Substitute School Counselor (Guidance Counselor)

New Bedford Public School District•New Bedford, MA

13h•Onsite

About The Position

The School Counselor (Guidance) role at New Bedford Public Schools is dedicated to fostering an inclusive curriculum and school community that mirrors the diversity of its student population. The district seeks high-quality educators from diverse backgrounds who are committed to inclusion. This position aims to enhance the school's capacity to provide academic and clinical support services for students with disabilities, those referred for support, and at-risk students. The counselor will promote students' academic, personal/social, and career/college potential by offering strategic services to address academic support, social-emotional and behavioral concerns, environmental issues, and college/career readiness. Collaborating with parents/guardians, teachers, administration, and community resources, the counselor will implement strategies to ensure students' positive school adjustment and educational experience. The role involves preparing students for academic achievement, career readiness, and developing personal/social competencies through a comprehensive, preventive, and developmental counseling program. Counselors are expected to foster independence, lifelong learning, personal and civic responsibility, and the ability to navigate a changing world. While students are the primary focus, positive relationships with families, teachers, and administrators are also vital.

Requirements

Certification in the 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 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 collaborate with staff to develop and implement a program that addresses the whole student, specifically their 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 at all levels (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 collecting statistical and student data (e.g., behavioral infractions, at-risk forms) and complete necessary reports for submission to the Principal, Special Education Supervisor, and Assistant Superintendent of Student Services/Administrator of Special Education.
Manage student class scheduling and aid students in course and subject selection.
Coordinate the 504 process and monitor the implementation and compliance of 504 plans.
Support the Team evaluation process and ensure compliance with state and federal requirements for 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 receiving 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 with 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.
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 to outside agencies and specialists.
Participate in activities that contribute to the effective operation of the school.
Pursue continuous professional growth.
Promote 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.