Middle School Counselor; Anticipated

Overview

Middle School Counselor (Anticipated Openings ) role at Springfield Empowerment Zone Partnership. The School Counselor provides a comprehensive developmental guidance program addressing the academic, personal, social, and career development of students in grades 6–12. The role is proactive and preventative and involves collaboration with other student support services personnel and school staff to ensure all students have the opportunity to achieve school success.

• Responsible to the Principal working in conjunction with the Director of Student Support Services.
• Implement a Comprehensive School Counseling Program which addresses the Counseling Standards and Student Priorities for grades 6–12.
• Conduct student development (guidance curriculum) lessons in the classroom and in large groups.
• Facilitate the integration of the student development (guidance) curriculum into the educational curricula.
• Select topics and resources consistent with school identified objectives.
• Conduct orientation activities for students new to the school.
• Provide elementary to middle school and middle to high school transitional activities.
• Assist students with developing educational and career goals.
• Provide school-to-work guidance activities using resources such as Choices Explorer, Career Information System, and the Graduate Profile Planner/Planning Guide for the middle school.
• Provide guidance for high school of choice planning and application process.
• Interpret standardized test results.
• Conduct structured, goal-oriented counseling sessions in response to identified needs relative to achievement and school success of individuals and groups of students.
• Counsel whole class, small groups and individual students.
• Use the MA Curriculum Frameworks and relevant achievement data in advising students.
• Consult with and serve as a resource for teachers, staff, and parents regarding the developmental needs of students.
• Conduct and facilitate conferences with teachers, students, and parents.
• Model appropriate behavior with student, parent, and colleague interactions.
• Maintain records to document interactions, interventions, and decisions.
• Refer students and their parents to community agencies, programs, or specialists as appropriate.
• Maintain a comprehensive list of district and community resources; consult and coordinate with in-district and community agencies.
• Consult with school staff members for appropriate student placement (e.g., regular education, English Language Learners, special programs).
• Advocate for all students with respect to cultural and ethnic diversity and equity.
• Participate in the evaluation and revision of the school counselor program; annually review the guidance program and plan its calendar.
• Participate in developing a budget to support the guidance program.
• Assess counselors’ role in supporting the school improvement plan.
• Fulfill professional responsibilities; maintain confidentiality; maintain records consistent with ethical and legal guidelines.
• Perform responsibilities in an organized, accurate, timely and dependable manner.
• Assist students with course selections and career planning; operate within federal and state laws and district and school procedures and policies.
• Provide support for other school and district programs and personnel.
• Attend district 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 Principal.

• Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university.
• Certification as a School Counselor by the Massachusetts Department of Education.
• Preference will be given to those with advanced degree training in guidance.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Knowledge of theories of intellectual, social, and emotional development.
• Familiarity with philosophy, principles, and practices in school guidance counseling.
• Familiarity with mental health and emotional impairments including learning disorders affecting student achievement.
• Familiarity with prevention and treatment of substance abuse,…