School Counselor - Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program

CAPS Collaborative•Ayer, MA

About The Position

The CAPS DHHP Elementary School Counselor provides services at Page Hilltop Elementary School. Counselors support students’ access to the academic curriculum, strengthen social-emotional learning, and foster independence. Services are individualized to meet the needs of a cognitively and linguistically diverse group of deaf and hard of hearing learners. The counselor provides individual and group services as outlined in students’ IEPs and develops positive relationships with students, families, colleagues, and outside agencies. Lifelong learning, collegiality, and teamwork are important to the role. CAPS Collaborative partners with districts to provide high-quality programs and services and to help students transition to the least restrictive environment in their home school district. Its stated values include exceptional educational opportunities, responsiveness to district needs, customer focus, quality, integrity, respect, teamwork, accountability, and cost-effective decision-making.

Requirements

Massachusetts Educator License in Special Education, Guidance, Social Work, or School Adjustment Counseling, or state licensure in Rehabilitation Counseling with eligibility for Massachusetts Educator Licensure.
Master’s degree in Counseling or a related field.
Fluency in American Sign Language (ASL) and English.
Excellent writing, communication, and organizational skills.
Commitment to collaborative teamwork and interpersonal skills for working effectively with students, teachers, support staff, and families.
Ability to reflect on one’s practice and view challenges as opportunities for learning and improvement.
Basic technology skills, including email, word processing, spreadsheets, shared files/folders/calendars, and a student information system.

Nice To Haves

Three years of successful experience supporting students who are deaf and hard of hearing is preferred.

Responsibilities

Serve as students’ academic advisor, monitoring academic and social progress, supporting course recommendations and requests, and connecting students to post-secondary transition planning.
Provide formal and informal career and guidance counseling to high school students, including support for career research and identifying post-secondary training and education programs.
Help students identify issues affecting or potentially affecting their access to the curriculum.
Conduct transition assessments and prepare reports for families and districts; use data about student interests and needs to support transition planning.
Implement programs addressing decision-making, conflict resolution, self-esteem, coping strategies, identity development, and other issues.
Support students with college applications and admissions, including outreach to secure access accommodations.
Collaborate with the CAPS DHHP Elementary/Middle School Counselor.
Participate in all aspects of the IEP process, including team meetings and contributing to the development and monitoring of IEP goals and transition plans.
Consult with general education teachers and the CAPS educational team.
Provide specially designed instruction in transition-related skills as indicated by students’ IEPs.
Communicate regularly and frequently with parents about student attendance, goals, and performance.
Maintain and provide accurate student data and compliance documentation required by state and federal laws and regulations.
Create a positive, inclusive environment that respects diversity.
Use positive and responsive classroom management that fosters mutual respect, safety, and curiosity.
Problem-solve and engage in thoughtful conflict resolution.
Maintain professional boundaries and protect student and staff confidentiality.
Participate in and chaperone school-sponsored events and activities as requested; some evening hours are required.
Participate in the evaluation of prospective students.
Collaborate with the host-school guidance department and follow its course-registration processes and procedures.
Develop effective professional relationships with host-school administration, general education teachers, and support personnel.
Keep abreast of current techniques and trends in school counseling and transition services for deaf and hard of hearing students.
Perform other duties as assigned.