SY25-26 SEZP Counselor (Clinician)

Springfield Public Schools • Springfield, MA

7d • $96,864

About The Position

Educators in the Springfield Empowerment Zone Partnership are responsible for ensuring that students have access to strong instruction, experience a deep sense of belonging in school, and are prepared for meaningful academic and life opportunities. SEZP educators serve as instructors, mentors, and collaborators. They contribute to school communities that value strong relationships, clear expectations, and continuous improvement—for students and for adults.

Requirements

• Certification as a School Social Worker/Adjustment Counselor or Guidance Counselor by the Massachusetts Department of Education at the appropriate grade level required (Counselors without DESE license may be eligible for a licensure waiver)
• Master’s Degree in Social Work, Counseling or related field preferred; bachelor's degree required
• Effective problem solving and communication skills
• Experience working with students and families, plus community health and social service agencies
• Must be able to complete thorough clinical documentation
• 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 middle and high school SEL curriculums
• Understand continuum of mental health services, referring students and family to an appropriate level of care in coordination with their supervisor
• 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 staff to refer students who have barriers to learning and their parents to special programs, specialists and outside agencies
• Provide consultation and facilitate referrals to appropriate levels of care and specialized services based on the student's needs.
• Optimize the collaboration and coordination of the interdisciplinary team to enhance the environment of student care
• Participate in and facilitate the problem solving process (STAT)
• Participate in the planning and evaluation of the counseling program
• Maintain current professional license and adhere to ethical standards in accordance with SEZP
• Consistently attend work on scheduled day and time, in professional attire and with a professional demeanor
• 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 SEZP, district, and school procedures and policies
• Provide support for other school and district programs and personnel
• Attend SEZP professional development and meetings
• Keep informed of current professional trends
• Utilize computers effectively in the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities
• Pursue professional growth
• Complete other duties as assigned by the supervisor

Benefits

• Educators in SEZP are eligible for the same competitive benefits available to Educators in the Springfield Public Schools.
• Educators joining SEZP may also be eligible for the following recruitment incentives, which may be offered individually:
• Signing bonus in addition to base salary
• Relocation award for candidates from regions beyond western Massachusetts

What This Job Offers

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