FTE METCO Site Coordinator​/School Adjustment Counselor

1.0 FTE METCO Site Coordinator/School Adjustment Counselor

Reading Public Schools Joshua Eaton Elementary School - Reading, Massachusetts

Starting Date: Immediately

SUMMARY: The School Adjustment Counselor provides a range of support services to students and families including social/emotional screening, individual and group counseling, as well as consultation with teachers, staff, administration, parents, and outside agencies.

• Consistent communication and consultation to applicable members of school staff (teachers, paraprofessionals, administration, counselor, etc.) to support students on caseload.
• Contribute positively to school climate.
• Work with parents, teachers and staff to address various social, emotional and behavioral needs of students.
• In collaboration with building administration and faculty, may provide direct services to individuals or groups of students (e.g., counseling, crisis interventions, and individual safety plans, when appropriate).
• Teach socially acceptable behavior, as determined by the students’ individualized education programs (IEPs) by employing techniques in an overall positive behavioral support system.
• Meet with parents to discuss their children's progress and to determine priorities for their children and their individualized educational needs.
• Maintain accurate and complete student records and prepare reports on assigned caseload, as required by laws, district policies and administrative regulations.
• Provide crisis intervention, as needed, for students and those in inclusive classrooms.
• Assist in collection of data for providing appropriate classroom interventions.
• Serve as a member of a multidisciplinary team as appropriate.
• Maintain professional competence by participating in staff development activities, curriculum development meetings, and other professional opportunities.
• Assist in the task of operating the school as a community of cooperative and constructive members.
• Maintains an understanding of the philosophies and principles utilized in District-wide programs.
• Demonstrates an understanding of definitions, etiology, & characteristics of students’ disabilities.
• Follows state and federal special education regulations, as outlined in the IDEA.
• Follows all standards and indicators to the best of his or her ability, as described in the Reading Public Schools Teacher Assessment Process (TAP).

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: No Supervision.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. The Superintendent may waive or modify the qualification requirements.

• Ability to apply knowledge of current research and theory in the educational field.
• Ability to plan and implement lessons based on district and school objectives and the needs and abilities of students to whom assigned.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both in oral and written form.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups including staff, parents and the general public.
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret professional periodicals and journals, technical procedures and governmental regulations.
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence and procedure manuals.
• Ability to use reasoning ability to evaluate information and determine/recommend an appropriate course of action.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to use professional literature, evidence-based research, and continuing education content to make practice decisions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, parents, staff and the community.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks and manage several projects simultaneously.
• Uses instructional technology appropriately and works with students to facilitate their use of instructional technology.
• Ability to perform duties with awareness of all district requirements, state and federal laws, and…