PK-12 Student Support Specialist

(School Counselor or Licensed Clinical Social Worker)

Vinalhaven School is seeking a collaborative, student-centered professional to serve as our PK-12 Student Support Specialist. We are seeking either a certified School Counselor or a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW/LMSW-CC) who is passionate about supporting the academic, social-emotional, behavioral, and post-secondary success of students in a small island school community.

The successful candidate will become an integral member of our educational team, working closely with students, families, teachers, administration, and community agencies to ensure every student has the support needed to thrive.

• Provide individual and small-group counseling and support.
• Assist students in developing social-emotional skills, resilience, self-advocacy, and problem-solving abilities.
• Provide crisis intervention and support during emergencies.
• Coordinate referrals to outside agencies and community resources when appropriate.
• Participate in Student Support Team (SST), MTSS, Section 504, and IEP meetings as appropriate.

• Monitor student academic progress and attendance.
• Collaborate with teachers to identify barriers to student success.
• Develop intervention plans for students experiencing academic, behavioral, or attendance concerns.
• Support transitions between grade levels and school programs.

• Assist middle and high school students with career exploration and post-secondary planning.
• Coordinate college admissions, financial aid resources, scholarship opportunities, and career readiness activities.
• Support students with course selection and graduation planning.

• Build positive relationships with families.
• Serve as a liaison between home, school, and community agencies.
• Coordinate outside services when appropriate.
• Connect families with available resources.

• Help foster a positive, inclusive school culture.
• Support implementation of social-emotional learning and wellness initiatives.
• Assist with conflict resolution and restorative practices.
• Promote student attendance and engagement.

• Work collaboratively with administration, teachers, special education staff, and support personnel.
• Participate in school improvement efforts.
• Maintain confidential student records in accordance with state and federal laws.
• Perform other duties related to student support as assigned.

Applicants must possess one of the following:

• Maine Certification as a School Counselor (075 or appropriate certification)

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or Licensed Master Social Worker—Conditional Clinical (LMSW-CC) eligible to practice in Maine.

• Experience working in schools.
• Knowledge of MTSS, Section 504, IEP processes, and trauma-informed practices.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Experience working with children and adolescents across multiple grade levels.
• Ability to work independently while contributing as part of a team.

The Successful Candidate Will

• Build trusting relationships with students and families.
• Be flexible and adaptable in a small-school environment.
• Value collaboration and creative problem-solving.
• Demonstrate empathy while maintaining high expectations for students.
• Enjoy being an active member of a close-knit island community.

Vinalhaven School is a unique PK-12 public school located on the coast of Maine, serving approximately 140 students in a close-knit island community. Our small size allows staff to build meaningful relationships with students and families while providing individualized support. We value collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to helping every student succeed academically, socially, and emotionally.