School Counselor (Guidance Counselor)

New Bedford Public School District•New Bedford, MA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The School Counselor (Guidance Counselor) role at New Bedford Virtual Learning Academy (NBVLA) is an in-person position within New Bedford Public Schools (NBPS). NBVLA serves both virtual and in-person students. The school is committed to an inclusive curriculum and community that reflects student diversity, seeking educators from diverse backgrounds dedicated to inclusion. The primary goal is to support students with disabilities, those in referral, and at-risk students by promoting their academic, personal/social, and career/college potential. This involves providing strategic services for academic support, social-emotional and behavioral concerns, environmental issues, and college/career readiness. The counselor will collaborate with parents/guardians, teachers, administration, and community resources to foster positive student adjustment and educational experiences, preparing students for academic achievement, career readiness, and personal/social competencies through a comprehensive, preventive, and developmental counseling program. Counselors aim to foster independence, lifelong learning, personal and civic responsibility, and the ability to navigate a changing world, while also building positive relationships with families, teachers, and administrators.

Requirements

Certification in proper area and level by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (Initial Guidance Counselor)
Master’s degree from an accredited college or university.
Evidence of specific professional study in the field of special education, psychology, social work, including educational administration and supervision.
Licensed or eligible for licensure as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), or Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW).
Three years’ experience in the area of student services, special education, and/or mental health/clinical social work practice.
Knowledge/experience using the new educator evaluation system.
Experience designing and implementing positive behavioral intervention supports and strategies, social/emotional curriculum, behavior improvement programs and clinical support to students and families.
Experience working collaboratively with community-based children’s services agencies, Department of Child and Family Services, Department of Youth Services, Department of Mental Health and other community programs.
Knowledge of Chapter 766 and the DESE procedures and requirements for special education compliance, monitoring, and implementation.
Excellent communication skills- written, verbal and non-verbal.
Excellent interpersonal and social skills with colleagues, district staff, families and community.
Excellent Work Attendance.

Nice To Haves

Preferred fluency in Spanish and/or Portuguese.

Responsibilities

Work through various aspects of the Student Services Department and with staff to develop and implement a program that meets the whole student, specifically addressing academic, social, emotional, and behavioral needs.
Serve as a liaison between families and the school to promote collaborative educational planning for students by encouraging family participation.
Educate and encourage students and families regarding the importance of daily school attendance, high school graduation, and college and career planning (grades 6-12).
Assist in the development of a Response to Intervention (RTI) model for the school, including in-school and community supports and interventions for academic, social, emotional, and behavioral learning.
Serve as a member on building student assistance/support teams to share information and develop strategies for individual students.
Assist in the collection of statistical and student data (e.g., behavioral infractions, at-risk forms) and complete necessary reports for submission to the Principal, Special Education Supervisor, or Assistant Superintendent of Student Services/Administrator of Special Education.
Manage student class scheduling, aiding and scheduling students in course and subject selection.
Coordinate the 504 process, monitor the implementation and compliance of 504 plans.
Support the Team evaluation process and ensure all state and federal compliance requirements regarding evaluations, progress monitoring, progress reporting, and team meetings.
Attend Team meetings as necessary to ensure quality special education and related services in academic support, social-emotional needs, and behavioral concerns.
Conduct Home Assessments/Visits as required.
Complete goals, objectives, and progress reports for students with counseling or transitional services in their IEP or 504 plans.
Support the Special Education Facilitator with IEP monitoring and compliance as needed.
Potentially chair or coordinate IEP meetings and complete required paperwork.
Develop and deliver the school counseling curriculum in a classroom setting.
Assist students in academic and career planning and personal/social development.
Support students in planning for, adjusting to, and developing skills for successful transitions in school, between grades/levels, to high school, and post-high school activities.
Provide individual and small group counseling for issues such as anxiety, relationships, bullying, peer pressure, conflict resolution, and anger management.
Provide mediation, de-escalation, and crisis intervention services as necessary.
Conduct lunch groups to foster and teach social skills.
Provide academic counseling by monitoring progress reports and report cards, participating in teacher/team meetings, reviewing standardized testing, facilitating course selection meetings, and monitoring student progress toward promotion and graduation requirements.
Communicate regularly with teachers to ensure students reach their academic potential.
Consult and collaborate with teachers, staff, and parents to understand and meet student needs.
Make appropriate referrals of students and parents to outside agencies and specialists.
Participate in activities that contribute to the effective operation of the school.
Pursue continuous professional growth to stay abreast of the field.
Promote an understanding and appreciation of diverse populations and cultures.
Monitor and advise students and parents on progress toward promotion/graduation.
Register new students and orient them to school procedures and learning opportunities.
Work to prevent students from dropping out of school.