Elementary School Adjustment Counselor

Elementary School Adjustment Counselor

Hurld-Wyman Elementary

School Year 2024-2025

The School Adjustment Counselor shall be the employee member of the school staff designated by the Superintendent of Schools to work in partnership with families, school personnel and state and local agencies to promote the ongoing development of each student's academic, personal/social, and career potential.

GOAL:

The goal of the adjustment counseling model is to take a proactive and preventative approach when possible, but also to work with students to resolve current issues that impact personal growth and achievement. Through the development of a comprehensive PK - 12 counseling program that is age/grade/ability appropriate, and often mandated by students' Individualized Education Plans, adjustment counselors assist students in realizing their abilities, interests, and goals as they transition through the educational process to become successful members of society and life-long learners.

PREREQUISITE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum: A Master's degree in Counseling, Social Work, or an equivalent from an accredited institution

• Minimum: Massachusetts Educator Licensure as School Social Worker/Adjustment Counselor

• Preferred: Experience delivering services under the Massachusetts Model for Comprehensive School Counseling Programs (ASCA Model)

SALARY:

In accordance with the Collective Agreement between the Woburn Teachers' Association and the Woburn School Committee

WORKING TIME/PERFORMANCE EVALUATION:

According to the Collective Agreement between the Woburn Teachers' Association and the Woburn School Committee

DUTIES:

• Meet with parents/guardians to complete intake forms for new student referrals

• Provide direct 1:1 and group, goals based counseling services to students who have been identified for services based on the counseling referral proces

• Oversee the reentry process for students returning to school from absences related to mental health, including but not limited to hospitalization

• Serve a primary staff to administer and oversee student wellness screenings, risk assessments, and other individual student safety checks

• Serve as conduit for students and parents to access outside support services such as the Children's Behavioral Health Initiative (CBHI)

• In cooperation with elementary and middle school classroom teachers, implement whole class Social Emotional Learning (SEL) lessons based on the DESE competencies of self-management, self-awareness, responsible decision making, relationship skills, and social awareness

• Serve as primary contact to private therapists, mental health workers, and appropriate agencies, such as the Department of Child and Families (DCF)

• Consult with parents/guardians, classroom teachers, special educators, therapists, and teaching assistants regarding students' social and behavioral needs

• Assist staff in developing classroom and individual behavior plans, including observations, implementation, monitoring, and follow-up

• Consult with administrators and faculty on matters related to student behavior and discipline, including issues related to the school's Bullying Intervention and Prevention Plan

• Collaborate with student's special education Team to address transition related issues and skills to implement transition services according to Transition Planning Form (TPF)

• Attend district-wide and specific program staff meetings, as scheduled by the Curriculum Coordinator for Guidance K - 12 and/or the Assistant Superintendent for Student Services

• Participate in meetings/workshops for parents/guardians, building level staff meetings, and professional development opportunities, as appropriate

• Participate in appropriate professional development opportunities to increase knowledge base and skills and to maintain licensure

• Maintain a high level of confidentiality and professionalism, as expected of all faculty and staff in the Woburn Public Schools

• When invited, participate in annual review and reevaluation Team meetings and write social/emotional/behavioral components, including counseling goals, for students' IEPs

• Implement and provide progress reports on counseling/social skills IEP goals

• Perform other duties as may be assigned by the Superintendent, Assistant Superintendents, Principals, or Curriculum Coordinator for Guidance K - 12

At the Woburn Public Schools, we are committed to cultivating an environment where diverse perspectives and backgrounds are embraced, acknowledging that a team reflecting diversity of race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, age, gender, marital/domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, and veteran status allows us to serve our communities better. To that end, Woburn Public Schools continues to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and a district member of Mass Partnership for Diversity in Education.