LTS School Counselor, Elementary 0.4 (3342)

Natick Public Schools•Natick, MA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Natick Public Schools is seeking a part-time, 0.4 FTE long-term substitute counselor for Brown Elementary, approximately October 30, 2026 through June 11, 2027. The role supports students’ academic, personal, social-emotional, mental health, and post-secondary planning needs. The counselor provides direct services through individual meetings and classroom seminars, and indirect support through consultation and collaboration with administrators, teachers, student support staff, families, and community providers. The counselor uses culturally proficient practices to advocate for students and families and support their needs. The position includes counseling and preventative interventions, crisis response, assessment and referral, consultation, and collaboration with special education and English language learner teams. The counselor also serves as a liaison to relevant district, state, and community services, including the Department of Social Services and outside treatment providers. The role is based at Brown Elementary and reports to the Principal.

Requirements

Master’s degree in School Counseling or Adjustment Counseling/Social Work.
DESE certification and licensure as a School Counselor (5–12) or School Social Worker/Adjustment Counselor.
DESE SEI Endorsement.
Thorough understanding of child development.
Demonstrated commitment to ensuring academic success for all students.
Thorough understanding of counseling techniques for supporting diverse student needs.
Knowledge of best practices for social-emotional learning.
Understanding of and commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice in student, staff, and community engagement.
Demonstrated aptitude for the work.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Strong interpersonal skills.
Flexibility, collaboration, organization, and ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment and meet time-sensitive deadlines.
Passion for working with students, families, and colleagues.
Successful completion of CORI, SORI, and fingerprint checks.
Strong record of work performance in current and previous roles.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in a diverse public school.
Experience working with students with disabilities or special abilities.
Experience working with English language learners.
Experience with Google Suite and PowerSchool; training may be provided to the right candidate.
Bilingual skills, especially Spanish and Portuguese.

Responsibilities

Provide counseling services in accordance with students’ IEP special education services.
Provide strategies and preventative interventions for clinical issues affecting school-age children, including substance abuse, abuse, violence, health, and changes in family systems.
Provide individual and group counseling, as appropriate.
Provide crisis intervention and serve on the school’s Crisis Team and the district-wide Crisis Team.
File reports with the Department of Social Services when necessary and serve as the school’s liaison to that department.
Assess and intervene in response to referrals from teachers, counselors, administrators, students, families, and community agencies.
Identify problem behaviors and develop intervention strategies.
Refer students and families to outside treatment when necessary.
Consult with faculty, administration, and families.
Attend pre-referral and ACT meetings and collaborate on strategies to support referred students and families.
Participate in Special Education Team meetings.
Meet with parents or guardians to complete Social/Developmental Histories when needed for student evaluations.
Collaborate with the ELL Department to address students’ learning and emotional needs and advocate for ELL students with guidance staff, administrators, and educators.
Provide native-language support and outreach for students and families when possible and appropriate.
Serve as a liaison with Psychiatric Emergency Services, district juvenile court, and outside treatment facilities, as appropriate.
Serve as the in-building liaison/coordinator for McKinney-Vento students.
Convene re-entry meetings for students returning from treatment facilities.
Perform other related duties as assigned.