school students 2) collaborating with site administrative team to develop an intervention based response for both nicotine/tobacco infractions and controlled substance infractions which includes facilitating Parent Involvement Program (PIP) with the student and guardian to reduce or replace suspension days and 3) providing consultation and support in the areas of substance prevention and intervention to feeder elementary schools as needed.

Requirements

Master's degree in Counseling or School Counseling and a valid New Mexico 600 School Counseling License PreK-12
Two years post-graduate counseling experience
Experience in K-12 schools or in a clinical setting with working directly with school aged children

Nice To Haves

Experience working in substance use prevention with diverse populations
Training in Harm Reduction and/or Motivational Interviewing
Developed counseling skills and a desire to work with youth
Established positive working relationships with school administrative team
Effective communication and interpersonal skills with diverse populations both verbal and written
Ability to maintain positive relationships with students, parents, community members and staff
Flexibility, organization, decision-making and problem solving skills, knack for working on multiple projects and meeting deadlines
Knowledge of District policies on immunization, medication, first aid, emergencies and child abuse/neglect.
Knowledge of all laws, regulations and guidelines affecting school staff and students

Responsibilities

Continually strives for a visible harm reduction based Crossroads counseling program with an open-door policy for all students struggling with issues related to substances
Uses a Google calendar to coordinate scheduling at multiple schools and then shares this calendar with the Program Coordinator, Director of Prevention and Intervention and site based administrator(s) to maintain program structure and accountability
Actively works to be a team player connected to staff and promoting positive school culture
Must be able to work a flexible schedule, which may include offering PIP outside of the school day
Develops prevention and intervention curriculum and coordinates with school staff to implement classroom lessons, co-teaching whenever possible
Completes classroom lessons and/or activities using approved prevention curriculum/materials and logs details as to topic, date, grade level and number served and uses pre and post tests regularly to assesses the quality and effectiveness on lessons/activities on desired program outcomes
Conducts a yearly needs assessment at their site(s) to develop and offer staff professional development and/or targeted student interventions in the area of substance use/misuse
Regularly runs Synergy reports to monitor student infractions and direct interventions
Collects and reviews data on substance use prevention and intervention programming, including reconciling PIP completion data at the end of the year with the IDS 401 Synergy report to determine re-offense rate as a program efficacy indicator
Assists families by providing referrals to outside service providers for students with behavioral health or substance use needs
Works with students and their family regarding current and future educational goals and career objectives impacted by substance use
Supports the four school counseling program components (counseling curriculum, individual student planning, responsive services and system support) to address the academic, career and personal/social needs of students at risk for substance misuse
Develops and implements a comprehensive school counseling program in alignment with the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) by:
Completing Closing-the-Gap Action Plans and Results Report that aligns with district program goals
Creating an annual calendar and other relevant ASCA documents
Participates in Health and Wellness Team Meetings
Provides subject matter expertise to other professional school counselor(s) and/or Health and Wellness Teams as well as consulting with administration and school staff as needed
Maintains student contact log and provides all program paperwork and required documentation completed in a timely manner to the Crossroads Program Support Coordinator and/or the Director of Prevention and Intervention Counseling
Reviews and evaluates the Crossroads Counseling Program on an annual basis for continuous improvement
Regularly attends monthly Crossroads team meetings and APS district counseling meetings to keep current on policies, procedures and best practices regarding school counseling programs and issues
Complies with state-approved Code of Ethics of the Education Profession, APS employee handbook, employment contract and upholds and enforces rules, administrative directives and regulations, school board policies, and local, state and federal regulations.
Articulates and facilitates the implementation of the mission and values of the Albuquerque Public Schools.
Safeguards confidentiality of privileged information.
Prepares and maintains accurate and complete records and reports as required by law, state directives, District policy and administrative regulations.
Shares the responsibility for the supervision and care of District inventory, proper and safe use of facilities, equipment and supplies, and reports safety hazards promptly.
Maintains professional relationships and works cooperatively with employees, the community and other professionals.
Maintains professional competence through District mandated, individual and staff training, in-service educational activities and self-selected professional growth activities.
Attends and/or conducts staff meetings and participates on committees within areas of responsibility.
Performs other tasks related to area of responsibilities as requested or assigned by an immediate supervisor.