School Social Worker/Adjustment Counselor - Elementary

Springfield Public Schools • Springfield, MA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Springfield Public Schools is seeking a School Social Worker/Adjustment Counselor for the elementary level. This role is responsible for implementing the student development curriculum, guiding students through grade transitions, and providing individual and group counseling for academic, social, and emotional growth. The position involves consulting with teachers, parents, and staff, and collaborating with other counselors and City Connects Coordinators to refer students and families to appropriate resources and agencies. The role also includes participating in problem-solving processes (STAT), contributing to the planning and evaluation of the counseling program, and pursuing continuous professional growth. A key responsibility is to work with the principal to present the school's student support services, including referral processes, to staff and administrators annually. The professional responsibilities include maintaining confidentiality, ethical record-keeping, performing duties in an organized and timely manner, operating within legal and policy guidelines, supporting school and district programs, attending professional development, staying informed of professional trends, utilizing computers effectively, and completing other assigned duties.

Requirements

• Master’s Degree in Social Work or Counseling.
• Certification (Initial License) as a School Social Worker/School Adjustment Counselor by the Massachusetts Department of Education at the appropriate grade level (elementary, middle or high).
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Knowledge of theoretical frameworks of intellectual, social, and emotional development.
• Familiarity with philosophy, principles, and practices in social work or counseling.
• Familiarity with mental health and emotional impairments including learning disorders affecting student achievement.
• Familiarity with prevention and treatment of substance abuse, physical and sexual abuse, and violence in students.
• Experience with crisis management and intervention.
• Knowledge of medical conditions and medication related to physical disabilities and learning disorders.

Responsibilities

• Implement the elementary, middle, high school student development curriculum.
• Guide individuals and groups of students through the successful transition from grade to grade and level to level.
• Counsel individuals and small groups of students toward academic, social, and emotional growth.
• Consult with and train teachers, parents and staff regarding student’s needs.
• Work with other Counselors and City Connects Coordinators to refer students who have barriers to learning and their parents to special programs, specialists and outside agencies.
• Participate in and facilitate the problem solving process (STAT).
• Participate in the planning and evaluation of the counseling program.
• Pursue continuous professional growth.
• Schedule and present to school staff and administrators about the school’s student support services, and each of their roles and responsibilities, including the referral process.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Maintain records consistent with ethical and legal guidelines.
• Perform responsibilities in an organized, accurate, timely and dependable manner.
• Operate within the federal and state laws and the established district and school procedures and policies.
• Provide support for other school and district programs and personnel.
• Attend district professional development and meetings.
• Keep informed of current professional trends.
• Utilize computers effectively in the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities.
• Complete other duties as assigned by the Principal.

Benefits

• Competitive salaries
• Cutting-edge professional development opportunities
• Mentorship from instructional leadership specialists and effective educator coaches
• Career advancement opportunities
• "Grow our Own" and educational pipeline programs

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level