School Counseling Intern - Massachusetts (2027-2028)

Excel Academy Charter Schools•Campus TBD, MA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Excel Academy is a network of five schools in Massachusetts and Rhode Island serving students in grades 5–12. Its mission is to prepare students to succeed in high school and college and participate productively in their communities through high expectations, rigorous instruction, and individualized support. Under the direct supervision of a licensed School Counselor, the School Counseling Intern provides individual and group counseling to students using clinical counseling and consultation techniques. The work promotes students’ mental health, social-emotional development, and adjustment to school, home, and community. The placement is two days per week in the first year or three days per week in the final year, with a $3,000 stipend for 10 months, prorated based on commitment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
Beginning working knowledge of a variety of academic, social, and emotional supports for middle school students.
Commitment to and belief in all students and the mission, values, and educational model of Excel Academy Charter Schools.
Commitment to addressing racial and economic inequity in education.
Ability to focus and thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
Ability to work effectively in a team and willingness to support others in doing their best work.
Openness to change, willingness to problem-solve, and interest in receiving feedback for continuous improvement.
Ability to discuss the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion, with self-awareness and a desire to grow cultural competence as a mental health/social work clinician.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a public or charter school setting.
Fluency in Spanish, Portuguese, or Arabic.
Ability to discuss the importance of rigorous classroom instruction and culture.
Ability to discuss the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Responsibilities

Meet weekly with the School Counselor/Site Supervisor to review student cases, the internship learning plan, and goals.
Manage a weekly caseload of 15 students through direct individual counseling.
Facilitate at least one to two weekly grade-specific social-emotional counseling groups.
Update student files and progress-tracking documents routinely in accordance with HIPAA regulations.
Assess counseling needs of identified special education students; develop and implement appropriate IEP goals and objectives; and write quarterly progress notes.
Attend IEP and interdepartmental meetings for students receiving related services.
Collaborate and consult with external service providers as needed.
Support family engagement through regular communication, sharing available community resources, and holding meetings.
Consult with the School Counselor/Site Supervisor about outpatient referrals, acute crises, and mandated reporting procedures when necessary.
Develop clinical skills by seeking constructive feedback and professional development opportunities.
Attend weekly grade-level team meetings as needed to report on student progress.
Participate as an active team member in weekly Student Support Team meetings reviewing high-priority student cases.
Attend campus and network-wide professional development, school-led DEI trainings and workshops, and MS Counseling Department professional development sessions throughout the school year.
Collaborate with teachers, administrators, the School Psychologist, and other related service providers.
Support Excel’s mission and educational philosophy, uphold staff norms, participate meaningfully in Friday meetings, school professional development, and Family Conferences, and contribute to fulfilling the school’s mission.