SY 26- 27 School Counselor - Elementary School

Fitchburg School District•Fitchburg, MA

10h•Onsite

About The Position

The Elementary School Guidance Counselor will provide direct, in-person services to students needing academic, social, and/or emotional support. The Guidance Counselor will provide responsive services as needed to address academic, social, and emotional concerns. They will work closely with staff to identify students who may require and benefit from ongoing counseling during the school day and/or outside counseling services. The counselor will monitor students at academic risk and collaborate with teachers and parents to help the student create a plan for success. They will develop a schedule to meet and instruct assigned students in the locations and at the time designated in collaboration with classroom teachers. The counselor will schedule, lead, and/or participate in meetings/conferences with parents, teachers, and the building administration team. They will participate in, coordinate and conduct activities that contribute to the effective operation of the school (data analysis, reports, logs, notes, student records, reviews, and other functions as necessary). The counselor will promote high standards and expectations for student achievement and be responsible for using innovative approaches, and instructional strategies including the effective use of technologies, to increase student learning and confidence to be successful in school. They will follow professional practices consistent with the district's policies in working with students, parents, and colleagues. The counselor will attend and participate in faculty meetings and other assigned meetings and activities according to school policy. They will maintain and improve professional competence through attendance at professional development events, and by self-generated activities that meet district expectations and the requirements for recertification. The counselor will implement the district's mission, philosophy of education, and instructional standards and objectives. They will maintain accurate and complete records as required by district policy and administrative regulation. The counselor will assist administration in implementing all policies and rules governing student life and conduct and, for the classroom, develops reasonable rules of classroom behavior and procedure, maintaining order in the classroom in a fair and just manner. They will establish and maintain open lines of communication with students, colleagues, and parents concerning both the broad academic and behavioral progress of assigned students. The counselor will promote equity and appreciation of diversity to ensure equitable opportunities for student learning, including, implementing specific strategies for students with special needs, with 504 plans and/or English Learners (EL). The counselor will perform other duties that may be assigned by the building Principal/Director of Pupil Personnel Services.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary license in School Counselor PreK-8
Knowledge of current education legislation/regulations
Knowledge of middle school students' developmental needs and mandated programs
Ability to work effectively with teachers, support staff, and parents and advocate for children in order to effectively problem-solve
Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills and ability to work with all stakeholders
Belief in the commitment to increasing personal growth, both academic and social-emotional, to obtain the highest level of achievement for every student

Nice To Haves

Master’s Degree preferred

Responsibilities

Provide responsive services as needed to address academic, social, and emotional concerns
Work closely with staff to identify students who may require and benefit from ongoing counseling during the school day and/or outside counseling services
Monitor students at academic risk and collaborate with teachers and parents to help the student create a plan for success
Develop a schedule to meet and instruct assigned students in the locations and at the time designated in collaboration with classroom teachers
Schedule, lead, and/or participate in meetings/conferences with parents, teachers, and the building administration team
Participate in, coordinate and conduct activities that contribute to the effective operation of the school (data analysis, reports, logs, notes, student records, reviews, and other functions as necessary)
Promote high standards and expectations for student achievement
Use innovative approaches, and instructional strategies including the effective use of technologies, to increase student learning and confidence to be successful in school
Follow professional practices consistent with the district's policies in working with students, parents, and colleagues
Attend and participate in faculty meetings and other assigned meetings and activities according to school policy
Maintain and improve professional competence through attendance at professional development events, and by self-generated activities that meet district expectations and the requirements for recertification
Implement the district's mission, philosophy of education, and instructional standards and objectives
Maintain accurate and complete records as required by district policy and administrative regulation
Assist administration in implementing all policies and rules governing student life and conduct and, for the classroom, develops reasonable rules of classroom behavior and procedure, maintaining order in the classroom in a fair and just manner
Establish and maintain open lines of communication with students, colleagues, and parents concerning both the broad academic and behavioral progress of assigned students
Promote equity and appreciation of diversity to ensure equitable opportunities for student learning, including, implementing specific strategies for students with special needs, with 504 plans and/or English Learners (EL)
Perform other duties that may be assigned by the building Principal/Director of Pupil Personnel Services