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 – 12.  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 high 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 guidance 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 experience in the secondary schools is preferred.  Previous employment experience in a counseling position in a school, community agency or social service organization may be considered in lieu of successful teaching experience in the secondary schools with the approval of the Superintendent of Schools.

Reach out to Valerie Williams, the Senior Administrator of Talent and Diversity Development at williamsv@springfieldpublicschools.com.  She will be happy to answer any questions that you have.

                                    Nondiscrimination Statement

The Springfield Public Schools does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, age, disability or military service or marital status. The Springfield Public Schools does not discriminate in admission to, access or treatment in its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin, or sexual orientation, disability or homelessness.

                                   Title IX Notice of Nondiscrimination

Springfield Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of sex in admission, administration of its educational programs or activities or employment.  Springfield Public Schools is required by Title IX and its implementing regulations at 34 C.F.R. Part 106 not to discrimination on the basis of sex in admission, administration of its educational programs or activities or employment.  The Senior Administrator of Human Resources, Kathleen O’Sullivan, Springfield Public Schools, 1550 Main St. Springfield MA, 01103, 413-787-7100,  ext. 55428, has been designated as the employee responsible for coordinating Springfield Public Schools efforts to comply with and carry out its responsibilities under Title IX.  Inquiries concerning the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations at 34 C.F.R. Part 106 to Springfield Public Schools may be referred to Kathleen O’Sullivan or to U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, 400 Maryland Ave., SW Washington, DC 20202-1100, telephone 800-421-3481.