School Adjustment Counselor Haverhill High School

Haverhill Public Schools•Haverhill, MA

21h•Onsite

About The Position

The School Adjustment Counselor (SAC) provides a spectrum of therapeutic interventions, social skill instruction and mental health supports to students and families in need. Counseling may be provided in individual or group settings. The School Adjustment Counselor consults with and assists staff in delivering therapeutic social, emotional and behavioral supports to students. SACs see both general education and special education students for an assortment of supports and services. Services designated in IEPS are a primary duty of the SAC and must be implemented with fidelity. All supports must be aligned to the trauma-informed practices. The School Adjustment Counselor is considered an integral part of the multi-disciplinary special education and general education teams at our schools. The ability to effectively collaborate with teachers, administrators, parents, and other professionals is essential to create a safe, healthy, productive, and supportive learning environment for students.

Requirements

Licensed as a School Adjustment Counselor/Social Worker by Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Master’s Degree in Social Work or Counseling
Ability to provide individual and small group counseling to the school-age population.
Ability to work closely and harmoniously with parents, teachers, and administrators.
Ability to conduct home visits and to write developmental histories.
Knowledge of special education programs and laws.
Knowledge of area mental health services.
Strong organizational skills.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual preferred

Responsibilities

Facilitate as-needed social skills groups and/or individual supports as needed for any student, on topics such as social communication and healthy relationship skills, conflict resolution, self-esteem, social media, mindfulness practices
Facilitate Tier 3 intervention groups according to IEP goals, objectives and service delivery grids, using data to inform decisions and counseling efficacy
Offer consultation and support regarding students with emotional or academic concerns and support teachers in implementing accommodations and support plans in the classroom and school community
Participate as a member of the building’s instructional support team, crisis management and response teams
Collect and analyze data and use the information as the basis for developing IEP goals and objectives
Complete assessments and be able to identify students with disabilities under IDEA
Knowledge of laws and regulations that govern schools and agencies supporting students and families
Attend IEP meetings and serve as liaison, as assigned
Conduct Functional Behavioral Assessments in consultation with behavior support staff and work with behavior specialist/staff and teachers to create and implement Positive Behavioral Intervention Plans
Conduct risk assessments as needed and communicate with families and community agencies to assure student safety
Complete required paperwork and job-related functions in a timely manner in accordance with DESE guidelines, including written IEP progress reports
Complete Medicaid documentation required by the district
Routinely attended district and school-based meetings, trainings and professional development
Serve as liaison between outside agencies and the school team
Facilitate inclusion opportunities for students, as appropriate
Attend school-wide events, including some evening hours
Work as a collegial member of school and community teams, including IEP teams
Responsible for other general duties as indicated by the Executive Director of Student Support Services, the Building Principal, directives of the Superintendent of Schools or his/her designee and policies of the School Committee