Elementary School Counselor

As members of the Department of Student Support Services, School Counselors provide a comprehensive developmental guidance program that meets the academic, personal, social, and career development of their assigned students in grades 6‑8. School Counselors collaborate with other student support services personnel and school staff to deliver proactive, preventative services that enable all students to achieve school success.

• Report to the Principal in conjunction with the Director of Student Support Services.
• Implement and maintain a Comprehensive School Counseling Program that addresses Counseling Standards and Student Priorities for grades 6‑12.
• Conduct student development (guidance curriculum) lessons in the classroom and in large groups.
• Facilitate integration of the student development curriculum into the educational curricula.
• Select topics and resources consistent with school‑identified objectives.
• Conduct orientation activities for students new to the school and provide elementary‑to‑middle‑school and middle‑to‑high‑school transitional activities.
• Assist students with developing educational and career goals and 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 middle‑school of‑choice planning and application process.
• Interpret standardized test results.
• Conduct structured, goal‑oriented counseling sessions in response to identified needs related to achievement and school success of individuals and groups of students.
• Counsel whole class, small groups, and individual students.
• Use the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and relevant student achievement data in advising students.
• Consult 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 students, parents, and colleagues.
• Maintain records to document interactions, interventions, and decisions.
• Refer students and parents to community agencies, programs, or specialists as appropriate.
• Maintain a comprehensive list of district and community resources and consult with in‑district and community agencies.
• Consult with school staff members for appropriate student placement, e.g., regular education, English Language Learners, special programs.
• Operate as an advocate with all students, respecting issues of cultural and ethnic diversity and equity for every student and family.
• Participate in the evaluation and revision of the school counselor program.
• Annually review the guidance program, plan the guidance program calendar, and assist in developing a budget to support the counselor program.
• Assess counselors' role in supporting the school improvement plan.
• Fulfill professional responsibilities, maintain confidentiality, and maintain records consistent with ethical and legal guidelines.
• Perform responsibilities in an organized, accurate, timely, and dependable manner.
• Assist students with course selections, the most challenging aspect of their high school and career plans.
• Operate within federal and state laws and established 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, and utilize computers effectively in the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities.
• Pursue professional growth and 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 candidates 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…