School Counselor - Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program (Elementary Long Term Sub)

CAPS Collaborative•Ayer, MA

6d•$50,335 - $95,967

About The Position

The CAPS DHHP Elementary School Counselor provides services at Page Hilltop Elementary School, supporting deaf and hard of hearing students’ access to the academic curriculum, social-emotional learning, and independence. Services are individualized to meet the needs of a cognitively and linguistically diverse student population and include individual or group services specified in students’ IEPs. The counselor builds positive relationships with students, families, professional colleagues, and outside agencies. Lifelong learning, collegiality, and teamwork are expected. This is a long-term substitute position. The counselor collaborates with students, families, districts, host-school personnel, and the CAPS educational team to support academic and social progress, transition planning, and compliance with applicable requirements. Some evening hours may be required for school-sponsored events and activities.

Requirements

Massachusetts Educator License in Special Education, Guidance, Social Work, or School Adjustment Counselor, 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 own practice and view challenges as opportunities for learning and improvement.
Basic technological skills, including email, word processing, spreadsheets, shared files, folders and 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 by monitoring academic and social progress, supporting course recommendations and requests, and connecting students with post-secondary transition planning.
Provide formal and informal career and guidance counseling services to high school students, including support for career research and identifying post-secondary training or education programs.
Support students in identifying issues that affect or may affect their access to the curriculum.
Conduct transition assessments and write reports for families and districts; use data to identify student interests and needs for transition planning.
Implement programs addressing decision-making, conflict resolution, self-esteem, coping strategies, identity development, and related 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.