Elementary School Counselor

As members of the Department of Student Support Services, School Counselors provide a comprehensive developmental guidance program, which meets the academic, personal, social, and career development of their assigned students in grades 6 - 8. School Counselors provide and support the delivery of specific skills and information in a proactive, preventative manner to ensure that all students have the opportunity to achieve school success.

School Counselors collaborate with other student support services personnel and other school staff in the delivery of services.

1. Responsible to the Principal working in conjunction with the Director of Student Support Services.

2. Implement a Comprehensive School Counseling Program which addresses the Counseling Standards and Student Priorities for grades 6 - 12.

a. Conduct student development (guidance curriculum) lessons in the

classroom and in large groups.

b. Facilitate the integration of the student development (guidance)

curriculum into the educational curricula.

c. Select topics and resources consistent with school identified

objectives.

d. Conduct orientation activities for students new to the school.

e. Provide elementary to middle school and middle to high school

transitional activities.

f. Assist student with developing educational and career goals.

g. Provide school-to-work guidance activities using resources,

e.g., Choices Explorer, Career Information System, and the

Graduate Profile Planner/Planning Guide for the middle school.

h. Provide guidance for middle school of choice planning and application

process.

i. Interpret standardized test results.

3. Conduct structured, goal-oriented counseling sessions in response to identified needs relative to achievement and school success of individuals and groups of students.

a. Counsel whole class, small groups and individual students.

b. Use the MA Curriculum Frameworks and relevant student

achievement data in advising students.

4. Consult with and serve as a resource for teachers, staff, and parents regarding the developmental needs of students.

a. Conduct and facilitate conferences with teachers, students, and

parents.

b. Model appropriate behavior with student, parent, and colleague

interactions.

c. Maintain records to document interactions, interventions, and

decisions.

5. Refer students and their parents to community agencies, programs, or

specialists as appropriate.

a. Maintain a comprehensive list of district and community resources.

b. Consult and coordinate with in-district and community agencies.

c. Consult with school staff members for appropriate student

placement, e.g., regular education, English Language Learners,

special programs.

6. Operate as an advocate with all students utilizing skills that respect

issues of cultural and ethnic diversity and equity for every student and

family.

7. Participate in the evaluation and revision of the school counselor

program.

a. Annually review the guidance program.

b. Plan the guidance program calendar.

c. Participate in developing a budget to support the counselor

program.

d. Assess counselors' role in supporting the school improvement

plan.

8. Fulfill professional responsibilities.

a. Maintain confidentiality.

b. Maintain records consistent with ethical and legal guidelines.

c. Perform responsibilities in an organized, accurate, timely and

dependable manner.

d. Assist students with course selections, which are the most

challenging for their high school and career plans.

e. Operate within the federal and state laws and the established

district and school procedures and policies.

f. Provide support for other school and district programs and

personnel.

g. Attend district professional development and meetings.

h. Keep informed of current professional trends.

i. Utilize computers effectively in the performance of assigned

duties and responsibilities.

j. Pursue professional growth.

k. Complete other duties as assigned by the Principal.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Master's Degree from an accredited college or university.

2. Certification as a School Counselor by the Massachusetts

Department of Education.

3. Preference will be given to those with advanced degree training in

guidance.

4. Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

5. Knowledge of theories of intellectual, social, and emotional

development.

6. Familiarity with philosophy, principles, and practices in school

guidance counseling.

7. Familiarity with mental health and emotional impairments including

learning disorders affecting student achievement.

8. Familiarity with prevention and treatment of substance abuse, physical and sexual abuse, and violence in students.

9. Experience in crisis management and intervention.

10.

Experience with a comprehensive school counseling program.

11. Familiarity with the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks.

12. Familiarity with the American School Counselor Association

Framework for School Counseling Programs.

13. Ten hours at least beyond the bachelor's degree in counseling or an

allied subject such as the psychology of tests and measurements.

14. Successful teaching…