School Counseling Intern - Massachusetts

Excel Academy Charter Schools•Campus TBD, MA

About The Position

Excel Academy is a network of five schools in Massachusetts and Rhode Island serving students in grades 5–12. The organization prepares students for high school, college, and productive engagement in their communities, with a focus on providing a free, high-quality holistic education and individualized student support. Under the direct supervision of a licensed School Counselor, the School Counseling Intern provides individual and group counseling to Excel students. The role uses clinical counseling and consultation techniques to promote student mental health, social-emotional development, and adjustment to school, home, and community. The placement is two days per week during the first year and three days per week during the final year. The stipend is $3,000 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 or 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

Collaborate and meet weekly with the School Counselor/Site Supervisor to review student cases, the learning plan, and internship 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 other progress-tracking documents consistently and in accordance with HIPAA regulations.
Assess the 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 other related services.
Collaborate and consult with external service providers as needed.
Support healthy and productive family engagement through regular communication, community-resource information, and meetings.
Consult with the School Counselor/Site Supervisor about outpatient referrals.
Consult with the School Counselor/Site Supervisor about acute crises and mandated-reporting procedures when necessary.
Improve clinical skills by seeking constructive feedback and professional development opportunities.
Attend weekly grade-level team meetings and report on student progress as needed.
Participate as an active member in weekly Student Support Team meetings to review and consult on high-priority student cases.
Attend and participate in campus and network-wide professional development sessions throughout the school year.
Attend and participate in school-led DEI trainings and workshops throughout the school year.
Attend and participate in MS Counseling Department professional development sessions throughout the school year.
Collaborate with teachers, school administrators, the School Psychologist, and other related-service providers.
Serve as a productive member of the Excel community, align student support services with the school’s mission and educational philosophy, and participate in generating and upholding staff norms.
Participate meaningfully in Friday meetings, school professional development, and Family Conferences.
Do whatever it takes to help fulfill the school’s mission.