School Counselor Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• Certification in 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 the area of 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 with staff to develop and implement a program that meets the whole student's 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 (grades 6-12).
• Assist in developing a Response to Intervention (RTI) model for the school, including in-school and community supports and interventions.
• Serve as a member on building student assistance/support teams to share information and develop strategies for individual student needs.
• 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, monitor implementation and compliance of 504 plans.
• Support the Team evaluation process and ensure state and federal compliance 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 with counseling or transitional services in their IEP or 504.
• Support 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 of students and parents to outside agencies and specialists.
• Participate in activities that contribute to the effective operation of the school.
• Pursue continuous professional growth to stay abreast of the field.
• 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.

Benefits

• In accordance with the Unit A contract