School Adjustment Counselor Pool,, Salem, MA SY

School Adjustment Counselor Pool

Salem Public Schools, where belonging leads to opportunity.

Salem is a small, diverse city with a proud maritime and immigrant history. Salem Public Schools is an urban public school district enrolling nearly 4,000 students in 11 schools. Our vision is to ensure that all students will be locally engaged, globally connected, and fully prepared to thrive in a diverse and changing world. We hold dear our core values of belonging, equity, and opportunity in everything we do.

We seek individuals who are passionate about urban education and understand the urgency of improving student achievement for all students, regardless of ability, economic status, gender/gender identity, language, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, or other backgrounds. We invite you to learn more about our strategic plan and core priorities on our website.

In accordance with the policy and procedures of Salem Public Schools, the School Adjustment Counselor (SAC) provides a spectrum of therapeutic interventions and supports to identified students and families. Counseling may be provided in individual or group settings. The SAC assists staff in delivering therapeutic social, emotional and behavioral support to all students. Support and services designated in the IEPs are a primary duty of the SAC and must be implemented with fidelity and aligned to the trauma-informed practices and embedded SEL curriculum of the district.

The School Adjustment Counselor is considered an integral part of the student support team at their assigned building and collaboration with teachers, administrators, parents, and other professionals is integral to creating a safe, healthy, productive, and supportive learning environment for students.

School Adjustment Counselor responsibilities include:

• Facilitate individual and group counseling interventions groups according to IEP goals, objectives and service delivery grids, using data to inform decisions and counseling efficacy
• Facilitate as-needed social skills groups and/or individual counseling supports on topics such as social communication and healthy relationship skills, conflict resolution, self-esteem, substance abuse prevention/healthy choices, social media, mindfulness practices.
• Conduct mental health assessments including risk assessments, suicide ideation protocols, and mobile crisis response protocols.
• Offer consultation and support to teachers regarding students with emotional or academic concerns and support teachers in implementing accommodations and support plans in the classroom and school community
• Participate as a member of the building's student support team, crisis management and response teams
• Collect and analyze data and use the information as the basis for informing counseling interventions and IEP goals
• Complete observations and assessments and be able to identify students with disabilities based on IDEA and knowledge of special education laws and regulations that govern the identification of children with disabilities
• Conduct Functional Behavioral Assessments in consultation with behavior support staff and work with behavior specialist/staff and teachers to create and implement Positive Behavioral Intervention Plans
• Complete required paperwork and job-related functions in a timely manner in accordance with District and DESE guidelines, including writing IEP goals, trimester/quarterly progress reports, Medicaid Billing, and service tracking compliance
• Attend IEP meetings and serve as 504 liaison, as assigned
• Routinely attend district and school-based meetings, trainings, professional development, school-wide and district-wide events, including some evening hours
• Other duties as assigned by the Principal, Director of Student and Family Supports, and Special Education Supervisor.

The School Adjustment Counselor is considered an integral part of a multi-disciplinary team in their assigned building(s) and collaborates with supervisors, teachers, administrators, parents, and other professionals to create safe, healthy, productive, and supportive learning environments for Salem's students. The position includes supporting specific district-wide programs for…